Signage materials are the sheets and panels used for signs, displays, shop windows and installations. Larosi supplies them to resellers and companies: polycarbonate, plexiglass (PMMA) and rigid PVC, cut to the project dimensions. From the Padova warehouse the goods are shipped with GLS, BRT, FedEx and DHL throughout Europe.
Signage materials in the catalogue
The category brings together three families of sheets, selected for visual performance, strength and ease of processing.
Solid and multiwall polycarbonate
Polycarbonate (PC) is used when the sheet must absorb impacts without breaking. The solid version is full and transparent: it protects counters, shop windows and sign and display panels. The multiwall version has internal air chambers and is lightweight and rigid. In the opal white version it diffuses light, in the bronze version it attenuates it.
- Transparent solid: thicknesses from 0.75 to 15 mm depending on the version, formats up to 3050 x 2050 mm.
- Multiwall: transparent, opal white and bronze, thicknesses from 4 to 16 mm.
Polycarbonate sheets: characteristics, colours and uses
Plexiglass (PMMA)
Plexiglass, acrylic, methacrylate and acrylic glass all refer to the same polymer: PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate). Plexiglas is a trademark that has become a common name over time. PMMA has very high transparency, up to about 92% of light. The surface is harder than that of polycarbonate and the edges can be polished.
There are two versions. Cast is suitable for milling and high-quality processing. Extruded has more regular thicknesses and is easy to glue.
Colours, thicknesses and formats are confirmed in the quotation: indicate them in the quote request.
Rigid PVC sheets
Solid rigid PVC is an economical and stable support for plaques, panels and installation bases. It is opaque: white, grey and black are available in stock. Standard sheets measure 2000 x 1000 mm, with thicknesses from 1 to 30 mm. Note: it is solid PVC and not expanded, so it weighs more than lightweight expanded PVC panels.
PVC in sheets and bars: formats, colours and thicknesses
Does the project require a different material? Describe it in the request: we will look for it for you.
Which for signage materials to choose
The choice of signage materials depends on four factors: light, impacts, environment of use and budget. For the most requested applications, the table indicates the starting point.
| Application | Recommended material | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Illuminated signs and lightboxes | Opal PMMA or white opal multiwall PC | They diffuse light and avoid visible bright spots |
| Protections for counters, tills and shop windows | Transparent solid PC | Absorbs impacts and does not shatter |
| Displays, showcases and lecterns | Transparent PMMA | High brilliance and harder surface |
| Plaques and signage panels | Rigid PVC or PMMA | PVC to contain costs, PMMA for a more premium look |
| Supports for printing and screen printing | Rigid PVC, PMMA or solid PC | Smooth and flat surfaces |
| Stands, exhibition structures and outdoor covers | Multiwall PC | Lightweight, rigid and luminous |
Outdoors always check UV protection: polycarbonate must have it on the side exposed to the sun.
Plexiglass or polycarbonate: the differences that matter
Plexiglass and polycarbonate are both transparent, but they behave differently in processing and in use.
| Characteristic | Polycarbonate | PMMA (plexiglass) |
|---|---|---|
| Impact resistance | Very high, does not shatter | Medium, can break into shards |
| Scratch resistance | Medium | Higher |
| Transparency | High | Very high |
| Outdoor use | Requires the UV layer on the exposed side | Good resistance to UV and yellowing in outdoor grades |
| Operating temperature | Up to about 120 °C depending on the grade | Lower than polycarbonate |
| Processing | Can be cold bent | Easy to glue and polish |
As a practical rule, if the main risk is impact, polycarbonate is preferable. Brilliance and scratch resistance point instead towards PMMA. The comparison with glass is on the dedicated page for polycarbonate.
Cut to size and formats
The sheets arrive already cut to your dimensions. We use a vertical panel saw: cutting length up to 4200 mm, height up to 2200 mm. The service applies to all visual communication materials in sheets.
Reference formats:
- Solid polycarbonate: up to 3050 x 2050 mm.
- Multiwall: width 2100 mm, length up to 12 m.
- Rigid PVC: 2000 x 1000 mm.
Cuts are straight. For shapes or special machining describe the project in the request. Details and rates are on the cut-to-size service page.
Printing, bonding and cleaning
A well-chosen sheet can be ruined during processing. Four precautions avoid most problems.
- Printing and screen printing: PMMA, rigid PVC and solid PC have smooth and flat surfaces. On polycarbonate check the ink: some solvents cause cracks.
- Bonding: adhesives compatible with the material are required. An incompatible substance opacifies the surface or causes cracks.
- Protective film: if present, leave it until installation. It protects the surface from scratches and marks.
- Cleaning: water, neutral soap and a soft cloth are sufficient. Abrasives and aggressive solvents damage the surface.
Why choose Larosi
Larosi has been distributing industrial materials and components from Padova since 1970, including visual communication materials in sheets. The service is designed for resellers, sign makers, screen printers, installers and companies.
- Fast delivery: stock items ordered by 11 a.m. leave the same day. Lead times for cut-to-size are confirmed in the quotation.
- Shipping in Europe: GLS Executive, BRT, FedEx and DHL, on pallets or as single sheets.
- Direct collection: possible at the Padova warehouse.
- Search on request: thicknesses, formats or materials outside the range are sourced for you.
- Conditions for resellers: reserved for those who purchase for resale.
How to request a quote
- Write to contatti@larosi.it or fill in the contact form.
- Indicate material, colour, thickness, dimensions and quantity.
- Describe the use: sign, protection, display or printing support.
- Attach a drawing if the shape is special.
- You will receive a quotation and delivery times.
Frequently asked questions about signage materials
Which materials are used for signs and displays?
The most used are PMMA, polycarbonate and rigid PVC. PMMA provides brilliance, polycarbonate resists impacts, PVC contains costs. The choice depends on light, environment of use and budget.
Are plexiglass and acrylic the same material?
Yes. Acrylic, methacrylate and acrylic glass all refer to PMMA. Plexiglas is a trademark that has become a common name. Trade names belong to their respective owners.
Is plexiglass or polycarbonate better for an illuminated sign?
Both work well for diffusing light, in the opal versions. PMMA gives a more brilliant result and resists scratches better. Where the sheet is at risk of being hit, polycarbonate is preferable.
Which material resists impacts better?
Polycarbonate. It does not shatter and resists impacts much more than PMMA and glass. For this reason it protects counters, shop windows and machinery.
Which material is suitable for outdoors?
On the side exposed to the sun, outdoor polycarbonate has a protective UV layer: without it, it yellows. Quality PMMA resists UV rays and weathering well. Always check that the grade is indicated for outdoor use.
Can the sheets be printed on?
Yes, with direct UV printing or screen printing, on PMMA, rigid PVC and solid polycarbonate. On polycarbonate check ink compatibility, because some solvents cause cracks.
How do I choose the thickness?
It depends on the panel size, the distance between fixings and the risk of impact. Send us the measurements and application: we will indicate the suitable thickness.
Do you cut the sheets to size and ship them throughout Europe?
Yes. We cut the sheets to your dimensions and ship them throughout Europe, on pallets or as single sheets.
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