Acrylic plastic is one of the world’s oldest synthetic materials available. If you aren’t familiar with the plastic, it’s a common material that is often referred to as Plexiglass. Popularly used in a variety of different applications across industries including point-of-purchase displays, windows, signage, picture frames, furniture, aquariums, DIY projects, and more—this synthetic polymer is a versatile material with distinct advantages.
Key Takeaways
- It is easy to fabricate and shape, allowing it to be molded, machined, drilled, or sawed into virtually any design at a low cost.
- It is 50% lighter than glass yet up to 10 times stronger, offering durability, impact resistance, and enhanced safety in applications such as windows, enclosures, and doors.
- This plastic maintains high transparency over time without yellowing, making it ideal for sunlight-exposed uses like windows, displays, tanks, and screens.
- The material is fade-resistant and weather-resistant, providing long-term clarity and reliability across a wide range of environments.
- Acrylic is simple to clean and maintain using gentle methods like soapy water or specialty cleaners, helping it stay polished and clear with minimal effort.
Acrylic is:
- Easy to Fabricate
- Easy to Shape
- Lighter than Glass
- Stronger than Glass
- Highly Transparent
- Easy to Clean
- Easy to Maintain
While acrylic certainly has a number of advantages, we’ve highlighted four of the main ones below:
Acrylic is Easy to Fabricate and Shape
When heated, acrylic becomes malleable and can be molded into various shapes. Once cooled, it retains its form and can be machined, drilled, or sawed like wood. Wood or plastic molds are often used, offering a cost-effective solution for manufacturers. Because it is a thermoplastic and softens under high temperatures, it can be formed into virtually any shape.
Acrylic is 50% Lighter than Glass, but Much Stronger
One of the greatest advantages of using it in place of glass is that it’s more durable than glass. Whether fabricated in cast or extruded forms, acrylic is less expensive while remaining 10 times more impact-resistant than glass. Due to its incredible durability, acrylic withstands broad temperature ranges and has superior weather resistance compared to glass and other forms of plastic. Under high impact, acrylic will not shatter and if it does break, it fractures into large, dull-edged pieces. This is an important safety feature for applications such as shower doors, plexiglass windows, sliding doors, and enclosures built for hockey rinks and ball fields.
Acrylic is Highly Transparent
Acrylic plastic remains transparent as it gets older without excessive yellow tinting. This is extremely important for applications in direct sunlight. More fade-resistant than other plastics, acrylic plastic’s light transmittance is equal to glass while providing the same aesthetic appearance for a more reliable, long-term result. This makes it perfect for applications such as plexiglass windows, automotive screens, computers, eyeglasses, tanks, and more.
Easy to Maintain
While there are some rules surrounding acrylic care and cleaning, it’s an easy material to maintain. To clean acrylic with minor dirt or blemishes, use a wet microfiber cloth and gently blot the surface. Make sure the cloth is free of grit, as rubbing particles can scratch the acrylic. Avoid rough paper towels and ammonia-based cleaners like Windex, which can damage or cloud the surface. The safest and easiest way to keep it looking polished is with soapy water or Novus products.
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