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There has been a constant rise in the application of plastic across different industrial domains. Plexiglass sheets are a type of acrylic sheet. These are thermoplastic which is known for its versatility, lightweight, and a better alternative to glass. Acrylic is a generic name, and it is sold in the market under the brand name plexiglass sheets. Many people often consider acrylic sheets and plexiglass sheets different, but they are actually the same. Let's explore it in this blog.
Plexiglass was introduced in 1901, but it was only in 1933 that Rohm & Haas company first introduced it commercially under the trademark of Plexiglass. Since then, it has penetrated different industries and found multiple applications. From small daily utility products to large-scale applications like that for room portioning, there has been a constant rise in the utility of plexiglass sheets across the industry.
It is also colloquially known as acrylic, acrylic glass, or, more scientifically, poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Inherently, plexiglass is transparent in nature and is manufactured as sheets. These are strong and tough. Their lightweight and flexibility features make them a popular choice for manufacturing several products.
Plexiglass sheets are known for their outstanding physical properties, but they also possess other beneficial characteristics such as a long service life, efficient light transmission, and easy processing. These features make it a popular choice for the manufacturing of a wide range of products. Additionally, manufacturers often add butyl acrylate to increase its strength and methacrylic acid to increase its resistance to high temperatures. Furthermore, dyes can be added to enhance its aesthetic appeal. The ability to modify and customize plexiglass sheets with these variations makes it an ideal choice for a wide array of manufacturing applications.
Physical Properties of Acrylic and Plexiglass Sheets
Some of the key features and properties of plexiglass sheets are mentioned above. Acrylic, also known as plexiglass, is a type of thermal plastic homopolymer that is used in a wide range of applications. Its unique properties make it ideal for everything from the manufacture of simple household products to fiber-optic cables. Some of the most notable properties of acrylic include its durability, ease of processing, and resistance to yellowing over time. These properties make it a versatile and reliable material for a wide range of manufacturing applications. Some of the properties are as follows:
High impact resistance- Plexiglass sheets are known for their impact resistance. This gives the highest resistance and durability, making them helpful in long-lasting manufacturing products.
High optical clarity- Optical clarity is yet another notable feature of these sheets thus, making them suitable for optical fiber cables etc.
Innate weather ability and UV resistance- The strength and durability of plexiglass sheets make them suitable for manufacturing a host of products. They are resistant to weather change and UV rays. That’s why these products last longer without withering off.
Excellent dimensional stability- It has a defined structure even at high-temperature thus, making them suitable for making products that don’t distort at high temperatures or changing conditions.
Lightweight-The light weight of plexiglass makes them a great substitute and alternative to glass. These are transparent and are also scratched, assistant. Besides, their lightweight makes them easy to carry and molded into the desired design and shape.
Excellent chemical resistance- In addition to the above-mentioned features, plexiglass sheets are also chemical resistant. These are made to thrive through harsh chemicals without being damaged.
In addition to the above-mentioned features, the durability of plexiglass sheets makes them a popular choice. It is also lower in value and less expensive and offers many features similar to that of glass. But when it comes to impact resistance, plexiglass sheet is a better choice over glass as they have become a popular choice in the manufacturing industry.
Key applications of plexiglass sheets
Strength, durability, longevity, and clarity, plexiglass sheet exhibit all these properties. These extraordinary features of plexiglass make it a suitable choice for the manufacturing process. They have a variety of applications which includes the following:
Bullet resistant glass
Bullet Resistant Glass
plexiglass windows
Plexiglass Windows
Greenhouse Panels
Skylights and commercial windows
Retail signage and displays
Aquariums and terrariums
Protective barriers to manufacturing
Wrapping it up!!!
These are some of the key applications of plexiglass sheets but not limited to the features. With the technological interventions, many new changes are being introduced in their form and strength. If you have an upcoming project and if you are looking for a durable material choice then Plexiglass sheet is a great option.