An Acrylic Sheet can be defined as a type of material that is produced using a polymerization process frequently referred to as casting. Acrylic sheet also known as Plexiglas is a versatile and robust transparent thermoplastic material that is widely used in today’s world. It is cost effective and has the properties of glass such as shatter proof and near zero transparency.
What is the Material that is Used in Making Acrylic Sheet?
Acrylic sheets are known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) polymer material. The methyl methacrylate monomer is then polymerized to produce the sheets with the name PMMA which provides the sheets with plastic look and transparency.
Types of Acrylic Sheets
There are two basic types of acrylic sheets:There are two basic types of acrylic sheets:
- Extruded Acrylic Sheet – Price is less as compared to cast acrylic sheet, they are softer in nature and easier in thermoforming process. Used for low-stress applications.
- Cast Acrylic Sheet – High price, and high hardness as well as high rigidity. Used for demanding applications.
There are also continuous cast and cell cast cast acrylic sheet types.
Acrylic Sheet Grades
Acrylic sheets come in variety of grades that determine their properties:
- General Purpose Grade – This has a good flexibility and weather resistance as applicable for sign boards, displays etc.
- High Transparency Grade – It can be classified as 0% haze and 92% light transmission.
- Ultra Impact Resistant Grade – Highly resistant to impact and breakage perfect for applications in areas where there is heavy traffic.
- Ultra Weather Resistant Grade: Superior protection against the sun, rain/snow and climates.
- Sound Dampening Grade – Sound absorption for machines, covers, barriers, etc.
- Insulation Grade – As a single layer, DGPS has better insulation compared to other parts of the house like the skylights or refrigerator doors, etc.
Acrylic Sheet Properties
Acrylic possesses following exceptional properties:
- Optical Clarity – Literally, it means that it is as clear as a glass and has the capacity to transmit as much as 93% of light.
- UV and Weather Resistance – for materials to be 100% UV protection, and be highly durable.
- Lightweight – Product weighs half of glass sheet, which can be easily transported to the location and installed.
- Impact Strength – Glass products have break resistance 10-20 time of their own weight.
- Stiffness and dimensional stability – These are other properties that are identified to represent rigidity.
- Its easy machinability and fabrication – It can be easily cut, drilled, bent, glued and joined.
- Thermal Insulation – For heat flow preventing material suitable for skylights and windows.
- Screen and Machine Covers – Acoustic screens, sound booth for speakers, soundproof boxes.
- Color Flexibility – Can be found in wide range of colors, textures and designs.
Acrylic Sheet vs Glass
Compared to glass, acrylic sheet offers following advantages:
- Higher Work Capacity – It is more resistant to impacts than glass, which does not crack or break upon striking a hard surface.
- Lighter Weight – As low as one-half the weight of glass for ease in transportation.
- Less Expensive – Cost less than glass bucks per area, or per sheet.
- UV Resistance – It is 100% UV resistant thus preventing damage to the material or items put inside it.
- Designs – Endless variety of color choices in the cake, frosting and even the pattern.
“In a nutshell, acrylic provides enhanced durability and safety and offers a greater variety of options for unique designs when compared to glass.”
Acrylic Sheet Applications
Given its versatility, acrylic sheet is used in numerous interior and exterior applications:
- Windows and Skylights
- Fitted Cases, Shop Fronts, and Showcases
- Tabletops and Furniture, Art and Other
- Design for Partition Walls, Door Panels and Screens
- Protective Guards and Barriers
- Some of the horticultural structures include aquariums, terrariums, and greenhouses.
- You have already seen nameplates, awards, and trophies in your lifetime, you may even have some yourself.
- Stage Sets, Photographs and Wall Art
Acrylic Sheet Suppliers
These sheets are purchased through special plastics vendors and fabricators in the specialty acrylic products. There are many online stores that sell acrylic sheets and cut it into sizes along with add-on machining services such as polish edges, drill holes, laser cutting, etc.
Wholesale Acrylic Sheet
Acrylic sheets are generally bought through bulk by various users like sign makers, glaziers, installers, OEMs and other various parties. Special offers include bulk discounts on full sheet, half sheet, and quarter sheet volumes.
Custom fabrication in wholesale orders involves:Custom fabrication in wholesale orders involves:
- In this case, the type of glass can be produced in any size and thickness of the buyer’s choice.
- Edge Polishing and Beveling
- It is defined as the act of making a series of holes or apertures in an object so as to create spaces that would allow for the passage of other materials.
- Laser Cutting & Engraving
- It involves formulation of products; folding and bending.
Acrylic Sheet Prices
The price of Acrylic sheets depends on many factors such as type, size, thickness and how it is processed. In general, price per square foot is:In general, price per square foot is:
- Extruded Acrylic: We are talking about $20-$60.
- Cast Acrylic: It is common for users to spend between $50 and $100.
- 1/8″ Thickness: Ranging from $20 to $30
- 1⁄4” Thickness: The cost of grocery delivery may range between $30 to $50.
Fabricating and machining also raises the sheet prices by between 20% and 100% for the more complicated projects.
Acrylic Sheet Thickness
The common thickness of a sheet varies from 1/16 for furniture glazing to 3⁄4 for bullet proof shielding. Typical thicknesses are:
- 1/16” – Min. for handling
- Lighting levels A “1/8” – Wall panels, small cases.
- 1⁄4” – Posters, billboards, banners, packages
- 1⁄2″ – Above tables, doors, barriers
- 3⁄4” — Aquariums, security glazing
Acrylic Sheet Sustainability
Acrylic sustainability merits include:
- Energy Efficiency -On one hand it improves indoor lighting and on the other, it minimizes heating and cooling losses.
- Compostable and Biodegradable –Acrylic waste can be fully recycle and reused.
- Long Product Lifespan – Residential structures have long spans and are built to last fifty to one hundred years.
- Lower Maintenance – Can be washed or otherwise maintained in a way which will not tarnish the look or aesthetic of the product.
Therefore we can conclude that acrylic is a more environmentally friendly glazing solution for the new constructions of the contemporary architecture and interior design.
In conclusion, acrylic sheet is a clear plastic that has the qualities of glass including: optical clarity, strength, and the ability to be formed to many designs and is recyclable. Types are: Extruded/cast sheets: General purpose to high impact resistance. Acrylic is suitable for use in window, display, furniture, barrier in both home and office. Current leading producers of acrylic sheets offer both regular stock sizes and cut-to-size fabricated sheets depending on the project requirement.
