The Differences Between Twin Wall, Solid PC, and Single-Layer PC Sheets

When selecting polycarbonate (PC) sheets, three common types are Twin Wall (double-layer hollow sheets), Solid PC (solid sheets), and Single-Layer PC sheets. Each has distinct characteristics and is suited for different applications. This guide provides a detailed comparison to help determine the best option for your project.

 

1️⃣ Twin Wall Polycarbonate Sheets

  Structure:

Composed of two parallel layers supported by internal ribs, creating a hollow, multi-channel design.

  Key Features:

✅ Lightweight & Easy to Install – The hollow structure makes it lighter and easier to handle than solid sheets.

✅ Excellent Thermal Insulation – Reduces heat loss and helps maintain a stable indoor temperature, making it ideal for greenhouses, skylights, and roofing.

✅ Durable & Weather-Resistant – Offers high impact resistance and often comes with a UV protection layer, ensuring long-lasting performance even in harsh weather conditions.

✅ Cost-Effective – More affordable than solid sheets while still providing good strength and insulation.

  Applications:

🌿 Greenhouses | ☀️ Sunrooms | 🏡 Roofing | 🏢 Partitions

 

 

2️⃣ Solid Polycarbonate Sheets

  Structure:

A single, thick layer of solid polycarbonate without any hollow structure.

  Key Features:

✅ High Impact Strength – Extremely durable and widely used in security and protective applications.

✅ Exceptional Transparency – Offers optical clarity close to glass but is lighter and more impact-resistant.

✅ Weather-Resistant – Can be coated with a UV protection layer to prevent yellowing and degradation, making it suitable for long-term outdoor use.

✅ Heavier Weight – Requires a more robust support structure, making it more suited for fixed installations.

  Applications:

🏢 Security windows | 🛡️ Bullet-resistant barriers | 🏭 Machine guards | 🌞 Transparent roofing

 

 

3️⃣ Single-Layer Polycarbonate Sheets

  Structure:

A thin, single-layer polycarbonate sheet, making it the lightest option among the three.

  Key Features:

✅ Lightweight & Easy to Cut – Can be easily processed and installed, making it ideal for projects requiring quick customization.

✅ Flexible – Can be bent or rolled, allowing for creative and curved designs.

✅ Good Light Transmission – Offers high transparency, though it has lower strength and insulation compared to Twin Wall and Solid PC sheets.

✅ Cost-Effective – The most budget-friendly option, suitable for applications where high strength is not a priority.

  Applications:

📌 Signage | 🛡️ Protective covers | 🏡 Lightweight roofing | 🎨 DIY projects

 

 

Choosing the Right PC Sheet

✅ Twin Wall – Ideal for applications requiring thermal insulation, durability, and cost efficiency, such as greenhouses, sunrooms, and roofing.

✅ Solid PC – Best suited for high-strength, high-transparency, and security-focused applications, such as safety windows, bullet-resistant panels, and machine guards.

✅ Single-Layer PC – A practical choice for lightweight, flexible, and economical solutions, including signage, protective covers, and DIY projects.

  Each type of polycarbonate sheet offers unique benefits, and selecting the right one depends on the specific requirements of the project.