Acrylic is a material that’s gained a lot of popularity over the years. Although it’s plastic, it’s important to remember that not all plastic is acrylic—only that which is petroleum-based thermoplastic. As such, this is a family of materials famous for their stiffness, strength, and transparent properties.
Given that acrylic sheets are easy to fabricate due to their perfect bonding with solvents and seamless thermoforming, they’ve found their purpose in a range of industries and markets, to the point of even replacing traditional glass. On top of it all, they have a low carbon footprint despite being plastic, and it’s all to do with their lightweight nature, making them perfect for reusing, repurposing, and recycling.
What Is the Most Popular Acrylic Sheet Product?
Out of all the sheets and brands available nowadays, it’s the highly versatile Perspex sheets that are highly esteemed. While these are especially highly sought-after products today, they’re older than you might think. Perspex® cast acrylic was first designed and produced in Darwen, in the UK, in 1933 and then, a year later became trademarked by the Imperial Chemical Industries, now called Lucite International.
Their polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) products (also known as acrylic glass, and plexiglass) got the name Perspex from the Latin word for “see through”, “look through”, or “clearly perceived”. As their popularity grew over the decades, so did their assortment of designs and products, encompassing different types of cast acrylic, as well as extruded acrylic.
The exceptional quality and vast range of options have certainly boosted the brand’s reputation. So much so, that the brand’s name has become synonymous with acrylic altogether, with Perspex being a trade name used as a reference for acrylic products in general in some countries like Australia.
What Is the Difference Between Perspex and Acrylic Sheet?
Perspex is a premium type of acrylic, and in addition to having the usual benefits and characteristics of the polymer, it comes with other extras. For example, as acrylic, you get:
- thermal stability
- impact resistance (up to 17 times more than glass)
- lightweight
- resistance to scratches
- resistance to chemicals
- ease of cleanliness
- ease of malleability
- optical clarity
- low cost (more affordable than polycarbonate sheets and glass)
- customizability (can be cut to size, engraved, and machined)
As a premium acrylic, with the perspex sheets you also get:
- a range of vibrant colour options
- glow under ambient light
- a range of finishes
- protection against UV light (possible with special UV grade Perspex® sheet that’s got UV stabilising coating)
The Many Uses of Perspex Sheets
Due to the versatility and positive properties of the perspex acrylic sheet products, plus their incredible adaptability, they’ve found their use in a range of industries and markets, commercial and residential alike.
Architecture
There’s no doubt this type of plastic product has revolutionised architectural design as it’s provided architects with the flexibility they need, given its role in being used with features like windows, canopies, and skylights, and the ease with which it can be moulded into various shapes. This is true even for the complex ones. The better acrylic properties compared to those of traditional glass have made this possible.
Not only has thin perspex sheet found its place in enclosures, but it’s also proven to be useful with cladding solutions as well as glazing options, due to its incredible function and elegant aesthetic. Although acrylic is mainly intended for indoor use, treated designs like perspex roofing sheets can equally be useful outdoors as there is UV resistance.
With the huge possibility of creating different sizes and shapes, it’s not surprising these sheets have found their place in interiors too. The stylish room dividers and partitions allow you to create some division without actually blocking the view or light, thanks to the transparency of the material. It’s also a choice fit for adding neat features to furniture and light fixtures that promise a modern and seamless aesthetic. Last but not least, it’s also perfect for use as a protective coating without there seeming to be any coating on furniture elements you don’t want kids or pets to damage.
Agriculture
If you’re looking for the best way to provide protection for plants and ensure optimal growth no matter the weather conditions as well as animals, acrylic is a top-notch option that can prove to be of the essence in this case. Offering the perfect blend of insulation, durability, transparency to let the sunshine in, and cost-efficiency, you can easily extend the growing season with the see-through perspex sheeting.
Art
Want to capture the attention of visitors with your exhibition without exposing the valuable artwork to the elements or the risk of damage from people touching it? This is yet another situation where the clear perspex can offer its benefits, proving to be essential in art museums and galleries. Equally, it could be used for home artworks, ideal for those who are after minimalism and would avoid adding frames too. If you know how to work with this kind of material, and you have the machinery, it’s just as great for DIY projects with acrylic scraps you don’t want to end up in the landfill.
Advertising
Want to create ads or announcements that stand out? The varieties of colours and textures the cut-to-size perspex can be found make it the ideal choice for signage (e.g. wall-mounted, floor-standing, window, door, hanging, directional, and informational signs) and boards fit for both indoor and outdoor use. No matter what your business may be about, this is a material you can trust.
Education
This is yet another area that can benefit from the enhanced plastic which can easily be turned into cost-efficient classroom boards that make for easy water and dry wiping. Moreover, as laser-cut acrylic perspex is more durable and reliable than glass, it’s equally great for childcare facilities for shatterproof child safety mirrors.
Industry
From the manufacturing facilities to the automotive industry, many are the places where acrylic comes out as a convenient and effective solution. Easily moulded and cut, it can be turned into a machine guard, protective cover, safety barrier, and even into a headlight lens – in short, anywhere where you require outstanding performance, durability, strength, light weight, and low cost.
