Extruded Acrylic Plexiglass - Key Characteristics & Properties:
- Made by pushing the liquified acrylic monomer between a series of rollers to flatten into a sheet and cooled as they run through the extrusion equipment.
- Extruded sheets can also be laser cut, but its not recommended for laser engraving. For better engraving results, we recommend using cell cast sheets.
- Although cell cast sheets have slightly better optical clarity, extruded sheets are still very clear and offer excellent clarity. Extruded sheets can be used as windows, picture frame glass, store displays, etc.
- Thickness range is limited compared to cell cast sheets.
- Cell cast sheets have a higher resistance to impact than extruded sheets by virtue of the manufacturing process. Basically, when acrylic is extruded, the force of the rollers squeezing the material to make it thinner introduces stress during the extrusion process. With cell cast, there is no stress introduced during the manufacturing process, producing a stronger molecular structure of the sheet.
- Extruded sheets have lower thickness tolerance than cell cast. Extruded thickness tolerance can be around +/- 10% Cell cast sheets can have +/- 15% or more in thickness tolerance.
- Not as resistant to chemicals as cell cast sheets.
- Although extruded sheets can be cut, drilled, and routed, it is relatively easier to cut and machine cell cast sheets. Cut edges of extruded sheets tend not to be as clean as cut edges of cell cast sheets
- Extruded sheets have good dimensional stability, meaning it is less likely to warp or change shape when exposed to temperature variations.
- Extruded sheets are easier to flame polish compared to cell cast sheets.
- Extruded sheets are relatively less scratch resistant than cell cast sheets.
Is plexiglass and acrylic the same thing?
Acrylic refers to a synthetic plastic material. Plexiglass, plexi-glass, lucite, acrylite or acrylic glass are often used interchangeable with acrylic. When spelled Plexiglas® (spelled with one s), it refers to the Röhm brand name. When spelled as plexiglass (spelled with two s's) it is in reference to generic acrylic sheets. There are several manufacturers of acrylic sheets. The actual brand we ship out will depend on current stock. Plexiglas® is a registered trade name of Röhm GmbH and is not a brand we typically stock.
What is the difference between paper masking and film masking?
All of our plexiglass acrylic sheets come with a protective masking on both sides. Our clear cell cast pre-cut pieces will come with a paper masking. We also have clear extruded pre-cut pieces in both film masking and paper masking. The plastic film masking is typically blue in color or clear.
Paper masking is thicker than film masking and thus offers more protection when handling, especially when machining. However, film masking is easier to peel off than paper masking.
What is the difference between plexiglass/acrylic and polycarbonate (aka lexan)?
Plexiglass/acrylic and polycarbonate are both polymers and two of the most popular plastic materials. Both have clear visibility and are stronger than typical glass. However, one of the main differences between the two is that polycarbonate is significantly more impact resistant than plexiglass/acrylic and resist cracking and chipping much better. To give you an idea of the difference in strength between the two, if you were to throw a plexiglass sheet down on a concrete driveway, it would most likely crack and break. A polycarbonate sheet would just bounce off the driveway.
Plexiglass/acrylic is easier to machine and form. Polycarbonate is much more expensive than plexiglass. Polycarbonate offers more corrosion resistance when used in chemical applications, but it is less scratch-resistant than plexiglass. Plexiglass/acrylic has less degradation over time than polycarbonate.
Polycarbonate (aka lexan) is a material that should not be used for laser cutting projects. Polycarbonate sheets will release toxic and dangerouse fumes when laser cut that will cause serious health damage. These fumes can also damage your laser machine.
Examples of polycarbonate applications: protective windows, protective visors, machine guards, and other high risk applications.
Acrylic Plexiglass Care Instructions
DUSTING: We like to use micro-fiber cloths, but you can also use a soft damp cotton cloth or chamois to remove dust..
CLEANING: Use a small quantity of soap and lukewarm water, rinse well with clean water, and dry with a micro-fiber cloth, chamois, or soft cotton cloth. Never use ammonia-based glass cleaners, solvents or alcohol. We recommend a product called BRILLIANIZE. This product is available from estreetplastics.com.
FOR SCRATCH REMOVAL: After years of use and cleaning, plexiglass may develop fine surface scratches. We recommend using NOVUS 2 with a 100% cotton clothe to buff out fine scratches. Novus 2 is available from estreetplastics.com.
CAUTION – DO NOT USE: Window cleaning fluids, scouring compounds, gritty cloths, household scouring compounds, lacquer thinner, benzene, leaded or ethyl gasoline, strong solvents containing alcohol, acetone, or carbon tetrachloride, or ammonia.
