What are the differences between PC polycarbonate sheets, acrylic sheets, PS polystyrene sheets, and MS sheets?

　　Currently popular plastic sheets on the market include acrylic sheets, PC solid sheets, PS organic sheets, and PET/PETG sheets. These materials are highly similar to one another, and under identical color conditions, it is virtually impossible to distinguish which specific type of sheet they are. 
　　Assuming that all these types of boards are currently transparent and colorless, consumers can only recognize them as being colorless and transparent—but they cannot distinguish between organic glass (acrylic) and PC polycarbonate sheets. This very ambiguity allows unscrupulous merchants to deceive customers by substituting PS or MS boards for organic glass (acrylic), or even using organic glass to masquerade as PC polycarbonate sheets! In this way, businesses can secretly maximize their profits. However, such practices ultimately lead to serious consequences for consumers, as different raw materials have distinct processing characteristics. 
　　How to identify acrylic, PC solid sheets, PS organic boards, and MS boards—sharing the secrets to help everyone excel in the plastic sheet industry. 
　　**Type 1: Acrylic—Available in Extruded and Cast Variants** The extruded acrylic sheet is characterized by its excellent transparency. To identify it, observe that when ignited, the flame burns clearly without producing smoke or bubbles. Additionally, upon extinguishing, fine filaments can be drawn out from the burning material. In contrast, the cast acrylic sheet also boasts high transparency. However, when burned, it emits no smoke, bubbles, or squeaking sounds. Upon being extinguished, no filaments are formed. 
　　**2. PC Solid Polycarbonate Sheets: Identification Method** - **Transparency:** PC sheets exhibit exceptionally high transparency, reaching up to 89%, nearly identical to that of glass. - **Impact Resistance:** They offer excellent impact resistance, making them virtually unbreakable. - **Fire Safety:** When exposed to fire, these sheets are highly resistant to ignition and will only produce a small amount of dense black smoke. - **Common Thicknesses:** Commonly available thicknesses include 4mm and 2mm. Both 2mm PC sheets and 2mm polycarbonate panels demonstrate remarkable flexibility, allowing for cold bending with relatively large arc radii. 
　　Three: PS organic board—its distinguishing features include: generally low transparency, with a mottled appearance when reflecting light. It is brittle and prone to breaking easily; you’ll hear a distinct "click" sound when it hits the ground. When burned, it produces copious amounts of thick black smoke. 
　　Four: MS board exhibits moderate transparency, with a speckled appearance when reflecting light. When burned with fire, it produces significant amounts of black smoke. While fundamentally similar to polystyrene boards, it surpasses polystyrene organic boards in terms of flexibility and ease of processing. 
　　All of the examples mentioned above are transparent, colorless sheets. These four materials differ in terms of performance and processing capabilities, as well as their respective costs. Customers are advised to carefully review product details before placing an order to avoid any unnecessary losses.