Impact Resistant Polycarbonate AR2: When Standard Polycarbonate Isn’t Enough
Polycarbonate is already one of the toughest clear plastics available. It’s widely used throughout Australia for machine guards, safety glazing, security screens, transport, and industrial equipment because it offers exceptional impact resistance without the weight and fragility of glass.
However, while standard polycarbonate is incredibly strong, it does have one weakness—it scratches relatively easily.
What Is AR2 Polycarbonate?
AR2 is a clear polycarbonate sheet with a hard-coated surface applied to one or both sides during manufacturing. This specialised coating creates a much harder surface than standard polycarbonate while maintaining the material’s outstanding impact resistance.
Unlike aftermarket coatings or films, the AR2 coating is permanently bonded to the sheet, providing long-lasting protection against everyday wear and tear.
The result is a material that offers:
- Exceptional impact resistance
- Excellent scratch resistance
- Improved chemical resistance
- Outstanding optical clarity
- Long-term UV and weather performance
- Easier cleaning and maintenance
Why Choose AR2 Instead of Standard Polycarbonate?
Standard polycarbonate is incredibly tough and virtually unbreakable in most applications, making it ideal where impact protection is the primary requirement.
However, in high-traffic environments the surface can become scratched over time from:
- Frequent cleaning
- Dust and grit
- Contact with tools or equipment
- Public use
- Graffiti removal
- General wear
As these fine scratches build up, visibility can decrease and the sheet may begin looking worn despite remaining structurally sound.
AR2 solves this problem by adding a highly abrasion-resistant surface that keeps the sheet looking clearer for much longer. In many applications, it can approach the scratch resistance of glass while still retaining the impact performance of polycarbonate.
It has Outstanding Impact Resistance
Even with its hard coating, Polycarbonate AR2 retains the incredible impact resistance that makes polycarbonate famous.
It can withstand impacts that would easily shatter glass, making it ideal for applications where safety and security are critical.
This makes AR2 a popular choice where broken glass simply isn’t an option.
Excellent Scratch Resistance
One of the biggest advantages of AR2 is its hard-coated surface.
Frequent cleaning, dust, airborne grit, or everyday contact can quickly leave marks on standard polycarbonate. AR2 dramatically reduces this wear, helping maintain a professional appearance for many years.
This is particularly valuable for:
- Public viewing windows
- Protective screens
- Shopfront glazing
- Equipment windows
- Security barriers
Chemical Resistance
Industrial environments often require frequent cleaning using commercial cleaning products.
The hard coating on AR2 provides much better resistance to many common cleaning chemicals than standard polycarbonate, reducing the risk of hazing, staining, or surface damage when properly maintained.
Is Polycarbonate AR2 Worth the Extra Cost?
For many projects, absolutely. While AR2 costs more than standard polycarbonate, it often delivers lower lifetime costs because it:
- Lasts longer
- Maintains its appearance
- Requires less replacement
- Resists scratching and vandalism
- Reduces maintenance
For high-value commercial, industrial, and security installations, the additional investment is often easily justified by its longer service life.
Need Help Choosing the Right Polycarbonate?
Selecting the right grade of polycarbonate depends on your application, required impact performance, environmental conditions, and expected service life.
The team at Plastic Warehouse can help you choose the most suitable material for your project, whether you need standard UV-stabilised polycarbonate, Tinted variations or AR2 abrasion-resistant sheet, or specialised engineering plastics for demanding industrial applications.
