How to choose the right acrylic for your application

Acrylic plastic is one of the most common and used plastic for both commercial and residential uses. In addition to that, it is widely used in DIY applications. You might be surprised to know the wide range of applications and uses of this plastic throughout the world. And it’s true, people from all over the world rely on acrylic plastic for small to large applications.

And the reason is simple, acrylic has a list of benefits and extraordinary features that makes it stand out from other plastics like PVC, PETG, etc.

In this guide, I will cover a lot more interesting topics than the benefits of acrylic (I know you already know about them). So what’s in this guide for you?

Well, you might already know, acrylic is a type of plastic, but did you know there are multiple types of acrylic plastic available? While all of them are versatile, you need to choose your types based on the application and requirements for having the best result.

Below we’ve listed some of the most common acrylic plastics and their uses. All you have to do is see the applications and if it matches your requirements, reach out to us, and we can help you get the right material for the project.

Different Types of Acrylic Plastic and Their Applications

Cast Acrylic Applications

If you’re looking for a nice combination of clarity and strength, cast acrylic is the one for you. This plastic is lightweight and easy to use, durable and has great strength. So no matter what you’re using it for, you’ll get a greater result with this type of acrylic sheet. Here are some applications for it:

Construction

  • Patio roofing
  • Balustrades
  • Balcony guards
  • Windows
  • Doors
  • Canopies
  • Protective glasses
  • Sounds barriers
  • Flooring

Automotive

  • Windshields for cars and motorbikes
  • Car wind deflectors
  • Gliders
  • Submarine periscopes
  • Truck visors
  • Caravan windows

Furniture

  • Hospital and laboratory settings
  • Shelving
  • Cupboards
  • Cabinet doors
  • Coffee tables
  • Lounge chairs

Home Appliances

Shower enclosures or cubicles and tubs.

Continuous Cast Acrylic Applications

If you need superior transparency and strength, you might need this one. The best part of this material is that you can fabricate it and make it into any size or shape with it. The strength of this plastic is divided throughout the piece equally, so there’s no risk of deformation or chance of breaking.

  • Housings
  • Signage
  • Point of purchase displays
  • Aquariums
  • Lenses and lighting fixtures
  • Skylights
  • Glazing

Extruded Acrylic Applications

The best part of this kind is that it is at least 3-4 times stronger than any window glass. However, they are very light, making them a very good choice for windows, doors, constructions, or even skylights.

  • Advertising displays
  • Building and construction
  • Point of sale displays
  • Exhibit and trade show displays
  • Transit shelters
  • Recreation
  • Framing
  • Food processing and handling
  • Transportation

Sign Grade Acrylic Applications

As acrylic is widely used for signage and other applications of this sort, now you can find specialized plastic material for that.

  • Building Signs
  • Cabinet Light Boxes
  • Channel Letters
  • Dimensional Signage

Acrylic Mirror Sheet Applications

Acrylic mirror sheets probably require no introduction. This material is a castle taking the glass mirror out of our home and making its place.

People are leaning toward this material for a variety of reasons. For instance, there is no risk involved in breaking. It’s lightweight, safer for kids, easy to install and maintain, etc.

  • Living room mirrors
  • 2-way mirror for hiding something or monitoring employees
  • Bathroom and kitchen mirrors
  • Display mirrors
  • Commercial Surveillance

Clear and Colored Acrylic Sheet Applications

Other than the above types, Clear and Colored acrylic sheets are also very commonly used based on color and clarity.

If you’re considering a transparent plastic that has superior clarity and transparency, clear acrylic plastic is the right choice for you. This is the most commonly purchased acrylic as the demand for transparent material is always high.

On the other hand, Colored plastic is the best choice when you’re looking for a beautiful rainbow-like finishing. You’ve probably seen the colored designs on churches or buildings that look very colorful and well decorated with colored sheets. We; they’ve used this colored acrylic plastic for that.

Last but not least, when you’re looking for a non-transparent and solid-colored plastic sheet, the white acrylic can serve the purpose very well.

Conclusion

If you’ve read through that guide closely, you already know which one to choose, right? And now it’s time to take one step further. Let us know which one of the acrylic plastics meets your requirements and we can send you a nice quote, a proposal that you can’t refuse! How does that sound?

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t worry. Acrylic can still meet your demand in full! Just let me know what you’re looking for or your applications, and we will find the right type that meets your demand perfectly.

UVACRYLIC is a leading manufacturer of acrylic sheets in China. Meantime, provides custom acrylic-based products, if you need them, feel free to contact us.

Related Blogs