Many people ask, "What is the difference between plexiglass and acrylic?" The answer is simple — there's no difference. Acrylic and plexiglass are two names for the same material: polymethylmethacrylate.
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This might come as a surprise. After all, we often encounter these terms in different contexts, which can create the impression that they refer to distinct products. However, this perceived distinction is more a result of branding and marketing than material differences.
This article will delve into the mysteries of the difference between acrylic and plexiglass and provide some context for this continuing question. Let's take a closer look at the material we call acrylic or plexiglass if you prefer.
Article Contents
The difference between acrylic and plexiglass is based on the origins of the words. Acrylic comes from the chemical name of the material, polymethylmethacrylate, while plexiglass comes from the trade name Plexiglas®. Lucite®, Acrylite® and Perspex® are other trade names for the same material.
While there is no difference between plexiglass and acrylic, there can be a difference between those two words and Plexiglas®. Polymethylmethacrylate can be produced by cell casting or extrusion. Plexiglass and acrylic are used interchangeably for materials manufactured by either of those processes. But Plexiglas®, the trademarked material, is made only via cell cast. An extruded acrylic would never be referred to as Plexiglas®.
The fascinating journey of acrylic, a material that would ultimately transform numerous industries, began in the early 20th century. In , German chemist Otto Röhm first polymerized methyl methacrylate (MMA), laying the foundation for what we now know as plexiglass. However, it wasn't until that Röhm and his company Röhm & Haas AG patented and registered the brand name Plexiglas®.
When acrylic first emerged, it was celebrated as a revolutionary material that combined the clarity of glass with exceptional durability and lower weight. Initially, its primary use was to produce dental prostheses and plates. However, its potential was quickly recognized, and applications expanded to include periscope ports and airplane canopies during World War II. The material's light weight, impact resistance and optical clarity were crucial in these wartime applications, effectively proving acrylic's value in demanding environments.
With the registration of the Plexiglas® brand, acrylic's presence in the commercial market was solidified. This name quickly became synonymous with acrylic sheets, primarily due to the brand's widespread use and high-quality products. In the United States, the name was adjusted slightly to "plexiglass." Soon, other manufacturers introduced their own brands, but plexiglass took hold of modern consciousness, even though there's no difference between plexiglass and acrylic.
Creating acrylic, or plexiglass, is a fascinating process involving several vital steps. While the procedure may seem complex, it's a carefully engineered method designed to produce a high-quality, consistent and durable material.
Acrylic sheet manufacturing includes a process known as cell casting. The procedure begins with creating a "syrup," a mixture of methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer and other additives. This syrup is then poured between two parallel, tempered glass plates, separated by rubber gaskets to create a cell.
Next, the cell goes through a carefully controlled heat treatment in water baths. This step, known as polymerization, transforms the liquid syrup into a solid, glass-like sheet. Polymerization involves breaking the double bonds in the MMA molecules and forming new bonds that link the molecules in long chains, creating polymethyl methacrylate – the chemical name for acrylic. This process is initiated by heat and catalyzed by additives present in the syrup.
To make extruded plexiglass, the liquid material is heated and fed between two rollers until it reaches the desired thickness.
Using either method, the result is a solid material with the unique combination of clarity, strength and lightness we associate with plexiglass. Options include clear acrylic sheets and colored acrylic panels.
Quality control in plexiglass production is paramount to ensure that the finished material meets customers' exacting standards of clarity, strength and durability. Several stages of inspections are conducted throughout the production process, with checks for imperfections such as bubbles, inclusions or discoloration.
In addition to visual inspections, testing for physical properties such as hardness, light transmission and thickness uniformity are also carried out. These rigorous quality control measures ensure that the finished plexiglass sheets are consistently high quality and fit for a wide range of applications.
The manufacturing process of acrylic, from its beginnings as a liquid monomer to its final form as a transparent, sturdy sheet, is an intricate blend of chemistry and engineering.
Acrylic has unique characteristics that make it an invaluable material across diverse sectors. Its versatility can be attributed to several fundamental properties, including strength and durability, clarity and light transmission, flexibility and malleability and critical safety considerations.
One of the defining characteristics of plexiglass is its remarkable strength. It's around 17 times more impact-resistant than glass, making it a more durable, safer option for applications where breakage is a concern. Acrylic's durability allows it to withstand everyday wear and tear while maintaining its visual appeal.
Acrylic's optical clarity is one of its most notable features. It offers superior light transmission capabilities, with clear acrylic allowing approximately 92% of light to pass through, more than glass. This high level of transparency makes it an ideal material for applications such as signage, display cases and windows.
Plexiglass can be easily formed and shaped, making it highly adaptable. When heated, it becomes flexible, allowing for bending and molding into various forms. This makes acrylic a favorite for designers and manufacturers alike, offering the ability to create a wide array of products, from curved aquarium walls to custom-shaped signage. Plexiglass is also highly machinable and easy to cut and drill.
With the proper treatment, another outstanding characteristic of acrylic is its resistance to UV light and weather. Unlike some other plastics, plexiglass doesn't yellow or become brittle when exposed to sunlight over time. It can withstand harsh weather conditions, including wind, rain and snow, making it a reliable choice for outdoor applications.
In terms of safety, plexiglass is inherently more advantageous than glass. In addition to being shatter-resistant, it's lighter, which makes handling and transportation safer and more efficient. If it does break, plexiglass fractures into large, dull-edged pieces, unlike glass which can shatter into sharp, dangerous shards. Moreover, acrylic is a non-toxic material, making it safe for applications in the food industry or children's toys.
With its exceptional properties, acrylic has found its way into numerous applications, from construction to art to medical equipment. Its versatility makes it a sought-after material across various industries. Demand for plexiglass is strong and only growing. The global market for acrylic sheets is expected to expand from $3.5 billion in to $5.82 billion in .
In the world of construction and architecture, acrylic's strength, clarity and weatherability make it a preferred alternative to glass. It is used in window glazing, soundproofing panels, greenhouses and even in structural elements like staircases and bridges. Its high light transmission is ideal for skylights, and its weatherability is perfect for outdoor applications. Plexiglass's flexibility also enables architects to create designs with more complex, curved structures.
Acrylic is the material of choice for signage and displays due to its superior clarity and durability. From small nameplates to large outdoor signs, plexiglass provides a sleek, polished look that's hard to beat. It's also extensively used in retail display cases to protect valuable items while maintaining an unobstructed view.
Artists and designers appreciate plexiglass for its malleability and aesthetic appeal. Decorative acrylic sheets provide myriad creative opportunities, and sculptors use plexiglass panels to create stunning 3D artworks. In fashion, acrylic has been used to craft unique, modern jewelry pieces.
Plexiglass is used extensively in the automotive and aeronautics industries due to its strength, lightness and optical clarity. It's used in car headlights, taillights and interior displays. In the aeronautics field, acrylic is found in aircraft windows and canopies. Its impact resistance and optical clarity make it a safe and practical choice for these applications.
In the medical field, the non-toxic nature of acrylic makes it a safe choice for various applications. It's used in the manufacturing of dentures, lens implants for cataract surgery and even in the production of prosthetics. The clarity of acrylic also makes it ideal for use in vision-related medical equipment, such as microscopes and medical visors.
The uses of acrylic have evolved dramatically since its inception. With the advancement of technology, plexiglass has seen innovative applications in electronics, with its use in screens, lenses and even some components of virtual reality headsets. The material's inherent properties of clarity, strength and resistance to weathering, coupled with its ability to be easily shaped and molded, make it a preferred choice for engineers, designers and artists alike. From its beginnings in dentistry to its widespread use in diverse sectors today, the journey of acrylic is a testament to the material's remarkable versatility and enduring appeal.
Acrylic not only offers a wide range of practical and aesthetic benefits but also requires relatively simple maintenance to keep it looking its best. Additionally, its environmental impact and recyclability contribute to its overall sustainability.
Proper cleaning and care are essential to maintain plexiglass's clarity and appearance. Regular cleaning can be done using a lint-free microfiber towel and a mild, non-abrasive cleaning solution like Brillianize or Novus. It's important to avoid using harsh chemicals, ammonia-based cleaners or abrasive materials that could scratch or damage the surface of the plexiglass. Gently wiping in a circular motion will remove fingerprints and other smudges. With proper cleaning and care, acrylic can maintain its visual appeal for many years.
If acrylic gets scratched, methods are available for repairing and restoring its surface. You can often polish out minor scratches using a specialized acrylic polish and a soft cloth. Deeper scratches may require more involved repair techniques, such as using fine-grit sandpaper followed by buffing and polishing. It's important to note that while plexiglass can be repaired, prevention is always the best approach. Protective coatings or films can minimize the risk of scratches and maintain the material's longevity.
Concerns about environmental impact and sustainability have become increasingly crucial in material choices. Plexiglass presents some favorable qualities in this regard. It is a recyclable material, meaning that waste acrylic can be collected, processed and reused to produce new acrylic products. While the availability of recycling facilities may vary, the recyclability of plexiglass aligns with the global trend toward more responsible and sustainable practices.
Furthermore, acrylic's durability and longevity contribute to its environmental sustainability. Its resistance to weathering and discoloration means that plexiglass products have a longer lifespan than other materials. This reduces the need for frequent replacements, thus reducing waste generation. Additionally, acrylic's lighter weight results in lower transportation emissions, further minimizing its environmental footprint.
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The "difference" between plexiglass and acrylic is just the beginning of Regal Plastics' knowledge of this versatile material. As a trusted plexiglass supplier, we have a wealth of information to share. Read the following questions for additional details, and feel free to contact us for more answers.
Plexiglass is lighter, more durable and more shatter-resistant than glass. It also resists fading and sun damage.
Plexiglass is about 17 times more impact resistant than glass.
Acrylic sheets are 10 times more shatter-resistant than glass.
A plexiglass sheet weighs less than half of a similarly sized sheet of glass.
Plexiglass can be drilled and cut. Regal Plastics takes advantage of acrylic's machinability by offering a wide range of fabrication services, including saw cutting, custom design and assembly, bonding, edgework, CNC routing and high-end acrylic bending.
While the cost can vary based on the thickness and size, purchasing plexiglass is generally more expensive than traditional glass. However, its durability and versatility, along with its ease of transport and installation, often make acrylic a cost-effective choice for many applications.
Why has the use of acrylic sheet to manufacture everyday products increased over recent years? It’s probably because acrylic sheet is durable and lightweight and less expensive to produce than glass.
When it comes to both commercial and personal use, an acrylic sheet is the more practical choice. Business owners and homeowners alike find it useful for such common everyday items as table and countertop protectors, shelving, windows, pole signs, TV screens, and more.
With its advantages in long life, impact resistance, strength, and color choices, acrylic sheet serve nearly every expected niche of manufacturing—and a few unconventional ones.
To demonstrate the versatility of acrylic sheet, here are some uses you may not have been aware of:
Windows For Swimming Pools and Submarines
One might not put two widely different things like swimming pools and submarines in the same sentence. Still, acrylic’s UV and water-resistant properties, strength, and flexibility make it a perfect choice for situations when one wants to view a watery environment. Whether it’s a diving coach observing the next potential Olympic team or a scientific research mission to the deep Atlantic, having a clear view is essential. Acrylic sheet provides.
Acrylic Advantages with Aquariums
It’s been a while since the only choice for aquariums was traditional glass.
Today, most home and commercial aquariums are made from acrylic because it’s easier to mold and form into different shapes to suit individual needs. In addition, they’re easier to custom cut for different tank designs and layouts and can provide a much clearer view of what’s within.
Acrylic sheet can also come in various shades and colors for aquariums whose inhabitants have specific lighting needs.
And as a practical note, acrylic is lighter, easier to carry, and cheaper to repair. This makes it ideal for aquariums and terrariums at home and those found in more commercial venues.
Long-Lasting, Safe Acrylic Airplane Canopies
The transparent canopy covering an airplane’s cockpit must be wind and weatherproof, clear, strong, and sound-absorbing. Acrylic canopies cover all of these needs and then some. They’re also lightweight, shatter-resistant, and can be designed to minimize aerodynamic drag.
When cared for, an acrylic canopy can last decades. For example, aircraft on exhibition from World War II often sport their original acrylic canopies and still provide a pilot with a crystal-clear view of their surroundings.
Acrylic Helmet Protect All Sorts of Heads
When you think about it, there are helmets for all sorts of people—construction workers, miners, motorcycle enthusiasts, skateboarders, pilots, rock climbers, cross-country bicyclists, and more.
All of them need to protect their head.
Acrylic helmets are lightweight, inexpensive, durable, and scratch-free, making them the perfect choice for anyone dealing with a profession or pastime in which safety is a concern.
Acrylic Sheet In the Arts
High-quality transparent acrylic sheets can find many uses in the world of fine art and homemade craft projects. Not only can acrylic sheets be cut and formed into exceptional display cases that optimally show off jewelry, pottery, and other work, they can also be used in shadow boxes and fine art frames.
Acrylic’s UV resistance can help protect fine art from light damage, while its moisture resistance keeps the piece safe from changing environmental conditions.
Acrylic and plexiglass are essentially the same thing. However, plexiglass is more of a brand name for acrylic sheeting that has ended up also becoming a more generic term covering any type of acrylic sheet.
Both can be cast in molds or extruded into sheets of custom thickness, although what is commonly called plexiglass is more often produced by extrusion. Both can share the same impact and UV resistance properties, clarity, lightweight, and low cost.
Because an acrylic sheet comes with UV protection and already enjoys the benefits of impact resistance and durability, there’s no reason why a well-cared-for sheet of acrylic couldn’t last ten or more years before showing any signs of age.
While many plastics—such as those you might find in food packaging or children’s toys—may degrade, yellow, or grow brittle under constant exposure to sunlight, properly produced acrylic sheeting is designed to last decades.
Acrylic sheet from Piedmont Plastics makes the best sense for most manufacturing situations where durability, clarity, protection, lightweight, and cost are a concern. When you get right down to it, an acrylic sheet is one of the most versatile materials on the market today.
Piedmont Plastics offers an online pricing and ordering system that makes it convenient to acquire precisely what you need for the best price possible.
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