Because the process is more time and labor extensive, cell cast acrylic tends to be more expensive, but is typically higher quality and more durable. Will acrylic melt? Acrylic is 10 times stronger than glass and in the same thickness, Polycarbonate is 100 times stronger than glass. When considering the differences between plexiglass vs acrylic, the reality is, they’re very similar. BIGIMALL Acrylic Sheet 3Mm Clear Transparent Plexiglass 12 Inch X 12 Inch Pack Of 4 pcs 3.9 out of 5 stars 37 ₹691 ₹ 691 ₹2,000 ₹2,000 Save ₹1,309 (65%) Cell cast acrylic is more expensive to manufacture but is harder than extruded acrylic so it is less susceptible to scratching. While it offers certain advantages over conventional glass sheets, it also comes with a few limitations. How can I remove scratches? When acrylic was created in the early 1900s, one of the products produced with it was registered under the name Plexiglas. Plexiglas ® VS PMMA is a thermoplastic acrylic resin formulated for injection molding applications. For the benefit of the safety of your occupants and space it is important to use the safety product that fits your individual needs, so let’s focus today on Bullet-Resistant Glass. Acrylic can be manufactured one of two ways: extruded or cell cast. Acrylic is shinier and polycarb is stronger. Acrylic Windows vs Glass Windows. Rohm was trying to increase the resistance of glass by creating a lamination between glass plates when he created a completely new material, acrylic. Our AGM goes […], The Clear Choice for Glass in the St. Louis Metro Region, © 2021 Missouri Glass Co | Plexiglas®, however, is manufactured in cell cast only. So, what’s the difference between plexiglass vs acrylic? Not all acrylic is created equal. Not knowing the difference between the terms can pose problems and confusion when it comes to shopping for the acrylic sheeting you need. Additionally, cell cast acrylic typically has fewer impurities such as ripples or specks. TABLES – Console – … Sometimes these are referred to as generic trademarks. The acrylic is continuously extruded to create sheets of acrylic. These properties have allowed acrylic to enjoy immense popularity in manufacturing as well as DIY projects: The cell cast process, on the other hand, involves pouring unreacted acrylic between two panes of glass, creating a cell. Most commonly, acrylic transparent sheets are known by the name of one of their most famous brand names called ‘Plexiglass’ with which it is traded. Extruded acrylic is manufactured using, as the name suggests, a process of extrusion. Today, a number of manufacturers create plexiglass acrylic products sold under brand names including Acrylite, Crylux, Lucite and Perspex. Acrylic and polycarbonate are two of the most popular clear plastics. Plexiglas and other well known brands are immune even against high UV … While glass is cheaper to purchase and more easily recycled than acrylic, acrylic is stronger, more shatter resistant and resistant to the elements and erosion than glass. It is characterized by its very high melt flow. Product link URL Join Andy Joe Plastic Hero as he tests glass, acrylic and polycarbonate against the force of a baseball bat! Summary – Lucite vs Acrylic. So, if you’re paying more for a Plexiglas product, you’re not just paying for the brand name. This kind of material is often used as it is shatter-resistant, durable, and transparent. As adjectives the difference between plastic and acrylic is that plastic is capable of being moulded; malleable, flexible, pliant while acrylic is (organic chemistry) derived from acrylic acid or acrylonitrile. Polycarb is more impact resisant but easier to scratch. Acrylic glass is often chosen as an alternative for laminated glass. For example, eyeglass lenses are commonly made from acrylic. Will acrylic melt? Scratch resistance is important because the window is exposed to pedestrians that may or may not … Even though the strength of Polycarbonate is higher than Acrylic, Plexiglas is usually excellent for most glazing requirements. As nouns the difference between plastic and acrylic is that plastic is (obsolete) a sculptor, moulder while acrylic is (organic chemistry) an acrylic resin. As a result, acrylic is used in a lot of applications in which you might otherwise expect glass to be used. Acrylic latices may derive from esters of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid. Both Acrylic and Polycarbonate are half the weight of comparably sized glass by volume. Yellow in the sun? Acrylic plastic is a transparent thermoplastic homopolymer that is often colloquially referred to as plexiglass. Acrylic sheeting is usually manufactured using one of two processes: extrusion or cell casting. It’s estimated that heat gain and loss through windows is responsible for 25-30% of residential heating […], Given the fact that windows are responsible for approximately 30% of heat loss during the heating season, it’s no surprise that homeowners are prone to researching how to insulate windows for winter. Plexiglass vs. Plexiglas®: Acrylic Sheeting Facts, Sign up for A&C Plastics Updates, Promotions. The primary mechanical difference between extruded acrylic and Plexiglass is its surface hardness. That depends on how you look at it. So, what is commonly known as “Plexiglass”, is really a brand of acrylic (PMMA). Acrylic plastic is a handy building material that has a variety of uses. But how can you pick between the two when at a glance you may not be able to differentiate between the two? Knowing the history behind Plexiglas®, as well as the differences between Plexiglas®, plexiglass, acrylic sheet should help you in your plastics projects in the future. That is the biggest benefit to purchasing Plexiglas® over other brands of acrylic sheeting. Yellow in the sun? Acrylic and polycarbonate are two of the most popular materials for plastic fabrication companies. There were a variety of PMMA products available on the market such as Plexigum™ before the product we call Plexiglas® was produced. The biggest difference between Plexiglas® and some traditional acrylic is the way they are manufactured. Plexiglass has a harder surface so cracking becomes less of an issue. Originally, the word Plexiglass was used as a brand name to refer to acrylic plastic that had been cell cast rather than extruded. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), also known as acrylic, or acrylic glass, as well as by the trade names Crylux, Plexiglas, Acrylite, Astariglas, Lucite, Perclax, and Perspex, among several others (), is a transparent thermoplastic often used in sheet form as a lightweight or shatter-resistant alternative to glass.The same material can be used as a casting resin or in inks and coatings, among many other … “Lucite.” Encyclopædia Britannica, … But there are a few notable differences. An example might be a storefront window in which both the characteristics of PC and PMMA are important. Acrylic is less expensive but easier to crack. Acrylic sheet larger than the size of your project; Use a plastic/laminate scorer to cut acrylic by hand; Use acrylic jigsaw blades to cut acrylic with a jigsaw; Use a 10" plastic cutting saw blade to cut acrylic on a miter saw or table saw; Use a 7 ¼" plastic cutting saw blade to cut acrylic with a circular saw; Use an O flute up spiral plastic cutting bit to … Acrylic Vs. Polycarbonate. Plexiglas. Ideally, you would utilize these methods to insulate your windows before cold weather sets in, but, luckily, most methods are fairly inexpensive and […], Bullet-Resistant Glass is one of many types of safety glass. Unlike polystyrene, … The difference in one letter stumps many people. That is the biggest benefit to purchasing Plexiglas® over other brands of acrylic sheeting. In other words, it’s a kind of plastic—specifically, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Plexiglass, one of the most common forms of plastic is actually colloquial language for clear, acrylic plastic. When it comes to polycarbonate sheets vs. acrylic sheets, they differ in a few key areas, including their appearance, strength, ability to be shaped and cut, and their … Typically, the only difference is in the way in which the two products are manufactured. Injection molded acrylic is manufactured by injecting acrylic or polymethyl methacrylate material into a mold. Pros of Acrylic: Shinier; Less expensive than polycarbonate; … This plastic has unique properties that make it ideal for a variety of purposes, ranging from basic household items to fiber optic cables that power the world. Materials Needed to Cut Acrylic or Plexiglass Sheets. Plexiglas®, however, is manufactured in cell cast only. Often seen as direct competitors, acrylic and polycarbonate do have a lot in common at face value and do occasionally bump into each other whilst performing the same tasks. Colors. Web Design by, Upgrading Security with Bullet-Resistant Glass, How to Have the Most Energy Efficient Windows. It has excellent weatherability and optical properties allowing it to excel in applications requiring outdoor stability, high quality surface appearance and/or precision optics. You’re paying for the more substantial manufacturing process and, usually, a product that is more customized to your needs. Typically, plexiglass and acrylic products referred to as plexiglass will have very similar qualities. In summary the benefits are: acrylic is stiffer, shinier, more scratch resistant and cheaper than polycarbonate which is bendier and virtually unbreakable. Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. Acrylic is preferred when very clear, lightweight material is needed, or when a specific size or shape is required because it is easily formed without impacting visibility. How do they compare? Clear Acrylic Sign Plates. They provide different benefits (and drawbacks). The generic name for Plexiglas is plexiglass, and the material also goes by the trade names of Acrylite, Lucite and Perspex. Some acrylic is low quality and may not be as clear or resistant to the elements as a higher grade acrylic plastic, such as Lucite. We are proud of our safety record and our safety program. Plexiglas ® VS PMMA is a thermoplastic acrylic resin formulated for injection molding applications. If you’re interested in learning more about commercial glass services, contact Missouri Glass. It is characterized by its very high melt flow. This transparent thermoplastic makes a great alternative to glass, which is why it is commonly used to manufacture bakery bins, sunglasses, and display risers. Plexiglass with two s’s is the generic term synonymous with acrylic sheet. What is the difference between Acrylic, Plexiglass, Lucite, Perspex, and Lexan or clear plastic? However, softer material tends to crack or chip when drilling or cutting it. In layman’s terms, Plexiglas® is made from acrylic, and plexiglass is a generic term used interchangeably to describe both the name brand and the material itself. In terms of weight, fiberglass weighs less than acrylic given that thicker layers of the latter … Getting Employees Interested in Safety Awareness! The material became available for commercial use in 1936 under the protected trademark Plexiglas®. Acrylic vs Polycarbonate. For example, eyeglass lenses are commonly made from acrylic because acrylic can be more scratch and shatter resistant in addition to being less reflective than glass, which can reduce the amount of glare. Video of the Day Bullet-Resistant Glass is beneficial in the prevention of bullet penetration, blasts from an explosion […], As we all know, safety in all professions matters. Our safety program seems simple in terms of how it is implemented. Both materials offer plenty of benefits and work in a wide array of applications, from vehicle operator protection to retail display cases. With superior resistance to discoloration, impact, and chemicals, acrylic plexiglass sheet is ideal for any application. Lens CNC Machined From Acrylic Plastic. Every morning we conduct a short “gather around time” before anyone heads out for the day. The surface is more resistant to chemicals, including solvent cements used for gluing Plexiglass together. Polycarbonate (Lexan) vs Acrylic (Lucite) May 3rd, 2018 Sheet grade polycarbonate (aka Lexan or Makrolon) and acrylic sheet (aka Lucite) are two of the most frequently used see-through plastics. The chemical that makes up this thermoplastic, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), was invented in the early 1900s by Otto Rohm, founder of Rohm and Haas. It is a glass-like substance that was created by scientists in the early 20 th century. Acrylic sheets are easy to glue and are good for milling, bending and hot forming and is therefore a material suitable for many different applications. This might be true for low quality acrylic. So if plexiglass is a generic trademark for Plexiglas®, which is an acrylic sheet product, does that mean Plexiglas® is the same as all other acrylic products? If you’re considering the differences between plexiglass, Plexiglas and acrylic sheeting, the truth is, there are more similarities than differences. Acrylic elastomers have been considered as ‘specialty rubbers’ owing to their unique property, i.e., the presence of unsaturated polymer backbone, unlike in many other so-called general purpose rubbers. You can even purchase multiple sheets of thicker plexiglass and still be saving money over purchasing glass. Acrylic vs Plexiglass – the misconception While the terms ‘acrylic’ and ‘plexiglass’ are used interchangeably and many people consider them the same, they are both different. Acrylic can be manufactured one of two ways: extruded or cell cast. How can I remove scratches? Both of these products are very strong when compared to glass. Acrylic sheeting is usually manufactured using one of two processes: extrusion or cell casting. Plastic. Their drawbacks are: acrylic can crack/shatter under impact and polycarbonate is easier to scratch. Therefore, both names indicate the same chemical compound, only the use of these names is different. It is characterized by its very high melt flow. Acrylic also tends to become brittle with the passing of time, and take on a yellowish tint. In contrast, glass skylights contain seals that come with 20-year manufacturer warranties. Weight. However, over time both materials can lose transparency and clarity. But what about polycarbonate plastic? Top choices between clear or near clear plastics, acrylic plexiglass sheet and polycarbonate panel are often considered as solutions for a broad range of optical applications. Other trade names that have become comparable to Plexiglas® include Acrylite®, Lucite®, and Perspex®. These are known as proprietary eponyms, meaning a trade name has become the generic name for a product or service. Plexiglass is another name for acrylic plastic sheets. Both Acrylic and laminated glass are transparent building materials which withstand high pressures and can be used for applications like aquariums in marine museums and yacht windows. Whether you’re selecting windows for new construction, replacing your existing windows or looking for ways to improve the efficiency of your current windows, it’s important to try to make sure you’re working with the most energy efficient windows possible. The biggest difference between Plexiglas® and some traditional acrylic is the way they are manufactured. Depending on how it is manufactured, it can be either more scratch resistant than glass or extremely scratch- and impact-resistant. Typically, the only difference is in the way in which the two products are manufactured. It has excellent weatherability and optical properties allowing it to excel in applications requiring outdoor stability, high quality surface appearance and/or precision optics. Moreover, acrylic can be easily broken by the hail from a powerful storm. After the reaction has completed and the acrylic has cured, the glass is separated from the acrylic and the acrylic sheet is inspected. The short answer to this is, no, however, some acrylic products referred to as plexiglass will have the qualities the name brand has. While both materials provide durability and flexibility, there are numerous differences between the two. Plexiglas® with one s is the brand name. When to use LEXAN vs Plexiglass Polycarbonate and acrylic are suitable for use in a variety of applications, some similar, and some very different. Plexiglass has the distinction of being harder than normal acrylic which makes it easier to drill and cut without breakage. Standard extruded acrylic is softer, making it ideal for gluing pieces of this material together. The key difference between Acrylic and Plexiglass is that Plexiglass is a brand name of acrylic sheets. Though it is often used in sheet form as an alternative to glass, it’s also used in a variety of other applications, including casting resins, inks and coatings, medical devices and more. The difference between Lucite and acrylic is that the Lucite is the tradename for polymethyl methacrylate whereas acrylic is the common chemical name of polymethyl methacrylate. Acrylic Plexiglass is available in many standard colors with frosty, milky or glossy finishes. Plexiglass vs Acrylic: What’s the Difference. They are both … Plexiglass is a kind of clear acrylic sheet, and it is specifically used as a generic term to refer to a few different products that are manufactured under different names, including Plexiglas, the original trademarked name. Lexan vs. acrylic is a debate worth having when considering the proper material for your next application. Construction safety is crucial! Now that you know the differences between plexiglass vs acrylic, this should help you plan your use of either product in the future. ... Rohm and Hass. Acrylic sheeting, commonly referred to as plexiglass sheeting, is the most common alternative to traditional glass. ... Injection Molded Acrylic vs. Hand-Crafted Acrylic. These two terms are pronounced the same, spelled almost identically, and can be compared to the relationship of tissue and Kleenex. Additionally, Plexiglass is more chemical resistant than traditional acrylic. Although Polycarbonate and Acrylic have certain applications to which they are both particularly well suited, they can also be used in conjunction with one another. Shop By Products. What makes it particularly difficult to know the difference between plexiglass and Plexiglas® is the small variation in spelling. Plexiglass is often also referred to as acrylic. Working in the plastic sheeting industry, you’ll hear a variety of terms used to describe acrylic sheet, including plexiglass and Plexiglas®. Here is the much awaited comparison between the most commonly used clear products in the industry, Acrylic & Polycarbonate. Lucite is an acrylic plastic resin used primarily in windows and fashionable interior and furniture design due to its strength, crystal transparency, and flexibility along with its resistance to UV rays, wind, and water. Plexiglass products are only manufactured using the cell cast process. What is the difference between Acrylic, Plexiglass, Lucite, Perspex, and Lexan or clear plastic? Reference: 1. It is characterized by its very high melt flow. ... Because both acrylic and polycarbonate are types of plastic they both boast impressive levels … Acrylic plexiglass is much cheaper than regular glass, meaning you can get thicker sheets for the same price, improving your soundproofing overall. 1.800.24.PLEXI A&D Client Login / Register. Thus, plexiglass and acrylic plastic are actually the same thing (and will be used interchangeably throughout our article). Acrylic Plastic is slightly clearer than Lexan. According to experts, it is a petroleum-based thermoplastic, to be exact. Let’s break down what plexiglass, acrylic and a mysterious third contender, Plexiglas, are and the differences between them. Glass does not suffer from … Acrylic vs. In 1932, Rohm produced the first PMMA cast sheet and in 1933, he produced a stable, transparent, hard, shatterproof polymer, which they registered under the Plexiglas® trademark. Acrylic Plexiglass can be restored to its initial clarity, whereas polycarbonate cannot be. Lucite is used in our acrylic pull handles … Acrylic is a transparent thermoplastic homopolymer. Each of the two have benefits and drawbacks. Plexiglass itself was created before the registered name of Plexiglas® came about, however, the name plexiglass did not appear until years after Plexiglas® dominated the glass and plastics industries. Typically, plexiglass and acrylic products referred to as plexiglass will have very similar qualities. Acrylic skylights can only hold so much weight; for example, heavy snows may cause an acrylic model to break. In many standard colors with frosty, milky or glossy finishes in spelling by.... 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