Which Is More Expensive Acrylic Or Plexiglass?
Jan 06, 2024
Introduction
Have you ever wondered about the difference in pricing between acrylic and plexiglass? Are you planning to use either of them for your project but are unsure which one to choose? In this article, we will discuss the differences between acrylic and plexiglass, their properties, and the factors that affect their pricing. By the end of this article, you''ll be able to make an informed decision and select the appropriate material for your project.
What is Acrylic?
Acrylic, also known as Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), is a synthetic thermoplastic material that is commonly used in place of glass because of its clarity, light weight, and shatter resistance. It has a higher tensile strength than glass and can be molded into a vast range of shapes.
Acrylic is used in a variety of applications, including aquariums, automobile displays, lighting fixtures, and protective barriers. Acrylic is also used in various medical applications, including dental molds and prosthetic devices.
What is Plexiglass?
Plexiglass, on the other hand, is a registered trademark of a branded acrylic product made by the company, Evonik Industries AG. Though the term ''plexiglass'' is often used interchangeably with acrylic, it is a type of acrylic. Other brands or types of acrylic sheets are available that have properties that are different from Plexiglass.
Plexiglass is known for its high impact resistance, making it an ideal choice where safety is paramount. This material sees common use in applications such as aquariums, aircraft canopies, and basketball backboards.
Properties of Acrylic
Acrylic has a range of properties that make it ideal for a diverse array of applications. These include:
- Clarity: Acrylic has high optical clarity, which means that it can transmit up to 92% of visible light.
- Lightweight: Acrylic is lighter than glass, which makes it easy to handle and install.
- Chemical Resistance: Acrylic is resistant to many chemicals, which is why it is often used in laboratories.
- Weather Resistance: Acrylic can withstand changes in temperature and is resistant to UV radiation.
- Shatter Resistant: Acrylic is shatter-resistant, making it an ideal choice for use in areas where safety is a prime concern.
Properties of Plexiglass
Plexiglass has similar properties to acrylic, but it also has some unique features. These include:
- Impact Resistance: Plexiglass is resistant to impact, making it suitable for outdoor applications with a high risk of breakage.
- UV Resistance: Plexiglass is resistant to UV radiation, which means that it doesn''t turn yellow over time.
- Flame Retardant: Plexiglass is flame retardant and self-extinguishing.
- Low Moisture Absorption: Plexiglass absorbs moisture at a lower rate than some other types of plastic, which makes it a good material choice in humid environments.
Factors Affecting Price
The price of acrylic and plexiglass varies depending on various factors, which include:
- Color: Clear sheets of acrylic and plexiglass are cheaper than colored ones.
- Size: Larger sheets of acrylic and plexiglass cost more than smaller ones.
- Thickness: The thicker the sheet, the more expensive it is.
- Brand: As mentioned before, Plexiglass is a branded type of acrylic and is often more expensive than other types of acrylic.
- Type of Application: Acrylic and plexiglass that need to meet stringent requirements for health, safety, or other reasons may be more expensive than standard materials.
- Customization: Acrylic and plexiglass can be cut, drilled, and shaped to meet specific needs. Customized orders may cost more.
Which is More Expensive: Acrylic or Plexiglass?
The price of acrylic and plexiglass varies depending on the factors discussed above. In general, Plexiglass is more expensive than standard acrylic because of its high impact resistance, UV resistance, and flame retardant properties.
For example, a 24''''x48''''x1/4'''' clear sheet of acrylic from Home Depot costs around $30, while a 24''''x48''''x1/4'''' clear sheet of Plexiglass from the same store costs around $60.
Plexiglass can also cost more when it is customized or when it is required to meet specific safety requirements. In such cases, the price of Plexiglass may be significantly higher than that of acrylic.
Conclusion
Acrylic and Plexiglass are both versatile materials with a variety of useful properties. They are used in a broad range of applications, including protective barriers, aquariums, and medical devices. The primary differences between acrylic and plexiglass are their unique properties, which affect their price points.
In general, Plexiglass is more expensive than acrylic because it has high impact resistance, UV resistance, and flame retardant properties. However, price variations can occur due to factors such as color, size, thickness, type of application, customization, and brand.
When deciding between acrylic and plexiglass, choose the one that is best suited to your project and budget. Consider factors such as safety, clarity, impact resistance, and cost. A careful evaluation of these factors will help you make an informed decision, ensuring that you choose the right material for your application.