Comparing Between Acrylic and Glass | Which is Better

Acrylic VS Glass

Many projects nowadays are using decorative acrylic instead of decorative glass. Such as picture frames, Windows. But how do you decide which to use for your own project? when it’s best to use acrylic or glass? it’s essential to know both materials’ properties, ensuring that you understand how they differ and when best to use them. To help you decide, we’ll take a closer look at the difference between these two materials.

Acrylic VS Glass- General characteristics

CharacteristicsAcrylicGlass
Impact resistanceExcellent (17 times impact resistance of glass)Poor
Clarity92% light transmittance – Better clarity than glass90%(Constant)
WeightLight (around half the weight of glass)Heavy
UV Resistance Yellows with ageConstant
Color AvailabilityGoodPoor
ShapesVariedLimited
CostExpensiveCheap
DecoratingGoodFair
Cut to Size CapabilityGoodFair
Thermoforming CapabilityGoodPoor

Difference between Acrylic and Glass

Cost

Acrylic is more expensive. Because Acrylic is priced by kilogram and the price of glass is calculated by square meter. good quality, classy Plexiglas glass called acrylic, so good acrylic is more expensive than glass. But Acrylic has lightweight which is good for transportation costs, so you need to balance the final cost between material cost and transportation cost according to weight and size of your product.

Scratch Resistance

Acrylic is easier to be scratched than Glass. Even if you accidentally clean it with paper towels, that can permanently damage acrylic. on the other hand, Glass is scratch-resistant and Naturally UVB Resistant.

Germ-Free

Acrylic is porous whereas glass is anti-microbial. A lot of healthcare providers and hospitals choose glass over anything simply for this reason. Glass can be sterilized very easily.

UV Resistance

Using acrylic outdoors exposes the material to potentially high amounts of ultraviolet radiation (UV). UV rays lead to the yellowing of acrylic glazing. However, High-quality acrylic with UV coating is immune even against high UV radiation. Up to 30 years are guaranteed by the manufacturer.

Glass, on the other hand, does not suffer from the same problem and will remain clear, no matter how much light shines through.

Ease of cleaning

Cleaning acrylic with any other thing than soap and warm water can crack it, necessitating its replacement. Conversely, glass is easier to clean with various materials and cleaning agents.

Shapes and Patterns

The hard, brittle nature of glass makes it difficult to shape. however, bending glass will cost much. on the other hand, Acrylic is easily molded into any shape that you can imagine.

Durability

acrylic win for durability. Every piece of glass can crack and/or break. However, Acrylic is strong – in fact, they are around 17 times stronger than glass which is not easy to break during daily usage such as acrylic mirrors, which are more durable than traditional glass ones.

Weight

Acrylic glass has a lower density, which can range from 1150-1190 kg/m³. while glass’s density ranges from 2400 to 2800 kg/m³. At around half the weight of glass, acrylic plastic is a lot easier to move and work with.

Impact resistance

Acrylic is much more resistant to impacts than glass, which can break or chip. While acrylic does not shatter when exposed to high strains. Acrylic’s high impact strength, durability and applicability make it the ideal material even when human lives are at stake such as windows are underwater.

Child-safe

 Acrylic is shatterproof, which means, if it does break, the plastic will splinter into several large, dull pieces instead of lots of small, sharp shards like glass.

Acrylic Material

  • Colored Acrylic Rod

    Acrylic Rod

    clear and Colored Acrylic Rod Acrylic rods are solid cylinders made of acrylic which is a  lightweight plastic material that has excellent impact strength, widely used in both indoor and outdoor applications . Acrylic rods are available in a range of sizes and diameters in both clear and colored finishes and also in different shapes such…

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  • Acrylic Sheets

    Acrylic sheets As one of the best Acrylic sheets manufacturer in China , Kusla Plastic offer high-quality, durable, and versatile acrylic sheets for a wide range of applications, such as signage, display, furniture, construction, and more. Whether you need clear, colored, mirrored, or specialty acrylic sheets, we have the right product for you at a…

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  • Colored Acrylic Tube

    Acrylic Tube

    Clear Round and Square Acrylic Tube Acrylic tube is rigid, lightweight, and hollow. Acrylic tubes are available in a range of diameters and wall thicknesses in clear and coloured finishes. Acrylic plastic tubes are strong yet lightweight and suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. Clear Acrylic tube Outer Diameter: 3mm – 1500mmThickness:0.5mm – 20mmLength: 1m or…

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When to choose acrylic?

when you have to process the material, acrylic sheet is an ideal choice, for example for DIY projects such as secondary glazing, side tables, nameplates and accessories. check if the following purpose is what you want:

  • need to save money
  • know how to maintain the panels
  • okay with some visual abnormalities
  • target is to reduce the risk of breakage
  • Much lighter

When to choose glass?

Glass is the obvious choice for house windows and other applications that come into contact with bright sunlight and receive intensive use. glass is often used in places where safety is paramount and the temperature can rise. check if the following purpose is what you want:

  • Scratch resistant
  • need UV protection on the cheap
  • do not want to worry about maintenance
  • longevity is necessary
  • visual perfection is a must

Example of applications acrylic vs glass-picture frame

Factors to be considered for a frameGlassAcrylic
CostTypically, less (though more expensive to ship)Typically, more (though cheaper to ship)
Display QualitiesGlare, possibly tintedAnti-glare options common
Ease of HangingHeavy and difficult to move, may need extra support for hangingQuickly and easily moved and transported
Ability to Protect PhotographyFull protection from scratching, UV protection availablemoderate protection from scratching, UV Coating acrylic available
Risk to DamageEasily damaged due to weight, sharp shards if broken, could cut artworkUnlikely to break, completely shatterproof, falls not a concern due to low weight

Conclusion

So, from Above comparison, both glass and acrylic could be used for one produce such as picture frame. and they both have pros and cons. So, Ultimately, the choice may come down to personal preference. contact us today to inquire about our various acrylic solutions! We can help you make the choice base on your needs.