Sure, you already know the difference between glass and acrylic. But what about acrylic vs plastic? If you thought they were the same thing, you’re sort of right. Acrylic is a clear plastic—but it’s just one of many different clear plastics. Here, we’ll talk about a few of those plastics, and what makes acrylic unique.
Key Takeaways
- Acrylic is a plastic, but it’s a specific type—PMMA—that offers greater clarity, strength, and longevity compared to many other clear plastics.
- Hand-crafted acrylic delivers a higher-end aesthetic than injection-molded plastics, with clearer joints and fewer imperfections.
- Acrylic outperforms common plastics with better scratch resistance, UV protection, and resistance to yellowing over time.
- Brand names like Plexiglas, Perspex, Lucite, and Acrylite all refer to forms of acrylic, each sharing core PMMA properties with slight variations.
- Polystyrene is cheaper and more brittle, making it ideal for disposable goods rather than durable displays.
- Polycarbonate is stronger but more expensive, used when high impact resistance is required.
- For displays, acrylic offers the best balance of clarity, durability, and versatility, making it the preferred choice for most shopPOPdisplays products. Continue reading Acrylic vs Plastic: What Is The Difference?