What Is Perspex Called in USA?

Introduction

When it comes to plastic sheets, Perspex is one of the most popular and widely-used materials on the market. It is widely used in a variety of applications such as signage, display stands, lighting, aquariums, and even aircraft windows. However, what many people might not know is that Perspex goes by a different name in the United States. In this article, we will explore what Perspex is called in the USA and delve deeper into its properties, uses, and benefits.

What is Perspex?

Perspex is a brand name for a type of acrylic plastic. It is a lightweight, strong, and durable material that comes in various thicknesses, colors, and finishes. Perspex is known for its excellent clarity and transparency, making it ideal for use in applications where optical clarity is essential. It is also easy to shape and bend, making it versatile for numerous applications.

Perspex is made from a thermoplastic polymer called polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or simply acrylic. The manufacturing process involves polymerizing the acrylic monomer into a solid sheet through a reaction with initiators, catalysts, and heat. The resulting sheet is then cut, shaped, and finished to the desired dimensions.

What is Perspex Called in USA?

In the United States, Perspex goes by the name Plexiglas or Acrylite. Both terms are brand names for acrylic plastic produced by different companies. Plexiglas is a trademark of Arkema, a French chemical company, while Acrylite is a trademark of Evonik Industries, a German chemical company.

The main difference between Perspex and Plexiglas or Acrylite is that they are produced by different manufacturers and may have slightly different properties, such as light transmission and weather resistance. However, they all share similar characteristics and applications.

Properties and Uses of Perspex, Plexiglas, and Acrylite

All these acrylic plastics have excellent optical clarity, impact resistance, and weatherability. They are also lightweight, shatter-resistant, and easy to form and fabricate. They can be cut, drilled, machined, glued, and bent without cracking or warping.

Acrylic plastics are widely used in a variety of applications, including:

- Signage: Acrylic is a popular material for making signs, logos, and displays. It can be laser cut or routered to produce intricate shapes and designs. It is also easy to print, paint, or apply vinyl graphics to.
- Lighting: Acrylic is used to make light diffusers, lenses, and LED panels. It can be frosted, textured, or colored to achieve different effects. It is also resistant to UV rays and does not degrade under heat or light exposure.
- Glazing: Acrylic is a substitute for glass in many applications, such as windows, skylights, and greenhouse panels. It is lighter than glass, less prone to breakage, and has better insulation properties. It is also easier to install and transport.
- Art and design: Acrylic is a favored medium for artists, architects, and designers due to its versatility, clarity, and color options. It can be used to make sculptures, furniture, jewelry, and other decorative objects.
- Industrial: Acrylic is used in various industrial applications, such as machine guards, safety shields, and chemical tanks. It is resistant to chemicals, abrasion, and impact, and can withstand high temperatures.

Benefits of Using Perspex, Plexiglas, and Acrylite

The benefits of using acrylic plastics over other materials are numerous, including:

- Cost-effective: Acrylic is more affordable than glass, polycarbonate, or other plastics. It offers excellent value for money, especially for large-scale or customized projects.
- Safety: Acrylic is shatter-resistant, reducing the risk of injury from broken glass or other brittle materials. It is also less likely to crack or chip under stress.
- Clarity: Acrylic has excellent optical properties, approaching optical clarity equal to glass while providing up to 17 times the impact resistance. It is also available in a variety of tints, colors, and finishes, providing versatility and creativity.
- Lightweight: Acrylic is much lighter than glass, weighing only half as much as glass, making it easy to handle, transport, and install.
- Weather-resistant: Acrylic has excellent resistance to weathering from sunlight, rain, snow, or wind. It does not yellow or fade due to exposure to UV rays. Plus, it is much less prone to thermal expansion and contraction, making it a popular material for outdoor applications.
- Customizable: Acrylic is available in many colors, dimensions, and thicknesses, making it easy to customize to a specific project.

Conclusion

In summary, Perspex is a brand name for PMMA or acrylic plastic, known for its clarity, versatility, and durability. In the US, Perspex goes by the names of Plexiglas or Acrylite, both of which offer similar properties and applications. Acrylic plastics are widely used in many industries, including signage, lighting, glazing, art, and design, and industrial. Acrylic plastics also offer numerous benefits over other materials, such as cost-effectiveness, safety, clarity, lightweight, weather resistance, and customization. When selecting a plastic material for a project, considering acrylic plastic should always be at the top of the list due to its versatility and cost-effective solutions.