Makrolon or polycarbonate sheet can only be sewn in .060 to .080 gauge, and care must be taken, because the penetration caused by the stitching creates a weak point in material that is prone to stress failure when notched. The UV stabilization in the thin sheet stock is not as long lasting as in the higher grade stock, so it will be prone to yellowing. Polycarbonate is inherently soft, and easily scratched, and once scratched not really repairable. EZ2CY exclusively uses acrylic, which is rigid, clear easy to clean and can have scratches buffed out, and some of its competition, like Rainier utilize both Lexan (polycarbonate)and acrylic, and glue the fabric. It is probably safe to estimate the useful life of the acrylic product at twice that of other competitive products. It is not only the cost of the raw materials, but freight and logistics of handling that contribute to the cost.
Talked at length with one of my plastic engineers and decided to stay away form the lighter gauge, softer polycarbonate which could have been sewed into my canvas and opted for Strataglass. People talk about the cost differential for Stratglass over other rolled vinyl, my premium was about 25% and I used a heavier gauge (.060) for the front panels, and .040 for the sides and back. Same set-up in the stitchable polycarbonate was 2X the cost.
Mike
