Acrylic, if you are not aware of, is a form of plastic thin and durable, most popularly used for its nature of being transparent and strong. It replaces glass in most usage scenarios and is also used in new ways due to its versatile moulding nature. Here is why Acrylic Perspex Sheet is found in most cases where the glass was formerly used.
Advantages of Acrylic Sheets
- Strength
One of the main reasons for acrylic sheets to rise in the popularity against glass is its durability of a material compared to glass. Acrylic sheets can take a lot of pressure and beating that glass can’t even match. For instance, a baseball thrown from a short distance can easily shatter a glass whereas it is a way difficult to break an acrylic window sheet, especially cell cast acrylics. Having a 1-inch thick acrylic sheet makes up for bulletproofing found in VIP cars and so on.
- Shaping and Styling
Probably, the most important advantage, or can be said as a feature of acrylic plastic is the incredible possibilities of moulding it in different shapes, colours, transparency, and finishes. It is used in the most innovative places only because of this reason. Glassware, prestigious and stunning looking trophies and many other utilities of acrylic can be seen in daily use. Glasses too can be moulded to many common forms, but acrylic can do everything like a glass and a few more. Sheets Plastic is a UK-based company offering excellent customer requested designs of acrylic sheets to check for you.
- Transparency
Maximum 92% of transparency is obtained with quality manufacturing, which is no less than glass. In fact, it is clearly advantageous compared to glass for two reasons. First, it does not gain a green tint as the thick glasses carry and second, it does not get yellow or fade with time or even continuous exposure to sunlight.
- Heat Resistant
Heat resistance is another factor for acrylic plastic sheets to be used widely. Using a normal plastic sheet can cause them to stiffen and break within a few years. However, acrylic sheets can last a few decades before they need replacement. They have a minor expansion index making it better for tight fitting and sealing.
- Lightweight
An acrylic sheet is half the weight to a glass of same size and volume. Weight is the deciding factor when it comes to large installations. Consider using it on the face of a building, when acrylic is chosen as the total weight, the framework has to hold on is very least, which makes it more reliable and easier to build.
- Can be Cut
Unlike glass, the acrylic sheet can be cut using a knife or saw. So, buying and using a generic sheet of acrylic plastic is fairly easier than dealing with glass.
- Reusable
The ultimate upside of any plastic material is reusability, and acrylics too stand by it. Manufacturers can reuse acrylic sheets to any form like plates and utensils even after the decades of usage with the same strength and quality of the material. However, the process is a bit complicated but serves the purpose.
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Disadvantages of Acrylic Sheets
Cracking with age and scratching are considered disadvantages of acrylic sheets, which is not merely true. Only cheap plastic tends to turn yellow and crack over time with continued exposure to the sun. Buying from an established manufacturer like Sheets Plastics, UK will assure good-quality acrylic sheets that will last at least a few decades. Scratch resistance is high and not scratchable unless intentionally did with sharp objects, which too can be buffed out easily.
- Cost
Cost is subjective to personal opinion and the place of use of acrylic sheets because its extruded manufacturing can cost little less or equal to the glass. Hence, it is not considered as a disadvantage. However, cast mould clear acrylic sheets cost a lot more than their counter options, which is a bummer. The advantages like specific moulding, printing and additional strength to the material will talk for the asking price.
- Flammable
The biggest disadvantage and the only one that matters is the flammable nature of the acrylic sheets. They have a maximum temperature resistance around 160 degrees Celsius, which is quite lesser than glass. Exposing to fire or very high temperature will set acrylic sheets on fire and worse part of all is they give out toxic gases as residue. So, do not use it along the fireplace. Rather install a fire-safety system where acrylic sheets are used in windows is recommended.
Final Thoughts
Like every material, the acrylic sheet does have its share of advantages and disadvantages. However, its positives clearly outweigh the negatives and blow the competition out of the water. Acrylic sheets are the most value for money products now for any kind of project in the industry.
