dnej
05-04-2009, 01:10 PM
I didnt write this, but thought the information was worth while
David
A frequently asked question about boat windows and windscreens is what is the best material to use for glazing.
A number of materials are available in clear or transparent tint.
Listed below are most of the materials and the advantages or disadvantages of them.
PVC, Not transparent enough and not UV stable
PETG, Scratches too easily and not UV stable
UV-PETG, Scratches too easily
Standard Polycarbonate, Scratches too easily and not UV stable
Mar resistant Polycarbonate, Very good, but very expensive, about 6 to 10 times the price of acrylic
UV Polycarbonate, Very good, but very expensive, about 2 to 4 times the price of acrylic
Acrylic, Very good if installed correctly
Glass, Laminated will still crack and leave splinters, toughened will break and crumble into small pieces
99 percent of all windows and windscreens are glazed with acrylic, some cheaper acrylics do not have a lot of UV stabilizers in them and some cheaper acrylics suffer from thickness variations and surface imperfections.
David
A frequently asked question about boat windows and windscreens is what is the best material to use for glazing.
A number of materials are available in clear or transparent tint.
Listed below are most of the materials and the advantages or disadvantages of them.
PVC, Not transparent enough and not UV stable
PETG, Scratches too easily and not UV stable
UV-PETG, Scratches too easily
Standard Polycarbonate, Scratches too easily and not UV stable
Mar resistant Polycarbonate, Very good, but very expensive, about 6 to 10 times the price of acrylic
UV Polycarbonate, Very good, but very expensive, about 2 to 4 times the price of acrylic
Acrylic, Very good if installed correctly
Glass, Laminated will still crack and leave splinters, toughened will break and crumble into small pieces
99 percent of all windows and windscreens are glazed with acrylic, some cheaper acrylics do not have a lot of UV stabilizers in them and some cheaper acrylics suffer from thickness variations and surface imperfections.