Transparent Plastics
Transparent PC, PMMA, PVC and PS — impact-resistant, clear or UV-stable. Sheets, tubes and cut-to-size from stock.
Transparent plastics replace glass wherever low weight, high impact resistance or chemical resistance are required. SENN Gruppe supplies four proven material groups for a wide range of requirements: polycarbonate impresses with 250 times the impact strength of glass and is suitable for safety glazing and machine guard screens. PMMA achieves 92 % light transmission — the highest optical clarity of all plastics — and is also UV-stable. Transparent PVC offers excellent chemical resistance combined with self-extinguishing properties, while polystyrene (PS) serves as an economical solution for packaging and displays. All materials are supplied as sheets, tubes and rods — custom-manufactured by sawing, laser cutting or CNC machining on request. Whether safety glazing in industry, display cases in museums or process windows in chemical plants: we advise you on material selection and deliver throughout Switzerland.
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Transparent Plastics — Clarity for Every Application
Where glass reaches its limits, transparent plastics take over. Depending on the application, four material groups are available: polycarbonate (PC) for maximum impact resistance, PMMA for the best optical clarity, PVC for chemically demanding environments and polystyrene (PS) as a cost-effective solution. Decisive factors for the right choice include light transmission, temperature resistance, mechanical load capacity, UV stability and fire behaviour. SENN Gruppe stocks all four material groups and supports you in material selection for your application.
Material Comparison — PC, PMMA, PVC and PS
The following overview shows the key differences between the four transparent plastics at a glance:
- Impact resistance: PC (250× glass) > PVC > PMMA > PS (brittle)
- Optical clarity: PMMA (92 %) > PC (88 %) > PVC > PS
- Temperature range: PC (−40 to +135 °C) > PMMA (−40 to +80 °C) > PS (−10 to +70 °C) > PVC (0 to +60 °C)
- UV resistance: PMMA (excellent) > PC (with UV coating) > PVC/PS (limited)
- Fire behaviour: PC and PVC self-extinguishing; PMMA and PS flammable
- Cost: PS (low) < PVC < PMMA < PC
PC — Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is the specialist for maximum impact strength among transparent plastics. With 250 times the break resistance of glass and 88 % light transmission, PC is ideal wherever safety and transparency come together. The material is self-extinguishing to UL94 V-2 and operates reliably from −40 to +135 °C (short-term up to +150 °C). Density is 1.2 g/cm³ — roughly half the weight of glass.
Typical applications: Safety glazing, machine guard screens, protective visors, LED diffusers, electronics housings, headlight covers in automotive.
Supply forms: Sheets (clear, opal, tinted), rods, tubes. UV-stabilised grades on request.
PMMA — Polymethyl Methacrylate
PMMA achieves 92 % light transmission — the highest optical clarity of all plastics, even surpassing conventional glass. The material is inherently UV-stable, weather-resistant and can be excellently thermoformed and laser cut. Scratches can be removed by polishing. The operating range is −40 to +80 °C, density 1.19 g/cm³.
Typical applications: Displays, aquariums, signage, light diffusers, roof glazing, museum display cases.
Supply forms: Sheets (clear, opal, coloured), tubes, rods, blocks.
PVC transparent
Transparent PVC combines good chemical resistance with self-extinguishing properties and an economical price. Optical clarity is below PC and PMMA but sufficient for many technical applications. PVC can be welded and processed, is flame-retardant and operates in the temperature range of 0 to +60 °C.
Typical applications: Guard screens at chemical plants, sight glasses for tanks, protective covers, transparent process lines.
Supply forms: Sheets, tubes, profiles.
PS — Polystyrene
Polystyrene is the most cost-effective option among transparent plastics. In biaxially oriented form (BOPS), PS achieves high clarity. The material is rigid, easy to thermoform and well suited for printing. Disadvantage: PS is brittle and splinters under impact. The operating range is −10 to +70 °C.
Typical applications: Packaging, disposable displays, lamp shades, food containers, laboratory equipment.
Supply forms: Sheets, films.
Supply Forms and Machining
SENN Gruppe supplies transparent plastics in a wide range of semi-finished forms:
- Sheets: clear, opal, tinted and coloured — in standard sizes or cut-to-size
- Tubes: PC, PMMA and PVC in various diameters
- Rods: PC and PMMA for turned parts and optical applications
- Blocks: PMMA for milling and engraving
- Films: PS for thermoforming and packaging
All materials can be cut, milled, drilled and edged to your requirements. On request, we also produce thermoformed parts and CNC-machined components.
Advice and Quotation
Unsure which transparent plastic is optimal for your application? Our material specialists are happy to advise — from material selection through to the finished cut-to-size piece.