One of the most versatile materials in the plastic world is acrylic and thus, it is used in a wide range of applications. Acrylic is utilised to make a number of household items like shower doors, plastic displays, shelves, coffee tables and mugs and the list goes on. Basically, it is considered to be the next version of glass which has a clear surface similar to its predecessor, but it much stronger and more shatter-resistant.
Acrylic is considered to be a great alternative to glass and can be used for manufacturing items of everyday usage that do not break even if accidentally dropped. The transparency rate of acrylic is approximately 93 percent. If you inspect carefully, you will observe a green tint on a thick glass sheet, whereas in case of acrylic sheets, they retain their transparency despite the thickness. Apart from the transparency, acrylic are also available in various popular brands, among which Perspex is a common one and used to make different items through the process of perspex fabrication. There are even coloured, mirrored and frosted acrylic sheets available. These sheets are better than glass in the aspect of insulation. Modern drafters prefer acrylic plates on the windows of garages and sheds. This is due to their ability to hold the cool air inside and thus, reduce energy bills.
Common forms of acrylic
The two common forms of acrylic are cast and extruded. They look similar to each other but can be differentiated through close inspection. Knowing these differences is important as this will let you understand which format is perfect for your requirements. Extruded acrylic is more popular than its casted counterpart. Many fabricators go for extruded variants mainly due their affordability. The sheets are manufactured with the help of a continuous process of production. On the contrary, cast sheets are manufactured from polymethyl methacrylate monomer liquid that is pumped into a mould. The mould is then dipped into warm water for the polymerization process.
Commonly used material for indoor and outdoor
Extruded sheets are popularly used in making aquariums and lighting fixtures because of their superb optical clarity. They are also used as panels in greenhouses and signage for various businesses. They are used outdoors as well because they have the ability to resist ultra violet rays and harmful chemicals to serve more in the long run.
If taken proper care, perspex sheets can look good for years no matter what application they are used in.
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