What is the difference between acrylic glass and plexiglass

Plexiglass sheet is a form of acrylic plastic that starts out with the consistency of liquid and then turns into a durable plastic. Due to its durability, flexibility and stability, acrylic sheet is one of the best glass substitutes.

Over the years, the use of high quality acrylic has increased throughout the world. Originally used to make windows for submarines and automobiles, acrylic sheets today have many alternative uses (including construction, design, and even photography).

Durable plastic is versatile, economical and a real alternative to glass. Below are some of the pros and cons of using acrylic plexiglass sheets.

Areas of application

Glazing is not the only application of the material, which can be transparent and colored and has the necessary characteristics. Plexiglas can be used:

• for the creation of billboards, exhibition exhibits, decorative finishing of residential and public premises;
• a variety of colors and high performance qualities make it possible to use it for the manufacture of home furniture and attributes needed in retail establishments and cafes;
• sheets of acrylic plastic are often used to produce cladding parts for building facades;
• synthetic glass is used to make a variety of household and decorative containers, ecosystems for growing plants and keeping fish, illuminated floors, roofs, lamp shades, bathtubs;
• plexiglass is relevant for making jewelry - it produces excellent amber, almost indistinguishable from the real thing;
• in the field of ophthalmology, the product is used to create lenses that replace the lens of the eye when it becomes cloudy; in dentistry, it is used to make fillings and implants.

Decorative elements from these products are voluminous and bright; they can be decorated with engraving, gilding and silver due to the ease of processing. In the interior, plexiglass materials are used to construct original interior and zonal partitions and partitions; they are used to create spectacular shelves and racks, door and wall stained-glass windows and panels, and steps of internal stairs. Transparent interior accessories are no less attractive; their areas of application are facade decorations, furniture glazing, store display design, and floor coverings.

Designers like to use cast and extruded acrylic blanks of various sizes in their bold experiments to create an extraordinary style in apartments and private homes. Plastic products help to design windows in a non-standard way, create interesting mosaics in the kitchen and bathroom, and use plexiglass to make countertops from painted materials with a textured surface. Cast plastic glass allows you to decorate residential buildings and city buildings, create a spectacular home interior and make it unique.

To learn how to quickly and accurately cut plexiglass, watch the following video.

Optiwhite glass for interiors and more

This is completely transparent glass, devoid of shades. Particular transparency is achieved through the use of special production technology. The composition contains a minimal amount of iron impurities. Optiwhite is usually used for the manufacture of display cases, shelving, exhibition equipment, facades, doors, partitions, aquariums, etc. Crystal transparent and almost invisible material is ideal for focusing attention on the things behind the glass without drawing attention to other details. For such qualities it is called translucent or colorless glass.

Types of plexiglass

Many people, when choosing acrylic or a material such as plexiglass, ask the question - what is the difference, which is better? In fact, the difference is not significant. There are commonly used terms that mean the same material, namely this:

1. Polymethyl methacrylate.
2. Organic glass, or as it is often called, plexiglass The material is very similar to silicate glass, but has characteristics many times better.
3. Acrylic glass or acrylic. The material is made using organic components.
4. Plexiglas is one of the varieties of plexiglass. When choosing plexiglass or acrylic, you are making a choice, essentially, between the same materials, but you should focus on the purpose and conditions of use of the finished product, since there are varieties of plexiglass with different parameters.

Acrylic glass is produced using two main technologies, namely:

• Extrusion method;
• Casting method.

When manufactured using the first technology, the material turns out to be less durable than when using the second method.

In this case, fewer color options are available, but the finished sheet size can be much larger. Also, due to certain manipulations, the master has the opportunity to make a finished sheet of plexiglass of the required thickness, ranging from 1.5 to 24 mm, but cast plexiglass can be of greater thickness. Cast acrylic is less easy to process, especially when it comes to gluing; this should definitely be taken into account when working with this material at home.

There are many varieties of acrylic on the market, which opens up wide opportunities for designers who are increasingly using this material in their projects. The following varieties can be distinguished:

• Grandsilk. This material is made with a surface that imitates metallic. You can find about 40 varieties of color solutions. Most often used in furniture production.
• Kamellit and Shine Glass. This type of plexiglass has a glossy surface. Among the features, it is worth highlighting the high degree of resistance to water. The material can be easily polished. It does not lose its color saturation over many years. Most often used in the manufacture of kitchen furniture.
• Satin Glass. A type of acrylic with a matte surface. When used, no touch marks or scratches remain on the surface. It is most often used in furniture production, in the manufacture of chairs and interior partitions. Decorative elements made from this material are very popular.
• Element Glass. This is one of the most unusual types of acrylic. The difference is that various materials are “fused” into the base; they can be of either natural or artificial origin. These are shells, dried twigs, pebbles or even fabric. The scope of application of this plexiglass is quite diverse, because the material is unusual and simply looks gorgeous.
• Plexiglas SDP. A type of cellular plexiglass. Consists of two layers. Among the characteristics, it is worth noting increased impact resistance, as well as resistance to atmospheric influences, therefore, this is an excellent choice for outdoor use.
• Frizzz. This is a very interesting and beautiful type of acrylic. The material is matte and has a velvety structure. Among the characteristics is increased resistance to scratches and dirt. Area of ​​use: window dressing, office furniture production, light cubes.
• Plexiglas with fluorescent effect. This material is made transparent, but in various colors. Its ends emit a “glow” when exposed to ultraviolet rays. As a rule, this material is used in the manufacture of shop windows, as well as art installations.

Plexiglas processing

This material belongs to high-quality types of plastic. It is good for both indoor and outdoor use. The modern market offers a wide selection of plexiglass with various operational features. It is worth noting that it is easy to process, which means that, if desired, you can independently make various products from it. You can learn more about acrylic processing by going to the appropriate section on our website.

Specifications

Acrylic glass has the following properties:

• high light transmittance - up to 92%;
• low thermal conductivity, retains heat well;
• 2.5 times lighter than ordinary glass;
• 5 times stronger than glass;
• does not form dangerous fragments when falling;
• operating temperature range – from -40 to +80 °C;
• flexibility – can be thermoformed at temperatures of 150–190 °C; When heated, plexiglass becomes plastic, which allows it to be formed according to its intended purpose.
• ease of mechanical processing even at home;
• noise insulation qualities;
• resistance to aging under the influence of moisture and ultraviolet radiation;
• transmits UV rays;
• resistant to alkalis and aqueous solutions of inorganic salts;
• does not generate static electricity and does not attract dust;
• hygienic – does not contribute to the development of bacteria;
• does not emit toxic gases when burning;
• Recyclable and fully recyclable.

Among the disadvantages it is worth noting:

• flammability – ignition temperature is 260 °C;
• fragility and scratch resistance;
• high coefficient of linear expansion - 8 times more than glass.

What does it contain?

Plexiglas is an environmentally friendly product based on polymethyl methacrylate. Its other name is acrylic, and it is classified as a type of artificial organic plastic. The basis of the material is thermoplastic acrylic resins, more precisely, one or more derivatives of a monobasic carboxylic acid. These are components that transmit light well.

The chemical formula of acrylic is the same as that of plexiglass - (C5O2H8) n, but in addition it contains many additives that give the structure of the thermoplastic special properties, such as hardness, flexibility, resistance to mechanical loads and damage, as well as pigments needed for obtaining a specific color.

If edge processing and chamfering is required

...Then it’s better to contact the online store Zuker.by. Thanks to this service, you can create a smooth and even edge, which will help not only create an even more attractive look for the product, but also avoid various cuts and damage.

For processing edges, a modular edge router Festool MFK 700 EQ-Plus is used, which allows you to cut materials with an accuracy of 0.1 mm.

Edge rounding radii can be as follows:

• R2 (radius 2 mm);
• R4 (radius 4 mm);
• 45⁰ (45 degrees).

More details about the service can be found in the material “Edging Processing of Polymer Materials”.

Application of frosted plexiglass

Matte acrylic is a fairly durable material that has sought-after decorative properties. The light that passes through it is evenly scattered, making it even, without a clearly defined source.

Matte white acrylic is widely used for the manufacture of various lighting installations for information purposes, such as road signs, lightboxes, and advertising signs. Its surface is well suited for screen printing or self-adhesive applications with the necessary information and drawings.

Frosted plexiglass of various colors can be used as decorative details for rooms, wardrobe designs, colored inserts in furniture doors and shower cabins.

Colored acrylic is used to create luminous elements of outdoor and indoor installations. Unlike frosted plexiglass, it is less often used as a basis for drawing. Colored acrylic figures of complex shapes can be part of applications or act as independent objects, such as three-dimensional symbols and letters. Stained glass and mosaics made of colored plexiglass with natural or artificial lighting are widespread.

Frosted acrylic glass is excellent for making fluorescent lamp shades, bedside lamp shades and other lighting fixtures. The light from a lamp with a frosted plexiglass screen is always smooth, pleasant to the eye and does not have a blinding effect.

Properties of tempered glass:

• Resistant to temperature changes and vibration. Tempered glass products can be used up to 270 degrees. Doors in saunas, showers, dishes, kitchen utensils and much more are made from it.
• Increased strength compared to conventional glass sheets - approximately 6 times higher.
• Good throughput. Sheets of tempered glass transmit a sufficient amount of light (up to 84%).

Tempered glass is used for the manufacture of cabinet furniture for home and office, stairs, showcases, and doors. Used for external glazing, construction of glass roofs, facades, atriums.

Comparison with other materials

Most often, plexiglass is compared to plexiglass. What's the difference? In reality, the choice is made between identical products that have an organic base, but there are different types of this material, and their parameters have significant differences.

Basically, the discrepancies in the properties of the material are associated with the methods of its manufacture. Products created by extrusion are less durable than those produced by the injection molding method. But do not forget that there are other varieties with their own specific characteristics.

• Shine material has a shiny surface and can be polished. It also has high moisture resistance.
• Cellular plexiglass Plexiglas SDP – two-layer. It is used for exterior decoration due to its high impact resistance and immunity to external influences.
• Most plastics are vulnerable to damage, but SatinGlass acrylic is scratch-resistant.
• There are materials that are distinguished by a smooth, velvety texture, the presence of a fluorescent effect and a metallic sheen.

We are no longer talking about differences, but about the purpose of choice and the correspondence of a particular material to it. As for comparing plexiglass with ordinary quartz glass, here too we cannot talk about which products are better and which are worse. Crystal clear glass is UV resistant, airtight and durable. However, even with such a disadvantage as fragility, it is not always possible to replace it with acrylic or something else.

In turn, the polymer does not break, leaving fragments, but it is also not without its drawbacks. Some of its types are destroyed under the influence of the sun, household cleaning products, and can melt. On the other hand, despite all the advantages of quartz products, acrylic is gradually taking a leading position, and, of course, this is due to its flexibility, strength, durability, ease of processing and low price.

Storage features and available types of processing

It is recommended to store the material in a dry place with protective films attached. The room temperature must be constant. Processed with fairly simple tools and methods:

• Heating allows sheets to be formed
• Cutting can be done with a laminate knife, or you can use a programmable laser machine
• Easy to polish with wet sandpaper

With all the available processing methods, it is fundamentally important to remember that acrylic does not conduct heat well. In places where there is mechanical impact from high-speed tools, good heat dissipation should be ensured to avoid material deformation.

Acrylic glass suspended ceilings

Frosted plexiglass for ceilings began to be used relatively recently. A wide selection of types of material allows you to achieve uniqueness and artistic expressiveness in the design of this part of the interior of the premises. As a rule, to create a cozy atmosphere in a living room, matte acrylic in calm tones with dim lighting is included in the suspended ceiling design. Ceilings in office premises are usually made of milky plexiglass panels with a lighting level sufficient to ensure normal working conditions.

Acrylic ceilings with internal lighting can become an important and very functional detail of the interior of those rooms that do not have windows or other sources of natural light. Frosted organic glass evenly distributes light throughout the entire space of the room, to some extent compensating for the lack of sunlight

For the same reason, it is good to install a suspended plexiglass ceiling in rooms where a high degree of illumination is required, for example in kitchens. The acrylic ceiling in the living room will surprise friends who come to visit and will become an interesting subject for discussion

Frosted organic glass evenly distributes light throughout the entire space of the room, to some extent compensating for the lack of sunlight. For the same reason, it is good to install a suspended plexiglass ceiling in rooms where a high degree of illumination is required, for example in kitchens. The acrylic ceiling in the living room will surprise friends who come to visit and will become an interesting subject for discussion.

The positive aspects of using plexiglass for ceilings are:

• acrylic is an environmentally friendly material that does not emit toxic substances;
• the material does not absorb moisture and is biologically inert, does not support the growth of mold and mildew;
• plexiglass does not fade and even after years looks presentable;
• acrylic sheets represent a perfectly flat surface, behind which you can hide any flaws in floor structures and unsuccessful repairs;
• frosted plexiglass for the ceiling is easy to install and does not require additional processing after installation;
• washes well with plain water or water with a small amount of household chemicals added;
• the material is easy to process;
• provides ample opportunities for creativity and experimentation in the design of complex surfaces.

Disadvantages of acrylic sheets

Low quality sheets (counterfeits) literally melt at high temperatures or when exposed to direct flame. The melting point for original acrylic plastic is 160 degrees Celsius, for fakes it is much lower, so they cannot withstand extreme temperatures. Acrylic is strong and durable, but can also be easily scratched.

Toxicity: The manufacturing process of acrylic products can produce highly toxic fumes. Anyone working on making acrylic sheet should be provided with protective equipment and clothing. There is also a risk that acrylic may explode during polymerization if the correct precautions are taken and process standards are not adhered to.

Difficulties in recycling: Acrylic sheets can be recycled, however, since it is not biodegradable, the process is not that simple. But you can reuse acrylic (such as Perspex) by cutting large sheets into small pieces and melting them into other products.

The production of acrylic plastics involves highly toxic substances that require careful storage, handling and disposal. The polymerization process can cause an explosion if not properly controlled. It also produces toxic fumes. Recent legislation requires that the polymerization process be carried out in a closed environment and that the resulting fumes be purified, captured or otherwise neutralized before being released into the atmosphere.

Acrylic plastic is difficult to recycle. It is considered a Group 7 plastic among recyclable plastics and is not collected for recycling in most communities.

Large pieces can be converted into other useful objects if they are not damaged by excessive fire stress. In landfills, acrylic plastics, like many other plastics, have a long period of degradation. Some acrylic plastics are highly flammable and must be protected from combustion sources.

Plexiglas products

Plexiglas is valued for its versatility all over the world. It can be manufactured with many different functional properties, providing high light transmittance, light diffusion, vision screening, heat reflection, thermal insulation, sound reflection, etc.

Good resistance to atmospheric phenomena, transparent structure and certain strength guarantee a long service life of plexiglass in many products. Therefore, plexiglass is the ideal material for all outdoor projects.

Products made from plexiglass have a significant share of elegance, are characterized by shine and are offered in a rich color palette. With these attributes, she pays attention to all interior decoration elements and design objects.

Plexiglas products have a 30-year warranty. Transparent solid sheets, multi-layer sheets, corrugated sheets, blocks, pipes or other elements will not yellow and maintain high light transmittance for 30 years, provided you purchase a high quality product.

What it is?

First of all, you need to decide what frosted plexiglass is. Generally speaking, this material is a type of ordinary organic glass. At the same time, a distinctive feature of the material is the fact that it has rather limited capabilities regarding the transmission of light. So, depending on the specific category, the light transmittance of glass can vary from 25% to 75%. This is interesting. Popularly, frosted plexiglass is also called frosted plexiglass, acrylic glass or simply acrylic

This is important to keep in mind when purchasing material on the construction market.

At its core, frosted organic glass is a sheet (usually white). The material is smooth to the touch. You can also notice with the naked eye the fact that matte plexiglass has a shiny surface (and this material characteristic is characteristic of both the front and back sides).

Advantages of smart glass:

• Increased resistance to mechanical damage, shock, and chips.
• Thanks to its special strength, it can be used as bulletproof and fire-resistant glass, installed in banks, exchange offices, and jewelry stores.
• When installed indoors, it prevents heat loss and reduces energy consumption.

Smart glass also does not require special care, since the liquid crystal layer in triplex is located between two glasses. The surface can be treated with traditional glass and mirror products.

Glass for stairs

Glass stairs are an original design solution for the brave and advanced. These structures must withstand heavy loads and ensure complete safety. Visually, glass steps look light, weightless, almost airy. But in fact it is a strong, durable, reliable design. They decorate private homes, clubs, restaurants, business centers and other facilities. For spiral and flight staircases, we recommend thick tempered glass. Thanks to high-temperature treatment, glass becomes especially durable. It can withstand very heavy loads.

The use of glass in interior design opens up new horizons and possibilities. With the advent of various types and options, the idea of ​​the appearance of modern houses, apartments and offices has radically changed. Rarely does a shopping and business center exist without glass elements. And the fully glazed facade of high-rise buildings is the #1 fashion trend today!

Glass for atriums

Glass atriums have become very popular in the last few years; they are installed in large shopping and office centers and museums. They can even be found in private homes. These are unique designs that decorate interiors. Thanks to the glass surface, a large amount of natural light penetrates inside. Based on the main functions, it is clear that these structures must be very durable and reliable. Not every type of glass is suitable for their manufacture. First of all, it must have increased strength characteristics. Secondly, it must have the ability to accumulate heat (this is important in the cold season) and ventilate air in the summer. Thirdly, ensure safety. For atriums and fences, we recommend tempered glass with a thickness of at least 8 mm or Triplex.

Glass for balconies

For glazing balconies, loggias and terraces, we recommend purchasing impact-resistant or tempered glass. They replace the wall and are attached only to the profile, so they must be strong, safe, reliable, and not afraid of low temperatures. Thanks to the installation of energy-saving packages, a special microclimate is created inside the veranda or loggia, allowing you to grow plants even in the cold season. There are several more requirements: aesthetic appeal, reliable noise insulation, high light transmittance. All of the above requirements are met by laminated glass “Triplex”, tempered transparent glass and coated glass “Optiwhite”.

Glass for partitions

Glass screens are found in almost every modern office. They delimit space into separate zones, give the interior a business style and perform practical functions. If you install partitions made of “smart” glass, you don’t have to spend money on blinds and roller blinds. As we have already said, smart glass can change the degree of transparency. Tempered and Triplex glass are also suitable for partitions. They are not subject to damage, and when broken they do not form sharp fragments - the risk of injury to personnel is minimal.