Is It Good to Use PMMA Lens for Warehouse Lighting?

In warehouse lighting, I found that some suppliers use PMMA lens to reduce the cost. Do you think it is good? 

Let’s explore the key differences between PMMA and PC lenses and find the answer. 

Why do some suppliers choose PMMA lens not PC?

Light Transmittance

First, let's discuss the features of the PMMA lens and PC lens.

In terms of light transmittance, PMMA lens is a little bit higher than PC lens. In the case of the same thickness and the same raw material particles, the light transmittance of PMMA is 2 to 3% higher than that of PC, which is close to 90%, but it is not easy to distinguish with the naked eye.

Heat Resistance

Second, PC lens’ high temperature resistance is much better than PMMA lens. PMMA lens is easy to soften when the temperature reaches 70 degrees, while PC is 120 degrees, so PC is more heat-resistant and has a wider range of operating temperatures.

Impact Resistance

Third, PC lens’ impact resistance is much more impact resistant than PMMA.

At the same thickness, the impact resistance of PC is 30 to 50 times that of PMMA. More than 6mm thick PC lens is bulletproof material, and 3 mm thick PC lens cannot be smashed by ordinary adults with a hammer.

Cost and Value

Fourth, the PC lenses’ values are higher. PC lens is heavier than PMMA, so the price of PC lens will be 35% more expensive than that of PMMA lens, in the condition of the same thickness of PC lens and PMMA. In the domestic market, there price is 2$ to 11$ per kilogram for PMMA lens for different quality.

Safety and Environmental Protection

Fifth, in terms of safety and environmental protection, PC lenses are safer and more environmentally friendly. PC is a flame retardant material, which belongs to Class B flame retardant (UL94-V2 grade internationally), and is one of the self-extinguishing plastics, which is not easy to burn. While PMMA is not flame retardant, and it will produce blue flames when burned with fire. PC is an environmentally friendly plastic, and PMMA has some physical properties that cannot be achieved, so some foreign fields have eliminated the application of PMMA.

Chemical Resistance

Sixth, PMMA is resistant to alkaline corrosion and is suitable for use in processing sites with alkaline materials.

Is It Good to Use PMMA Lens for Warehouse Lighting?

According to above contrast, PMMA also can be used for warehouse out of cost, but it is better to use PC lens when higher impact resistance, higher temperature resistance, better safety and environmental protection are required. If your warehouse operates in demanding conditions, investing in PC lenses is a smarter decision in the long run.

AGC’s LHB35 linear light is a smart design that combines economy and practicality. It uses a PC lens but is competitive. Welcome to inquire your warehouse lighting project.