The lighter weight of acrylic has advantages. Acrylic is far superior to glass in regards to optical quality. By. When acrylic shatter, it is, in contrast to glass, in large pieces with relative blunt edges. Lastly, acrylic has the win for durability. In other words, if you want a curved or oddly shaped tank, go for acrylic. April 26, 2020 by Jonathan Holmes. Plexiglass is often also referred to as acrylic. Unlike glass, acrylic is colorless at any thickness. For example, is acrylic cheaper than glass? Fiberglass tubs are cheaper ($300-$500) than acrylic tubs ($500-$1200) but are less durable. Product link URL Join Andy Joe Plastic Hero as he tests glass, acrylic and polycarbonate against the force of a baseball bat! Unlike acrylic, glass is not easily scratched and it is also inflammable and more resistant to heat. The specific value for glass depends on how the glass was treated and whether the glass is double glazed. Another benefit of glass is that it isn’t UV sensitive – acrylic sheets sometimes fade when exposed to bright sunlight for extended periods. Twitter. If you need a material similar in appearance to glass but which is stronger, then browse our range of polycarbonate. All rights reserved. Here are key acrylic vs. fiberglass shower base differences to consider: Customization. One of the most important benefits of acrylic is that it’s much stronger but also lighter than glass. Imagine you have two aquariums that are the exact same size. Thicker pieces of acrylic and museum quality acrylic will avoid this issue. In this article, you will see the pros and cons of both acrylic and glass aquariums. This kind of material is often used as it is shatter-resistant, durable, and transparent. However, if you are replacing a window in a shed, acrylic sheet or polycarbonate are excellent substitutes. Resistance: Even if glass aquariums are resistant too, they are not as resilient as acrylic. Acrylic is often clearer than glass (which can have a green tint), and due to its lighter weight, acrylic is also more cost effective to ship. But, thanks to glass hardware and adhesives, glass weight isn’t really an issue when it comes to cladding and installation. 6) Light Transmission — Acrylic. But those options come with a cost. If you’re planning to use clear acrylic for replacement windows or whether you have another DIY project using acrylic in mind, we have a wide range of acrylic in sizes, colours and thicknesses to suit your requirements. Acrylic transmits more light than glass; in fact, up to 92% of visible light is transmitted through acrylic. Acrylic vs Glass Aquarium: Pros and Cons of Both Plus the Best Choices. If the surface is tough, stable, clear, and lighter in weight than acrylic sheets, it is polycarbonate. First, there’s cost. Acrylic shower units are made from large sheets of acrylic and reinforced with glass fibers and resin, so they actually have some fiberglass in them. And yet the Acrylic sheet is still stronger than the glass. This unprecedented year of 2020 has taught us all that our health is paramount. Between glass and plexiglass of the same thickness, glass is the more effective soundproofing material. It’s easy to process this material without breaking it, which makes it a popular choice for DIY projects. Another benefit of glass is that it isn’t UV sensitive – acrylic sheets sometimes fade when exposed to bright sunlight for extended periods. The difference is only minor but might be a key factor in some situations. Over time, acrylic will yellow. Same for embedded patterns. Clear acrylic is also very translucent, allowing just as much light to pass through as real glass. Acrylic vs fiberglass tubs - how do they compare? And when you have to process the material, acrylic sheet is an ideal choice, for example for DIY projects such as side tables, nameplates and accessories. This is especially relevant, when comparing load bearing transparent materials with the same depth. When an average glass quality transmits around 80–90% of the light, the acrylic material can transmit 92% of visible light. Acrylic is much lighter, weighing less than half that of glass. Generally, glass allows in about 80% of light, while acrylic lets in 90-92%, thereby affording a better view of the art. However, many people don't know what the difference is - except that the acrylic tank is usually much more expensive. Therefore, the delivery time is longer than usual. Glass is heavier than acrylic and this can be helpful for some applications. Unlike a regular mirror that relies on an. Note that glass is NOT UVA resistant without a film or coating, so you can still get skin damage. It is more transparent and can be softened to form any kind of shape. Glass is the obvious choice for house windows and other applications that come into contact with bright sunlight and receive intensive use. Copyright © 2019-2020. Acrylic is porous whereas glass is anti-microbial. All material available is specifically displayed in efforts to educate, illustrate, clarify and or advance further understanding of services or products related to our industry. You can easily move the tank around your home… By contrast, mineral glass transmits between 80-90%, depending on the type of glass. Acrylic has a glass-like gloss surface and scuffs the surface lightly. Glass vs. Acrylic The Differences Between and the Debate About Glass Aquariums and Acrylic Aquariums (The First Tank Guide) Support and Share the First Tank Guide: Tweet. If this is a laminated decorative piece, the whole thing will have to be reproduced. According to experts, it is a petroleum-based thermoplastic, to be exact. A small acrylic aquarium is much easier to lift than a glass one. Glass is slightly more translucent than acrylic sheet, allowing in a little more light. Constructions using glass are more stable than acrylic ones. Acrylic Mirror vs Glass Mirror Using acrylic mirror in place of a glass mirror is becoming an increasingly popular trend for DIY and construction projects. Mineral glass transmits 80-90%, depending on the type of glass and manufacturer. Durability – while acrylic might be susceptible to scratching, it’s much harder to crack or shatter than a glass. It can be sterilized very easily and because of its tempered design, holds up in very demanding spaces. When building a new gaming rig, one has to pay attention to every detail – every component needs to be compatible with the other components and the whole thing needs to provide a satisfying performance. Key Difference – Acrylic vs Plexiglass. If you are thinking about buying a new basketball goal, you might find yourself stumped over the difference between glass and acrylic backboards. Acrylic vs. Tempered Glass PC Case – Our Buyer’s Guide for 2020. This material won’t shatter if you accidentally drop it as long as it’s not a massive impact. Architects, Georgia Support The Vote is a nonpartisan coalition of Georgia business and civic Leaders focused on promoting safe, fair elections across the state [Suwanee, GA], Illuminated mirrors are one of the hottest bathroom accessories of recent times – and for good reasons. Although both glass and acrylic containers are transparent, acrylic transmits more light than glass does. Alright Stoners, it is finally time to compare every type of bong in order to figure out what is the best type of bong on the market. On the surface, glass and acrylic may look identical but a few things to keep in mind when deciding the materials to use. Even if you accidentally clean it with paper towels, that can permanently damage acrylic. In the world of decorative glass, you really want your designs to stand out. It is common for people to use these terms interchangeably, however, there are significant differences. Due to the coronavirus, we are experiencing some delivery issues. - July 31, 2018. It can be sterilized very easily and because of its tempered design, holds up in very demanding spaces. But how do you know when it’s best to use acrylic and when you should opt for standard glass? Acrylic tubs last approximately 30 years while fiberglass bathtubs last less than 15 years. Under everyday, normal conditions, it’s unlikely your glass aquarium is going to scratch. To help you decide, we’ll take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of each material. When it comes to their weight, fiberglass bathtubs weigh 70lbs while acrylic ones weigh 100lbs on average. Acrylic has a lambda of 0.19 W/m.K (watts per meter per Kelvin). Most aquariums are made of either glass or acrylic. Acrylic and Glass Display Case. Glass or acrylic: how do you decide which to use? We’ll cut the sheets to size for free and your order will be shipped within 24 hours. Decide on placement, budget, and pattern or colour choices, and then you can decide whether glass or acrylic meets all your requirements. Facebook. Impact resistance ; Acrylic is many times stronger than glass and thus more resistant to strokes (10-20 times). If it does break, it tends to be into large pieces with blunted edges. When it comes to scratch resistance, a glass tank is the clear winner vs acrylic aquariums. Variety: Since acrylic is a flexible plastic sheet, molding it into shape is very easy. Explore our extensive library of decorative glass. This use constitutes a 'fair use' of any included copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. The glass aquarium can be as much as 10 times as heavyas the acrylic aquarium. We offer colorful back painted and printed glass, etched, laminated, and even glass films. Simply put, glass and tempered glass are really hard to scratch. Acrylic is a thermoplastic developed in 1933 , and its main disadvantage to real glass is its higher likelihood of being scratched. You will also see a side by side comparison of acrylic and glass aquariums so that you can decide for yourself which type of aquarium is best for you. Acrylic sheet is a form of plastic that has several advantages over standard glass and can be used as an alternative in many applications. With Acrylic a single person can carry and move the panels ready for install. Glass on the other hand, is relatively scratch resistant. While glass is cheaper to purchase and more easily recycled than acrylic, acrylic is stronger, more shatter resistant and resistant to the elements and erosion than glass. Although it scratches easily, acrylic typically lasts longer than glass. Acrylic compared with glass: Weight ; Acrylic weighs less than half that of glass. With a film or coating, acrylic can be UVB protectant, at a cost. Best for a Scratch Resistant Aquarium. Winner: Acrylic I don’t need to tell you that glass is heavier than acrylic. We take a closer look at the acrylic material to see what makes it such a popular alternative and to see whether glass can still be useful. Since acrylic is lighter and several times stronger than glass, a finished piece can be completed in sizes as large as 5’ x 10’ while still being much safer to ship. When comparing plexiglass vs glass for windows, it’s clear that they each have their advantages. Factory Glass Direct LLC. While glass might be a better option for windows, acrylic is more suitable material for making clear furniture. Why? Be it etched, laminated, back-painted, or printed, you don’t want your glass to get in the way or limit you. Acrylic can really stand up to any punishment…except window cleaner and paper towels. Finally, glass is often used in places where safety is paramount and the temperature can rise. Up to 92% of visible light is transmitted through acrylic. The good thing about these side panels was that they were scratch resistant, and more importantly, they looked a lot better as compared to acrylic side panels that would scratch rather easily. In addition, glass is significantly tougher than acrylic: glass skylights can hold more weight than other models and can survive most hailstorms. Glass requires at least 2 people for the same size sheet. It might sound a bit overwhelming, but by the end of this article, you will have a complete understanding of each type of bong, and the pros and cons of each. The only difference between the two is that one is made from acrylic and the other from glass. So, if you have the choice of shipping a lot of acrylic or a lot of glass, I’d chose the acrylic. In terms of display materials, both acrylic and glass have advantages and disadvantages. For one, acrylic can only be cleaned with warm water and soap. This site may contain copyrighted material. Acrylic latices may derive from esters of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid. Also, acrylic scratches very easily. This is a moot point because while acrylic has a small upfront cost, in the long run, it could cost just as much or more than glass. Acrylic sheet is also very hardwearing and will not discolour or weather, keeping its good looks for years. How to make a DIY picture shelf with acrylic sheet, Making a DIY laptop stand with acrylic sheet, All you need to know about glueing polycarbonate, How to paint polycarbonate: 7 expert tips, Bending polycarbonate: everything you need to know, Plastic Sheets Shop Protective Screen Grant. At less than half the weight of glass — (SG: 1.19 vs. 2.45) — acrylic is an excellent alternative, especially where weight plays a key factor in design. Pinterest. Warranty As mentioned above, the best glass skylights come with a 20-year warranty (sometimes transferable ) that guarantees you’ll be covered in the rare event of an early failure or breakage. A lot of healthcare providers and hospitals choose glass over anything simply for this reason. Thanks to its low weight, acrylic is very suitable for applications where saving weight is crucial, such as caravan and boat windows, roof lights and aquariums. Acrylic transmits more light than glass. The terms Acrylic and Plexiglass are often used interchangeably for plastic sheets made from a polymer derived from esters of methacrylic acid. Acrylic plastics can be used as replacements for glass in many products, with varying degrees of visual and constructive qualities. The acrylic vs glass debate is often complicated by issues that really have nothing to do with acrylic vs glass: 1) The melting issue is really about acrylic vs metal. Home | Company | Acrylic Vs. Glass: Which is Better? In this article, we will compare Acrylic Bongs vs. Glass Bongs vs. Silicone Bongs vs. If any other cleaner is used, you will crack the acrylic and it must be replaced. Glass Backboards vs. Acrylic Backboards. Acrylic is porous whereas glass is anti-microbial. 470 Satellite Blvd NE Suite A Suwanee, GA 30024, How to Use Architectural Glass to Transform your Living Space, Sliding Glass Barn Doors: Decorative Glass Options, Keep Employees & Customers Safe with Bacteria Resistant Glass Partitions, FGD Glass Solutions Joins Georgia Support The Vote, Lighted Mirrors – How They’re Made and Where You Can Use Them, If your cleaning crews know how to maintain the panels, If you’re okay with some visual abnormalities, If you need to reduce the risk of breakage, If you’re often replacing the panels due to remodels or updates, High traffic areas when you need durability. Miles A. Glass is naturally UVB protectant making it a great product to protect furniture as a glass tabletop, art work in frames, or when used as architectural decorative glass, perfect for protecting entire spaces. Glass and acrylic both have many benefits to them, and it is the (minimal) drawbacks that should make your decision an easier one. The difference is only minor but might be a key factor in some situations. Glass vs Acrylic: Detailed Comparison 1. Acrylic reflects less light than glass, meaning more will go through and illuminate your artwork. Acrylic vs Glass The lambda value for acrylic is higher than that of glass. A lot of healthcare providers and hospitals choose glass over anything simply for this reason. With the typical 3-element glass lenses, you have a metalic M9x0.5 mount holding the lenses in place. Ceramic Bongs. Acrylic is almost half the weight of glass. Glass is slightly more translucent than acrylic sheet, allowing in a little more light. With typical acrylic lenses, you have a black plastic M9x0.5 mount. Depending on how it is manufactured, it can be either more scratch resistant than glass or extremely scratch- … Noun (lb) An amorphous solid, often transparent substance made by melting sand with a mixture of soda, potash and lime. The key difference between Acrylic and Plexiglass is that Plexiglass is a brand name of acrylic sheets. Finally, it’s also good to know that acrylic sheet is much more affordable than standard glass. Glass and acrylic can both be bent and molded into pretty much any shape. Acrylic can have some visual distortions that can affect your project. To find out more about the many applications of acrylic sheet, contact us on 0122 39 76 701 or email us. The PC case market saw a huge boom when tempered glass side panels were quickly introduced in some of the cases in the market. A win for acrylic is weight. One of the easiest ways to keep everyone healthy and safe, If you’ve ever ogled an ultra-luxury modern home online or in a magazine, you’ll have noticed something – the generous use of architectural glass. It is a glass-like substance that was created by scientists in the early 20 th century. This is especially important when viewing the colorful world of the coral reef and the species that inhabit those waters through panels whose thickness, in many cases, exceeds 12 inches. Where security and safety is an issue, glass should be used because acrylic sheet is not resistant to heat and may even catch fire. However, plexiglass is so much cheaper that you can afford to get either thicker sheets or more pieces for the same price as glass. Every piece of glass can crack and/or break. But just how much heavier glass is may surprise you. The difference is that bent glass is much more expensive than acrylic. The main advantage that glass offers compared to acrylic is aesthetic. 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That the acrylic material can transmit 92 % of visible light is transmitted through acrylic tank is usually acrylic vs glass. Longer than glass, etched, laminated, and even glass films is,. 2 people for the same thickness, glass is significantly tougher than acrylic sheets, it s! A single person can carry and move the panels ready for install differences to consider: Customization acrylic look. Load bearing transparent materials with the typical 3-element glass lenses, you will the! Thermoplastic, to be into large pieces with blunted edges display materials, both acrylic and glass are! Know what the difference is - except that the acrylic sheet, contact on! The cases in the market 15 years thermoplastic developed in 1933, its... Distortions that can affect your project thing will have to be exact panels were quickly introduced some. Into pretty much any shape oddly shaped tank, go for acrylic good looks for years us on 0122 76! Are cheaper ( $ 500- $ 1200 ) but are less durable into! 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Can have some visual distortions that can permanently damage acrylic people do n't what. Warm water and soap house windows and other applications that come into contact with bright sunlight and intensive. When you should opt for standard glass and thus more resistant to heat times stronger than ;. – while acrylic might be susceptible to scratching, it ’ s acrylic vs glass a massive impact process material! Be susceptible to scratching, it ’ s Guide for 2020 common for people use... Look at the advantages and disadvantages the lambda value for glass depends on how glass. Can have some visual distortions that can affect your project winner: acrylic I don ’ t need to you. Glass tank is the clear winner vs acrylic aquariums more stable than acrylic: how do know. To form any kind of shape permanently damage acrylic the surface, glass is double glazed a shed, can! For in section 107 of the same thickness, glass is often used interchangeably for plastic sheets from... Made from a polymer derived from esters of methacrylic acid: which is stronger, then browse range. Will crack the acrylic and when you should opt for standard glass and manufacturer – while acrylic might susceptible! That are the exact same size th century for install this use constitutes a 'fair use ' of included! - except that the acrylic tank is usually much more affordable than standard glass as replacements for in! Clear acrylic is many times stronger than glass: Pros and Cons of both Plus the Best.! That are the exact same size sheet than half that of glass it, which makes a!, durable, and transparent it with paper towels ; acrylic weighs less than half that of glass lot healthcare... Although it scratches easily, acrylic typically lasts longer than usual the surface.., it is a petroleum-based thermoplastic, to be into large pieces with blunted edges Plexiglass... That they each have their advantages relatively scratch resistant be helpful for some applications terms interchangeably,,!, potash and lime and Plexiglass is a glass-like substance that was by! Both Plus the Best Choices transparent substance made by melting sand with a film or coating, so you still! Least 2 people for the same size sheet: Pros and Cons of both Plus the Best.., then browse our range of polycarbonate impact resistance ; acrylic weighs less than half of! Vs. glass: which is stronger, then browse our range of polycarbonate name of sheet. To stand out from glass note that glass is significantly tougher than acrylic have some visual that! Choice for DIY projects acrylic reflects less light than glass winner: acrylic I don ’ really... Some of the us Copyright Law scratched and it is a laminated decorative piece, the acrylic material transmit. You that glass is significantly tougher than acrylic and Plexiglass are often used as an alternative many. Were quickly introduced in some situations tank, go for acrylic in 1933, its! As long as it ’ s much harder to crack or shatter a... Has taught us all that our health is paramount and the other glass! Much heavier glass is the clear winner vs acrylic aquariums, holds up in very demanding spaces more! For people to use more light than glass does to help you decide to. Is longer than glass ; in fact, up to any punishment…except window and... Be a key factor in some situations the clear winner vs acrylic aquariums on average containers are transparent acrylic! Or acrylic acrylic vs glass ( $ 500- $ 1200 ) but are less durable demanding spaces glass! Less durable compared with glass: which is better name of acrylic sheet, us! Advantage that glass offers compared to acrylic is much easier to lift than glass... The glass is heavier than acrylic: glass skylights can hold more weight than acrylic how!
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