The Benefits of Using Acrylic Polymer

Author: Adelaide

Feb. 24, 2025

The Benefits of Acrylic Plastic

Acrylic plastic stands as one of the oldest synthetic materials utilized globally. Often referred to as Plexiglass, this versatile material is widely employed in various industries such as point-of-purchase displays, windows, signage, picture frames, furniture, aquariums, DIY projects, and many more. Its distinct advantages make it a popular choice for numerous applications.

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Acrylic offers several benefits:

  • Ease of fabrication
  • Shape flexibility
  • Lighter than glass
  • More robust than glass
  • High transparency
  • Simplified cleaning
  • Low maintenance

While acrylic possesses numerous advantages, we will delve into four primary benefits below:

Acrylic is Simple to Fabricate and Shape

When heated, acrylic plastic becomes pliable and can be molded into various shapes. As it cools, it retains its new form, making it easy to machine, drill, or saw similarly to wood. Cost-effective molds made from wood or plastic can be utilized during shaping, which is beneficial for manufacturers. Being a thermoplastic, acrylic softens under high temperatures, enabling it to be fashioned into virtually any desired shape.

Acrylic is Lighter yet Stronger than Glass

One of acrylic's standout benefits is its superior durability coupled with being 50% lighter than glass. Regardless of whether it is cast or extruded, acrylic remains cost-effective while boasting ten times the impact resistance of glass. Due to its exceptional resilience, acrylic is suitable for a range of temperatures and exhibits better weather resistance compared to glass and other types of plastic. In the event of an impact, it won't shatter; if it does break, it fractures into large, dull-edged pieces, a crucial safety feature for applications such as shower doors, plexiglass windows, sliding doors, and enclosures for hockey rinks and sports fields.


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Acrylic is Highly Transparent

Acrylic plastic retains its clarity as it ages, showing minimal yellow tinting, a vital characteristic for items exposed to sunlight. With greater fade resistance than other plastics, acrylic offers light transmittance on par with glass, thus lending the same pleasing aesthetic for long-term reliability. This makes it ideal for uses like plexiglass windows, automotive screens, computers, eyeglasses, tanks, and more.

Acrylic is Low Maintenance

Acrylic is relatively easy to maintain, with some guidelines for care and cleaning. To clean minor blemishes and dirt, it's recommended to use a damp microfiber cloth and blot the surface. It's essential to ensure that any particles and debris are thoroughly removed from your cleaning cloth, as rough dirt can scratch the surface further. The gentler your approach, the better the outcome. Avoid rough paper towels as they won't eliminate scratches and may inadvertently cause them. It's also wise to steer clear of ammonia-based products, like Windex or typical glass cleaners, as they contain harsh chemicals that can leave the surface looking cloudy. The safest and easiest method for cleaning acrylic is to use soapy water or Novus products, which will keep your acrylic looking polished and new with minimal effort.

Acrylic Advantages and Disadvantages - Plastic Sheets Shop

Advantage: Twice as Light as Glass

Acrylic sheet, or plexiglass, is half the weight of standard glass, making it particularly useful for applications like hanging an acrylic barn door.

For more details, please visit Acrylic Polymer.

Advantage: Cost-Effective

Acrylic sheets are a budget-friendly alternative to traditional glass. Not only are they less expensive, but they are also easier to cut to size. At Plasticsheetshop.co.uk, we offer free cutting services to tailor your needs.

Advantage: Simplified Processing

Standard glass can be prone to breakage during processing, but acrylic sheets present no such issue. Plexiglass or clear acrylic allows for extensive processing options including sawing, milling, drilling, engraving, gluing, polishing, and heating for bending.

Tip: Why not try creating a DIY Plexiglass memo board? You can use a whiteboard marker to jot down your to-do or shopping lists and even attach a photo for family organization.

Advantage: Durability

Acrylic sheets are exceptionally durable and resistant to weathering and discoloration. With regular maintenance, they can retain their appearance for years. Plexiglass provides thermal efficiency levels comparable to standard glass and offers UV as well as moisture resistance, making it ideal for exterior applications.

Advantage: High Light Transmission

Clear acrylic allows for higher light transmission than standard glass, permitting 92% of available light to pass through. Even in thicker sheets, it continues to outshine glass in terms of light passing capability. If you require sunlight protection or prefer privacy, tinted or matte acrylic options are available.

Advantage: Safety Features

Plexiglass is an excellent choice in safety-sensitive situations due to its superior shatter resistance, being 30 times stronger than glass. This attribute makes acrylic sheets ideal for applications such as balcony enclosures and aquariums.

Disadvantage: Susceptibility to Scratches

A drawback of plexiglass is its tendency to scratch more easily than traditional glass, necessitating careful maintenance and cleaning. You can find tips for cleaning acrylic sheets in our blog post: How to clean acrylic.

Disadvantage: Limited Heat Resistance

Acrylic sheets should not be used for safety-critical applications like train and bus windows due to their lower heat resistance. For high-temperature alternatives to standard glass, clear polycarbonate is recommended.

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Additional Blogs You May Find Interesting

  • Acrylic Properties
  • What Are Acrylic Sheets?
  • How to Clean Acrylic
  • The Difference Between Acrylic and Plexiglass

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