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
| Characteristics | Acrylic | Glass |
|---|---|---|
| Impact resistance | Excellent (17 times impact resistance of glass) | Poor |
| Clarity | 92% light transmittance – Better clarity than glass | 90%(Constant) |
| Weight | Light (around half the weight of glass) | Heavy |
| UV Resistance | Yellows with age | Constant |
| Color Availability | Good | Poor |
| Shapes | Varied | Limited |
| Cost | Expensive | Cheap |
| Decorating | Good | Fair |
| Cut to Size Capability | Good | Fair |
| Thermoforming Capability | Good | Poor |
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
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Acrylic Rod
Acrylic Rod KUSLA Plastic have been in the acrylic rods business for years, providing high-quality and customized acrylic rods for various applications. Whether you need clear plastic extrusion acrylic rods for decoration, acrylic solid square sticks round acrylic rods for crafts, or glass alternative acrylic hollow rods with high tensile strength for outdoor use, we have...
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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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Acrylic Tube
Acrylic Tube Acrylic Tube refers to an elongated, hollow, and strong component manufactured from acrylic material with space inside. it is widely used in different applications revolving around holding or transporting different substances, especially liquids and gases. Kusla supplies customed acrylic tubes of different sizes(With external diameters from 3mm to 1500mm) and colors for different use. Choose...
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 frame | Glass | Acrylic |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Typically, less (though more expensive to ship) | Typically, more (though cheaper to ship) |
| Display Qualities | Glare, possibly tinted | Anti-glare options common |
| Ease of Hanging | Heavy and difficult to move, may need extra support for hanging | Quickly and easily moved and transported |
| Ability to Protect Photography | Full protection from scratching, UV protection available | moderate protection from scratching, UV Coating acrylic available |
| Risk to Damage | Easily damaged due to weight, sharp shards if broken, could cut artwork | Unlikely 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.
