Is Plexiglass Any Different From Acrylic?
Plexiglass is often used as a synonymous term for describing acrylic plastic sheets. However, there are certain subtle differences between the brand name and the material itself, which can be essential when considered with regards to their application. The foremost distinction is that they are produced using separate methods.
Plexiglass :
Plexiglass is a trademark of cell cast acrylic having very few impurities like embedded marks or tiny ripples. The expenses of the plastic fabrication process used in production of Plexiglass are significantly high, a fact that is quite evident from the high costs of Plexiglass products.
Acrylic :
Acrylic is generally manufactured using one of two primary methods. That is why the material is either cell cast or extruded. Though the former is cheaper than the latter, it has two drawbacks. Extruded PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) is softer and therefore, more vulnerable to abrasions. In addition to that, it can also have impurities present within its surface. This is perhaps one of the main reasons why cell cast PMMA is used for making a wide range of items like acrylic cosmetic displays, retail signs, plinths, etc.
Fabrication Distinctions :
After their manufacturing process, the next most critical difference between Plexiglass and regular acrylic is their surface hardness. The softness of regular or extruded acrylic allows it be glued easily. However, the material being soft tends to chip or crack when cut or drilled through. On the other hand, Plexiglass is fabricated to be tough and therefore, less susceptible to form cracks or chips. Besides that, it also has higher resistance to chemicals, especially the ones used to glue the material together.
Discolouration & Fading :
Both acrylic as well as Plexiglass are provided with a warranty of about 10 years, which covers discolouration and fading. However, it does not mean that a PMMA based product will last for an entire decade. Exposure to a saline environment, such as that near sea beaches, can make signs of discolouration appear sooner. Ammonia and alcohol are also capable of quickening the process of colour fading in PMMA products. But Plexiglass is somewhat less vulnerable to them because of its hard surface.
While buying acrylic, the most confusing issue that one has to face is the various PMMA brands existing in the plastic industry. Asking for Plexiglass at a shop may not always guarantee that the buyer will get exactly what he or she wants. It is important to understand the main differences between regular acrylic and Plexiglass so that one knows how to verify whether they are buying the right material or not.
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