Acrylic Vs PVC Plastic

What is Acrylic Plastic

Acrylic sheet is a plastic material with outstanding strength, stiffness, optical clarity, and impact resistance. Acrylic sheets have 17 times more impact resistance than glass. Unlike glass, acrylic plastic needs a lot of force to shatter, so you don’t need to worry about damage to your acrylic.

This plastic material is often used in sheet form as a lightweight or shatter-resistant alternative to glass. And because of its versatility and wide range of applications, people from all around the world frequently use it as a go-to material.

Acrylic comes from natural gas (C5O2H8) and is completely inert when in solid form. So they do not turn yellow when they have been in contact with the sunlight for long. Acrylic can be used for greenhouses and many other roofing/sheeting purposes, which we will know in detail in the latter part of the content.

For more information about acrylic material, please see this blog.

What is PVC Plastic

PVC plastic (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a high-strength thermoplastic material commonly used for manufacturing different parts of instruments like pipes, medical devices, wire and cable insulation, etc.

PVC plastic is the world’s 3rd most produced synthetic plastic polymer. This material shows outstanding performance while being used for manufacturing other materials or tools. However, this has some drawbacks too.

PVC plastic is not heat-resistant enough. You need to be aware while machining a PVC plastic because this can resist heat up to 185° F. However, the durability and quality of PVC plastics in building materials are worth appreciation.

Differences Between Acrylic and PVC Plastic

Applications of Acrylic

  • Machine guards: Acrylic materials are used as protective devices to cover moving pieces of machinery that may pose a danger to workers.
  • Glazing applications: A thin layer of acrylic is used as glazing by extending paint with any transparent or translucent medium.
  • Transparent manifolds: It is used for manufacturing transparent manifolds that allow you to see the inner side.
  • Signs: Acrylic signs are made from extremely versatile plastic, which provides you a clear background.
  • Skylights: Skylight is also a great example of clarity for this plastic.
  • Custom acrylic parts;

Applications of PVC Plastic

  • Semiconductor Parts: PVC can be used as a semiconductor because of its electro-conductivity;
  • Back-Up Rings: This plastic is used as Back up rings in manufacturing because of its rigidity;
  • Pads: This material is used as Rug pads and safe on all hardwood floors;
  • Spacers: It is used as spacers in machines to maintain the desired amount of space between two objects;
  • Bushings: PVC bushing is used to connect two different size pipes and they are available in a range of size combinations;
  • Guides: PVC boat guides make loading and unloading your boat easier than ever in marine applications;
  • Rollers: PVC rollers are used as Conveyor for handling Light Weight Material;
  • Wear Pads: This plastic is used to protect the surface and enhance sliding properties for industrial applications;

Properties of Acrylic

  • Incredibly durable: Acrylic is a durable plastic and when it comes to weather resistance or impact-resistant, it would be wise for you to go with acrylic over the glass;
  • Broad temperature range for application use: This material has a broad temperature range which is 290°F and 320°F (143°C and 160°C);
  • Machinability: Acrylic plastics are machinable but the key fundamental is to get the heat out through the chips as fast as possible for acrylic melts at a very low temperature (160 °C);
  • UV resistant grades available: 98% UV ray protection is possible through acrylic, making it crystal clear and suitable for all purposes;
  • Strong and stiff: This thermoplastic material is 10-20 times stronger than glass and 17 times impact resistant;

Properties of PVC

  • Excellent insulating properties: Being affordable and heat-resistant, PVC can be used as insulating material on wires;
  • Low permeability: This material has extremely low permeability to most gases;
  • Fire-resistant: Due to the abundance of chlorine in its formulation, this material is a self-extinguishing fire retardant;
  • Durable and light: PVC plastics attract construction tool manufacturers for them being durable and lightweight;
  • Good electrical properties: This thermoplastic has an electrical conductivity of ∼10−8 S cm−1;
  • Chemically inert: A typical PVC material is inert and non-toxic;
  • Tasteless, odorless, and non-toxic: PVC has no odor or taste and this bears no toxicity that you need to be aware of;
  • Dimensional stability: The dimension stability property avoids extra trouble for you;
  • High impact strength: Unlike other plastics, PVC plastic does not shatter because of its high impact property;

Acrylic Vs PVC Kitchen Laminating

The high reflective gloss of acrylic laminating can provide you a smooth look in the kitchen cabinetries. It is also available in a wide variety of colors to make your kitchen just as you desire!

On the other hand, PVC laminate is composite artificial material commonly used in modular kitchens. The topmost layer is usually protected with decorative patterns or colors. Now let us know what difference these two make.

We prefer acrylic laminating for high-end kitchens. It makes the kitchen look more spacious. This attracts visitors to the outstanding design of your kitchen. On the other hand, PVC has various texture styles ranging from matte, glossy, natural, and wooden.

Acrylic finishes are more available in solid and vibrant colors. Compared to acrylic, PVC has a wider range of colors.

Acrylic finishes are scratch-resistant and do not decay over the years, but PVC laminating maintains a seamless and glossy appearance. Acrylic surfaces can be scratched with very sharp objects. One thing you need to consider is that the edges of PVC can be chipped if handled roughly.

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Conclusion

Now that you know all about acrylic and PVC plastics, you can make your own decision. Both of them are machinable objects, but the selection depends on your needs. What material and what purpose do you need it for?

If it is for clarity and light transmission, you can choose acrylic as this provides better clarity. Different tools are designed with acrylic and PVC plastics.

For instance, think of a manifold; you can get a PVC manifold available on the market, but do you need it transparent? You need to choose a transparent manifold that only acrylic plastic can provide if you need to see the manifold’s inner mechanism. Still, confused about which one to buy? Don’t worry. Get in touch with us and let UV Acrylic help you decide the best material for your project.