First, I'll assume you literally mean these two brands and not just any brand of polycarbonate (Lexan) or acrylic (Plexiglass). As you probably know acrylic varies greatly in quality while polycarbonate of different brands is more consistent, or at least seems so to me.



Lexan will be a lot easier to drill, but plexiglass can be drilled if you're careful. The more holes you drill the more likely you are to crack a piece.



Plexiglass scratches more easily to Lexan but is also easier to polish than Lexan. Perhaps there is a polish made specifically for polycarbonate, but when I used #3 plastic polish on both I found the acrylic easier to polish up.



As far as which is better, that's a difficult question. Both can scratch, warp, and even crack when exposed to certain types of disinfectants (an important consideration when dealing with animal cages).



Lexan is a lot more expensive, but is generally more durable and easier to work with. Given that you want to drill holes that might make Lexan a better choice.



But if you can build your front window into a frame or use adhesive to attach it to your cage, acrylic might be a better choice money-wise.



However, if that were possible I'd recommend plate or tempered glass. Much cheaper, easier to clean, and won't warp, scratch easily, or crack from disinfectant use.



Is there a reason you've ruled out glass?











::::Which is better? Can you make pre-drilled holes around the edges of either? Does Lexan scratch easy? This is for the front window of the cage, the doors are on top. Any advise would be helpful.

Thanks,

Max

[ Hide Replies ]

• Lexan vs. Plexiglass - Chamax, Thu May 15 02:46:31 2003
• RE: Lexan vs. Plexiglass - chris_harper2, Thu May 15 07:38:45 2003
• Another possibility: Lucite SAR - jfmoore, Thu May 15 17:33:27 2003
• RE: Another possibility: Lucite SAR - WhisQuila, Tue Aug 12 19:59:33 2003
• RE: Another possibility: Lucite SAR - jfmoore, Wed Aug 13 01:24:33 2003