Is Plexiglass The Same As Acrylic?

Introduction

Plexiglass and acrylic are materials that are commonly used in various applications. They are often confused with each other, and people use these terms interchangeably. However, plexiglass and acrylic are not the same, although they share some similarities. In this article, we will discuss plexiglass and acrylic, their differences, and their applications.

What is Plexiglass?

Plexiglass is a trademark for a type of acrylic sheet that is made by the company, Rohm & Haas. However, over time, the term "plexiglass" became a generic term used to refer to any type of acrylic sheet. Plexiglass is a transparent thermoplastic that is lightweight and shatter-resistant. It is also resistant to UV rays, which makes it ideal for outdoor use. Plexiglass is also highly flexible, making it easy to shape and mold into various forms.

What is Acrylic?

Acrylic, on the other hand, refers to a group of synthetic materials that are derived from acrylic acid. There are two types of acrylic: polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN). PMMA is the most commonly used type of acrylic, and it is used to make products such as plexiglass. Acrylic is also known for its transparency, lightweight, and shatter-resistant properties. Like plexiglass, it is resistant to UV rays and is easy to mold into different shapes.

Difference between Plexiglass and Acrylic

The main difference between plexiglass and acrylic is that plexiglass is a trademarked product name, while acrylic is a generic term used to refer to a group of synthetic materials. However, there are other differences between these materials.

Composition

Plexiglass is made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which is a type of thermoplastic. Acrylic, on the other hand, refers to a group of synthetic materials that are derived from acrylic acid. PMMA is also a type of acrylic, but it is not the only type.

Clarity

Both plexiglass and acrylic are known for their clarity. However, plexiglass is known to be clearer and more transparent than acrylic. This is because plexiglass is often manufactured using a casting process, which results in a glass-like appearance. Acrylic, on the other hand, is often extruded, which can create micro-cracks that can reduce its clarity.

Durability

Plexiglass is more durable and shatter-resistant than acrylic. It is more resistant to impact and scratches. Plexiglass also has a higher tensile strength than acrylic, which means it can withstand more stress before breaking. This makes plexiglass ideal for outdoor use, where it is exposed to harsh weather conditions.

Applications

Plexiglass and acrylic are used in a variety of applications. Some of the most common applications for plexiglass include:

- Signage and displays
- Gaming machines
- Thermoformed parts
- Aircraft canopies
- Bullet-resistant windows
- Aquariums and fish tanks

Acrylic, on the other hand, is used in a variety of applications, including:

- Paints and coatings
- Adhesives
- Medical implants
- Automotive parts
- Lighting

Conclusion

In conclusion, plexiglass and acrylic are two different materials with distinct properties and applications. Plexiglass is a trademarked name for a type of acrylic sheet that is known for its clarity and durability. Acrylic, on the other hand, is a group of synthetic materials that includes PMMA and PAN. While both materials are transparent, lightweight, and shatter-resistant, plexiglass is clearer and more durable than acrylic. Knowing the difference between these materials will help you choose the right material for your application.