Everything worth knowing before you order: what acrylic really is, how plexiglass and perspex differ, and when to choose acrylic over glass or polycarbonate, written by fabricators, not marketers.
Acrylic is a transparent thermoplastic called PMMA. "Plexiglass" and "Perspex" are just brand names for it, like Biro for a ballpoint pen. Whatever you call it, it is prized for glass-like clarity at half the weight, with far better impact resistance.
Acrylic transmits slightly more light than glass, weighs about half as much, and is up to ten times more impact-resistant, so it's safer and easier to install. It also cuts, bends and prints far more easily. Glass only pulls ahead on surface scratch resistance and high-heat tolerance. For displays, signage and interior fit-out, acrylic is almost always the smarter pick.
If you need optical clarity, rigidity, a polished edge and scratch resistance, choose acrylic. If you need extreme impact strength or tight cold-bending, machine guards, security glazing, choose polycarbonate, accepting that it scratches and yellows more easily.
Cast acrylic is clearer, laser-cuts to a glossier edge and resists crazing, our default for premium display and awards. Extruded acrylic holds tighter thickness tolerance and costs less, fine for basic signage and glazing. We stock both and advise per job.
Acrylic is a transparent thermoplastic, poly(methyl methacrylate), or PMMA, valued for optical clarity, light weight and weather resistance. It is sold as sheet, rod, tube and block and branded as Plexiglass or Perspex.
Yes. Plexiglass and Perspex are trade names for acrylic (PMMA). All three refer to the same material; the names differ only by manufacturer and region.
Acrylic is about half the weight of glass, up to 10× more impact-resistant, easier to cut, bend and print, and cheaper, while transmitting slightly more light. Glass wins only on scratch resistance and heat tolerance. For displays, signage and fit-out, acrylic is usually the better choice.
Acrylic is clearer, more scratch-resistant, more rigid and polishes to a glass-like edge, best for display and signage. Polycarbonate is far more impact-resistant and flexible but scratches easily and yellows faster, best for safety glazing and machine guards.
Cast acrylic is made in batches, is optically clearer, laser-cuts to a glossier edge and resists crazing, ideal for premium work. Extruded acrylic is made continuously, has tighter thickness tolerance and costs less, fine for basic signage and glazing.
Yes. Heated to about 150–160°C, acrylic becomes pliable and can be line-bent into folds or vacuum-formed into curves and domes, then cooled and annealed to stay clear and crack-free.
Quality cast acrylic is UV-stabilised and resists yellowing for years outdoors. For permanent exterior signage in UAE conditions we use weather-grade acrylic and protect any print by reverse-printing behind the sheet.
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