Top Plastic Materials Used for Security Applications

Plastics in Modern Security Applications

Deciding on the right material is important when protecting people, places, and products. The right plastic can make all the difference in high-stakes environments, whether it’s a retail store, bank, transit hub, or packaging line.

At Piedmont Plastics, we supply advanced materials that combine durability, clarity, and ease of fabrication, tailored for security-focused projects. Four standout options, acrylic mirror, polycarbonate, specialty acrylic, and PETG, have become the go-to choices in modern security.

Let’s explore how each of these materials is helping engineers and designers build safer, tamper-resistant, and impact-ready systems.

The Benefits of Acrylic Mirror Sheet

Acrylic mirror sheets are more than a lightweight alternative to glass; they’re a safer, stronger solution for surveillance and safety.

Unlike traditional mirrors that can break into dangerous shards, acrylic mirrors are shatter-resistant and up to 10 times more impact-resistant than glass. That makes them ideal for high-traffic areas, correctional facilities, or anywhere safety is a concern. Their clear reflection and lightweight make installation easy, even in tight or elevated spaces. Because they’re easy to cut and shape, acrylic mirrors work well in dome-style surveillance mirrors, curved hallway panels, or mounted corner mirrors.

This material isn't just about seeing; it’s about securing. Acrylic mirrors are a staple in environments where visibility matters, but glass simply isn't tough enough.

Polycarbonate's Unmatched Strength

When only the toughest material will do, polycarbonate steps into the spotlight.

Renowned for its extraordinary impact resistance, polycarbonate is the material of choice for applications like riot shields, protective windows, machine guards, and even bullet-resistant panels. It’s up to 250 times stronger than glass yet retains excellent optical clarity.

From bank teller windows to stadium glazing, polycarbonate keeps people safe without compromising visibility. One of its defining features is its ability to flex without breaking. This makes it highly useful in environments where panels might be cold-bent into curves or require a bit of give under stress.

Additionally, it's also more heat-resistant than acrylic and less prone to cracking under repeated impact or environmental changes. Tough, transparent, and utterly reliable, polycarbonate is the behind-the-scenes bodyguard for many public and industrial spaces.

Why Use Specialty Acrylic Sheet?

Specialty acrylic sheet isn’t your everyday plastic; it’s tailored for applications where clarity meets custom performance.

Bullet-resistant acrylic is one standout in this category. In thicknesses starting at just over an inch, acrylic can be engineered to withstand impact from ballistics while maintaining a clear, professional appearance. These solid sheets don’t rely on laminates, so they’re easy to cut, drill, and integrate into frames without risking delamination.

Other specialty versions include hard-coated acrylics, which resist scratching and scuffing from frequent use or cleaning. This is ideal for kiosks, retail counters, museums, or institutional settings where touchpoints are common. One-way mirror acrylic is also used in observation rooms and security surveillance panels where visibility flows in one direction only.

Whatever the need, specialty acrylic can be fine-tuned to provide the perfect mix of form and function, helping you create secure spaces without compromising aesthetics.

The Power of PETG

PETG may not always steal the spotlight, but it consistently overdelivers when security, affordability, and versatility are all priorities.

This transparent polyester material is tougher than acrylic and easier to form than polycarbonate. It resists cracking, tolerates repeated cleaning, and can be heat-formed or cold-bent into various protective shapes. From retail sneeze guards to transit signage and control panel covers, PETG quietly excels in protective and tamper-evident roles.

One of PETG’s lesser-known strengths is its role in tamper-evident packaging. PETG shrink bands and blister packs are tough to penetrate without obvious signs of tampering, making them favorites in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and consumer electronics packaging where product integrity is non-negotiable.

For designers looking for something stronger than acrylic, more formable than polycarbonate, and priced right, PETG offers a sweet spot that’s hard to beat.

Four Plastics, Countless Security Solutions

While these four plastics serve distinct roles, they all bring one thing to the table: peace of mind. Each of these materials offers unique advantages but shares a common goal of enhancing safety and security. From surveillance visibility to impact resistance and tamper prevention, these plastics are trusted across industries for a reason.

Here’s how each one contributes to smarter, stronger security:

Let’s Build Something Safer, Together

Security is never one-size-fits-all, but it’s always possible to raise the bar with the right materials.

If you’re working on a project that requires impact resistance, tamper-evidence, or protective transparency, we’d love to help. Piedmont Plastics offers a wide range of plastic sheet solutions, cut-to-size services, and material expertise tailored to your security needs.