Acrylic
Acrylic resembles glass aesthetically, but is half its weight as well as being resistant to sun and salt damage. Other positive characteristics that make acrylic a desirable
thermoplastic that buyers want to purchase are its excellent insulation and transparent nature, which is actually clearer then glass. Acrylic is able to be cut in thick chunks while still being fully transparent, while
glass cutting may be a much more varied and expensive process. Glass also develops a greenish tint when cut thick. Acrylics can be formed into many shapes. Stock shapes, including
sheet,
rod, tube,
film and plate forms, are most common. However, acrylic material can be specially ordered to be shaped to fit any need. Acrylic can also refer to paints used by artists that contain acrylic resin. Acrylic paints are desirable because they can take on a variety of looks when diluted but become water-resistant when dry. Artists have been using acrylic paint since the 1950s. Sometimes the artworks created with these paints are called acrylics as well.
Other uses for acrylic plastics are wide spread and varied. Because of its favorable qualities, including its ability to be flawlessly shaped, acrylics are utilized by many industries. The fact that there are two major types of acrylics, also allows buyers a variance in price. The extruded process that is softer and cheaper but also scratches easily and contains impurities, while the cell cast process is more expensive but a higher quality. Aquariums would probably use the cell cast acrylic, since they can have them seamlessly shaped through chemical welding, and require a sturdy and scratch resistant material to give viewers the best aquatic experience safely. Homes and offices often have acrylic windows and sliding doors, while shower doors and skylights are also often made from the thermoplastic. Since windows and doors are essential to most industries, such as hospitals, manufacturing plants, commercial buildings and so forth, acrylic is pretty popular. Also, because acrylic that is one inch thick or thicker is bullet-proof, prisons and security construction companies and automotive shops all use acrylic for specialized products where safety is a concern.
