Transparent plastics
PMMA (acrylic) leads on optical clarity and UV stability; PC leads on impact; PETG leads on ease of thermoforming; COC/COP dominate in optics and medical vials. Choosing between them comes down to the trade-off between clarity, toughness, and heat resistance.
What to look for
- Light transmission ≥ 85 %
- Low haze and low yellowness index
- Sufficient scratch or impact resistance for the intended use
Top materials for transparent plastics
- #1PolycarbonatePolycarbonate
A transparent, high-impact engineering plastic used in glazing, electronics and safety equipment.
- #2PETGPolyethylene Terephthalate Glycol
A clear, food-safe, easy-to-print thermoplastic combining PET's strength with excellent formability.
- #3Acrylic (PMMA)Poly(methyl methacrylate)
A rigid, glass-clear thermoplastic offering excellent UV resistance and optical clarity.
- #4PC/ABS BlendPolycarbonate / Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Blend
Combines the impact strength of PC with the processability of ABS.
- #5PC/PBT BlendPolycarbonate / Polybutylene Terephthalate Blend
Good toughness, chemical resistance, and dimensional stability.
- #6PSU StandardPolysulfone Standard
High temperature resistance, good mechanical strength, and transparency.
- #7ABS/PC Blend High ImpactAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene / Polycarbonate Blend, High Impact
Excellent impact strength and toughness, good heat resistance.
- #8SAN StandardStyrene Acrylonitrile Standard
Good transparency, stiffness, and chemical resistance compared to polystyrene.
- #9MABS TransparentMethacrylate-Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Transparent
Clear, tough, and good chemical resistance.
- #10PC/ABS Impact ModifiedPolycarbonate / Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Blend, Impact Modified
Optimized balance of impact strength, toughness, and heat resistance.
- #11PC/PBT Impact ModifiedPolycarbonate / Polybutylene Terephthalate Blend, Impact Modified
Enhanced toughness, good chemical resistance, and dimensional stability.
- #12LDPE Film GradeLow-Density Polyethylene Film Grade
Flexible, transparent, and easy to process polyolefin for films, bags, and packaging.
- #13PP Random Copolymer InjectionPolypropylene Random Copolymer for Injection Molding
High clarity, good flexibility, and low sealing temperature for clear containers and packaging.
- #14PS Crystal Injection MoldingGeneral Purpose Polystyrene (Crystal) for Injection Molding
Transparent, rigid, and easily processed material for disposable cutlery, packaging, and CD cases.
- #15GPPS Sheet ExtrusionGeneral Purpose Polystyrene for Sheet Extrusion
Transparent, rigid sheets for displays, signage, and protective barriers.
- #16PMP Transparent High TempPoly(4-methyl-1-pentene) for High-Temperature Transparent Applications
Outstanding transparency, heat resistance, and low density.
- #17PET Bottle GradePolyethylene Terephthalate for Bottle Applications
Clear, strong, lightweight, and gas barrier for beverage bottles.
- #18Urea-Formaldehyde UV StableUrea-Formaldehyde Resin
Low cost, good hardness and transparency, primarily used for wood adhesives and molding compounds.
- #19Low Dielectric Cyanate EsterCyanate Ester Resin
Excellent high-temperature performance, low dielectric constant, and low moisture absorption for advanced electronics.
- #20Allyl Resin for CastingAllyl Resin
Good clarity, hardness, and dimensional stability, suitable for optical applications.