Advantages and Disadvantages of Acrylic Sheets

Acrylic sheet is a great alternative to traditional glass in many ways. This versatile type of plastic has many applications, and it is also much cheaper than standard glass. Acrylic Sheet Suppliers take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of using acrylic compared to traditional glass, in the hope that it will help:

Acrylic Sheet

Advantage: 30 times stronger than glass

This may sound surprising, but molded acrylic sheets are actually 30 times stronger than standard glass. This is because acrylic sheets are a form of plastic and offer greater flexibility. When molded acrylic is worked, there is only a small risk of it breaking.

Advantage: 2 times lighter than glass

Acrylic sheet or plexiglass is twice the weight of standard glass, a feature that comes in handy when you want to use it for applications such as hanging acrylic barn doors.

Advantage: Acrylic sheet is cheaper

Acrylic sheet is also recommended for those who want to save money for themselves. Not only is acrylic much cheaper than standard glass, but it is also much easier to cut to size.

Advantage: Easier processing

Ordinary glass has a high risk of breakage when processing, but with Acrylic Sheets there is no problem. Plexiglass or clear acrylic offers almost unlimited options for processing. You can saw, mill, drill, carve, glue, polish and bend these sheets.

Advantage: Plexiglass is durable

Acrylic board is very durable and will not weather or discolor. As long as you maintain it regularly, it will keep looking great for years. Plexiglass has the same level of thermal efficiency as standard glass. It is also UV and moisture resistant, which is why acrylic sheet is perfect for exterior applications.

Advantage: It lets more light through

Clear acrylic has a higher light transmission than standard glass: it lets through 92% of the light. Even with thicker sheets, it still lets more light through than glass. If you need some sunlight protection or need privacy, choose tinted or matte acrylic.

Advantage: Acrylic is safer than glass

Plexiglas is ideal for applications where safety is a concern, as it is much more difficult to break. It is also 30 times stronger than glass. This is why acrylic panels are often used for balcony glass or aquariums.

Disadvantage: Acrylic sheets are more sensitive to scratches

One of the disadvantages of plexiglass is that it scratches more easily than standard glass, so you have to maintain and clean it properly. To learn how to do this, read our blog with tips for cleaning acrylic sheets. How to clean acrylic.

Disadvantage: acrylic is not resistant to high temperatures

Acrylic sheets should never be used in security areas such as windows of trains and buses. This is because acrylic sheets are not resistant to high temperatures. If you need an alternative to standard glass that can withstand high temperatures, choose clear polycarbonate.

We also offer clear acrylic sheets and Mirror Acrylic Sheets, please feel free to contact us if you need them.