Brand Names vs. Material
Plexiglas and Perspex are actually brand names of specific companies that manufacture acrylic and other sheeting. They are not distinct materials, but rather trademarked names for high-quality acrylic products:
- Plexiglas is a brand owned by Röhm GmbH, a German chemical company
- Perspex is a brand primarily used in the UK and Commonwealth countries
- Acrylic is the generic name for the material, scientifically known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)
Manufacturing Methods: Cast vs. Extruded Acrylic
Acrylic is a top level name for PMMA but it can be produced through two different manufacturing processes, each with unique characteristics:
Cast Acrylic
- Produced by pouring liquid acrylic into moulds
- Slightly less uniform in thickness
- Advantages:
- Higher optical clarity
- Higher scratch resistance
- Better thermal stability (More suited to heat forming and bending)
- Better chemical resistance (Cleaners and treatments)
- Stronger and less prone to cracking
- Limitations:
- Thickness variation due to casting process
- Often higher in cost
- Longer production time
Extruded Acrylic
- Created by pushing molten acrylic through a die
- More uniform in thickness and appearance
- Characteristics:
- More consistent dimensional tolerances
- Less expensive to produce
- Easier to machine and drill reducing tool wear
- Slightly lighter than cast acrylic
- Limitations:
- Less suitable for industrial use due (prone to cracking)
- More prone to crazing when exposed to chemicals or stress
-
- Not as easily thermoformed with line benders etc
Key Differences in Performance
- Fabrication: Cast acrylic is superior for projects requiring extensive shaping, cutting, or polishing.
- Consistency: Extruded acrylic offers more uniform thickness and appearance.
- Cost: Extruded acrylic is generally less expensive and faster to manufacture.
- Chemical Resistance: Cast acrylic handles chemical treatments better and is less likely to craze when in contact with harsh cleaners.
Choosing the Right Acrylic
When selecting an acrylic sheet, consider:
- Your specific project requirements
- Fabrication techniques needed
- Budget constraints
- Required chemical and heat resistance
Conclusion
While Plexiglass and Perspex are brand names, acrylic remains the fundamental material. Understanding the differences between cast and extruded acrylic will help you choose the most suitable option for your specific application.
Looking to purchase cast acrylic plaques or custom acrylic shapes? Sign Trade Supplies is here to help, you can use our online calculator to create custom size piece of acrylic