Acrylic and plexiglass are often used interchangeably in product literature concerning sheet plastic[plastic?:Plastic sample cutting machine]. While plexiglass is made from acrylic, there are subtle differences, which can be important depending on the application. While plexiglas is a trade or brand name, there is a difference in the way it is manufactured compared to standard acrylic.
• Acrylic
Acrylic-based products are used in a variety of applications. Acrylic is manufactured in one of two ways. It is either extruded or cell cast. The extrusion method is a less expensive way to manufacture acrylic but presents two problems. Extruded acrylic is softer than cell cast acrylic, which means it is more susceptible to scratching. And extruded acrylic can have impurities in its surface. Cell cast acrylic has a harder surface because of the casting process. When acrylic is cell cast it is formed in a closed area, which reduces the chances of impurities becoming lodged in the material.
• Plexiglass
Plexiglass is the original trade or brand name for this type of acrylic. Plexiglass is a cell cast acrylic, so it has fewer impurities (tiny ripples or embedded specks). The manufacturing costs are higher with cast acrylic, which is reflected in its higher price. The term plexiglass is more commonly used for this type of acrylic.
• Fabrication Differences
The primary mechanical difference between extruded acrylic and plexiglass is its surface hardness. Standard extruded acrylic is softer, making it ideal for gluing pieces of this material together. However, softer material tends to crack or chip when drilling or cutting it. Plexiglass has a harder surface so cracking becomes less of an issue. The surface is more resistant to chemicals, including solvent cements used for gluing plexiglass together.
