As a plastic distribution company that’s been in the business since 1973, we know a thing or two about the many different types of plastic sheets and what sets them apart from each other. Sometimes the applications they’re used for overlap, which can make it tricky to decide which variety will perform the best for your project. Whether you want to find out which types of plastic will suit your needs best or simply want to learn more about this incredibly versatile material, you’ve come to the right place. Dive into our plastic guide to get the ultimate rundown of our most popular plastics.
Acrylic
Acrylic sheet, also known as plexiglass or brand names like Plexiglas® and Lucite, is an ideal substitute for glass in applications that require a high amount of clarity and strength. Acrylic is a thermoplastic, so it can easily be melted down and injection molded into any shape needed — and can even be reheated again later without degrading. Of all the different plastics, acrylic provides the best clarity for the longest amount of time, thanks to its resistance to scratches, abrasions and yellowing. It also protects against UV damage, which makes it a popular plastic solution for applications like advertising displays or picture framing. The only thing to keep in mind when you choose acrylic is that it can crack and chip easily during installation due to its rigidity.
The varieties you can find at A&C Plastics include:
While all acrylic sheet is fairly abrasion resistant, this variety is 40 times more resistant to chemicals and marring without sacrificing optical clarity.
At half the weight of glass and ten times the strength, acrylic mirror is great for cosmetic displays, slat walls and even casinos.
Nobody likes a surprise static shock, especially when it interferes with electronics. This acrylic sheet is coated with a transparent material that prevents the formation of static electricity and looks great doing it.
Ships and boats deal with some of the harshest conditions out there and marine acrylic can help. Superior clarity and impact, scratch and abrasion resistance mean your windshields and windows will last a long time.
This acrylic is made with a special formula to appear dark during the day and white at night, giving you plenty of room to use your creativity in outdoor advertising.
Make your signage stand out from the rest with thick block letters that can be lit with colored or white LEDs. Block acrylic has a high maximum service temperature, so rest assured that your sign will last a long time.
All varieties of marine acrylic, including AR Marine, are ideal for making your vessel more weatherable. Plastic is resistant to sun yellowing and corrosion from briny breezes!
Lightweight, strong and crystal clear, this variety of acrylic is ideal for commercial glazing to protect storefronts and other properties from bullets and other major impacts.
As clear as glass with 17 times the strength! Use for commercial glazing, POP displays and anything you want to resist scratches and abrasions.
Available in both opaque and translucent styles, colored acrylic is great for commercial glazing and signage.
Our OPTIX DA sheet is specifically designed for printing, so you can say goodbye to using adhesion promoters before applying ink on your display or signage. Just print right on the sheet and you’re done!
Give your class or conference room a sturdy new addition with an acrylic dry erase board!
Gives you the transparent color of colored acrylic sheet with extra glow when edge lit!
Protect artwork, pictures or important documents with this shatter and UV resistant acrylic sheet.
A black plastic that only transmits infrared rays, this variety is ideal for applications where you want to hide a security camera or audio equipment.
The rainbow-like surface of this plastic sheet makes beautiful indoor POP displays and store fixtures.
Just because your business is a hotspot doesn’t mean you want to see hot spots in your signage. Light diffusing acrylic takes care of this issue without affecting your sign’s vibrancy!
Has all the benefits of regular acrylic mirror with the added feature of a non-glare surface.
Traditionally used in commercial surveillance settings, it creates privacy and security when illuminated on one side and acts like a window when illuminated from both sides.
This museum-grade acrylic is the optimal choice for protecting and displaying artwork. It blocks 99% of UV light!
The inverse of UV transmitting acrylic, this variety shields against UVA and UVB rays to protect artwork, historical items and even just your carpeting from fading over time due to sun damage.
This acrylic sheet allows 92% of UVA and UVB rays to shine through, making it ideal for indoor suntanning equipment, animal habitats and medical treatment devices.
UV-resistant and stunningly clear, white acrylic is ideal for commercial signage, POP displays, photo light tables, x-ray film readers and more.
Pros & Cons of Acrylic
| Pros |
|---|
| UV-resistant |
| Available in a variety of colors |
| Lighter than glass |
| 17x greater impact resistance than glass |
| Resistant to yellowing and discoloration; very clear |
| Easy to cut, bend and shape |
| Abrasion resistant |
| Cons |
|---|
| Costlier than glass |
| Melts when exposed to flames for long periods of time |
| Releases toxic fumes when melted |
Acrylic Industry Solutions
As you could see from the long list of acrylic products above, acrylic comes in all sorts of colors and strengths. Check out some of the industries these plastics can be used in.
From ventilation sealing to landing gear, acrylic is used to make aircraft components up to 10 times lighter than metal while still maintaining a high amount of strength.
Did you know that acrylic is Bisphenol A (BPA) free? This makes it ideal for fluid handling plastics like IV-drips and dialysis tubes, since it won’t release any harmful chemicals due to hydrolysis, or degradation due to contact with water and other fluid substances.
Museums use frame grade acrylic to protect precious artwork from UV rays and other damaging forms of light, and now you can protect your own art and photos with it, too!
Whether it’s adding extra impact resistance to storefront windows or increasing clarity in a shelf display, acrylic sheet is a great glazing solution.
Boat windows and windshields have to deal with many harsh conditions, which is why the abrasion and yellowing resistance of acrylic is an ideal replacement for glass in boat manufacturing.
If you need a point of purchase display that really “POPs” you need the beauty and clarity of acrylic on your side. Use colored or even iridescent options to create sharp, rich images in your lighted outdoor advertising as well.
Acrylic Resources
Want to do some in-depth reading on acrylic? We have several resources that provide key examples of how acrylic can be used in a variety of projects. Perfect for lighting your inspiration!
Polycarbonate
If all the different types of plastic are superheros, polycarbonate is Superman. It’s over 250 times stronger than glass and just as clear, making it an ideal application for storefronts and any buildings or vehicles that need extremely impact resistant windows. As a thermoplastic like acrylic, polycarbonate can be heated and injection molded into any shape necessary, and then reheated later without degrading significantly. You can also cold form polycarbonate into the needed dimensions right on-site. Polycarbonate can also be treated to either transmit or protect against UV rays, so whether you need siding for your greenhouse or sturdy siding for an airplane, this plastic is up for the job. One drawback to polycarbonate is initial cost, but given how durable and long-lasting the material is, it winds up paying for itself over time. Also, while certain varieties of polycarbonate are abrasion resistant, it is somewhat easier to scratch or dent this plastic when compared to acrylic.
Polycarbonate sheet with added abrasion and UV-resistance, making it ideal for storefronts that want extra security without sacrificing the clarity of glass.
Also known as electrostatic dissipative (ESD) polycarbonate, this special sheet is glazed with a metal and plastic mixture that stops static in its tracks.
Keep a clear view of the sea when you use this crystal clear, abrasion-resistant sheet for your vessel’s windshields and windows.
This sheet is lightweight, strong and impact-resistant while also having the same clarity as glass, so your home or business will look great with added security.
Offers all the flexibility, ease of fabrication and unbeatable strength of clear polycarbonate with an added punch of color.
Polycarbonate that has not been UV stabilized and complies with FDA & NSF standard 51 requirements for food preparation.
Polycarbonate that has not been UV stabilized and complies with FDA & NSF standard 51 requirements for food preparation.
Polycarbonate that has not been UV stabilized and complies with FDA & NSF standard 51 requirements for food preparation.
Flame inhibiting and UV-stable, this sheeting and glazing polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable and compliant with ISO certification guidelines.
This polycarbonate sheet was designed with extreme conditions in mind, giving you optical clarity with low distortion no matter how turbulent the tides may be.
This sheet can be rolled, sewn and cut, making it easy to work with, even in limited space!
Polycarbonate with a frosted effect to add decoration and privacy to any indoor or outdoor application
Great for greenhouses! This sheet is virtually unbreakable and provides nearly 60% more thermal insulation than regular glass.
Mirrored polycarbonate is great for a wide variety of applications, including commercial building construction, POP displays and signage, cosmetics and even the automotive industry.
Have an oversized job? Reelstock can get it done! This sheet is ideal for large applications like greenhouses and signage.
Have an oversized job? Reelstock can get it done! This sheet is ideal for large applications like greenhouses and signage.
This tinted sheet makes great bus partitions, machine guards and even impact-resistant windows.
If you’re looking for a strong, long-lasting outdoor material for a patio covering or swimming pool cover, make white polycarbonate your plastic of choice.
Pros & Cons of Polycarbonate
| Pros |
|---|
| 250x greater impact resistance than glass |
| Resistant to acids and chemicals |
| Bullet resistant grades available |
| Greater plasticity — can be drilled, bent and formed without cracking or breaking |
| Low flammability |
| As clear as glass |
| Weather resistant — great for greenhouses! |
| Cons |
|---|
| Releases toxic chemicals when burned |
| Not as resistant to scratches/abrasions |
| More expensive than glass |
Polycarbonate Industry Solutions
Polycarbonate is one of our favorite types of plastic because of its versatility and strength. Just like acrylic, it can be used (and is currently being used) in industries of all kinds. Check out a few of the places you can find polycarbonate.
Lighter than its metal predecessors and just as strong, polycarbonate is being used in all sorts of aerospace applications today.
Because polycarbonate is so resistant to impact, it’s often used for car bumpers, headlight lenses and more, making cars not only safer, but more economical.
Polycarbonate makes our phone casings tough so the delicate electronics inside stay safe and functional, no matter how many times they get dropped.
Whether it’s protecting against inclement weather or deterring robberies, polycarbonate is the ultimate glazing solution for windows on business and private properties.
Did you know that using multiwall or corrugated polycarbonate sheet for a greenhouse requires less structural support than other traditional materials? Learn more!
This shatter-resistant substitute for glass gives your lighted displays a greater level of safety without sacrificing light quality.
Boats face all sorts of difficult, extreme conditions. Polycarbonate can stand up to all of them. Find out why you should make it your first pick in our marine plastic resource center.
Material handling plastics have to be tough and easy to maintain in order to do their job well. That’s why polycarbonate is perfect for conveying applications and much more!
Medical plastics have to stand up to many harsh conditions like sterilization, which is why tough varieties like polycarbonate are in high demand.
Polycarbonate brands like Lexan™ and Makrolon™ are the epitome of strength at 200 times stronger than glass. Find out all the applications you could use it for!
Polycarbonate Resources
Want to do some in-depth reading on polycarbonates? We have several resources that provide key examples of how polycarbonates can be used in a variety of projects. Perfect for lighting your inspiration!
HDPE
High-density polyethylene, or HDPE (which is much easier to pronounce) is a thermoplastic used in items ranging from hard hats to water bottles. Most other different types of plastic don’t quite match HDPE in its versatility and malleability — and did we mention it’s super eco-friendly? HDPE is one of the most widely recycled plastics on the market, meaning you can choose it with confidence knowing that it will both do its job well and be transformed into something new when the work is done.
HDPE shares qualities with acrylic and polycarbonate sheet, such as strong impact and abrasion resistance and a low coefficient of friction. These qualities also prevent it from retaining stains, sustaining moisture damage or gaining unpleasant odors over time. On the other hand, HDPE has incredible tensile strength and rigidity, setting it apart from other types of plastic.
This variety of HDPE is marine-grade and specifically designed for high-traffic areas, offering the grip you need in slippery situations like decking, docks or even shower floors.
If you have a plastic application that requires engraving, Color Core HDPE is right up your alley! The multi-layer colored sheet is ideal for signage, playground equipment and more.
In terms of consistency and reliability, this HDPE sheet is King! Use this variety for marine applications like hatches and doors, steps and more.
Designed specifically for cutting boards, this unique blend will not dull knives and will last longer than a traditional cutting board.
This form of HDPE is ideal for outdoor applications and is resistant to several chemicals and harmful UV rays.
We can’t even list the crazy amount of applications this sheeting can be used for! Its chemical, moisture, and impact resistance make it ideal for a variety uses.
Pros & Cons of HDPE
| Pros |
|---|
| BPA-free! |
| Weather resistant |
| Easy to clean |
| Moisture resistant |
| Strong impact resistance |
| Abrasion resistant |
| Cons |
|---|
| Flammable |
| Can crack under stress |
| High thermal expansion |
HDPE Industry Solutions
Being one of the most versatile types of plastic, HDPE is used in several industries for a wide variety of applications. If you're operating in tough conditions, HDPE is the plastic that's up for the job. Here are just a few of the places HDPE is frequently found.
HDPE is used in everything from industrial to pharmaceutical fluid handling purposes. Being a thermoplastic, it can be easily molded into any shape necessary. For example, a medicine bottle!
Whether it’s used for parts on an offshore rig or to store gasoline for your tractor, HDPE will keep its contents safe from the environment — and the environment safe from its contents.
The last thing you want to do while walking on your boat’s deck is slip and fall! AntiSkid HDPE can help prevent harmful tumbles.
Because it resists stains and UV rays and it easy to clean, HDPE is ideal for recreational equipment like outdoor playsets, picnic tables, park benches and more.
HDPE Resources
Even though you now have a “high density” of knowledge on HDPE, you might still be wondering if it’s the right plastic for your project. Use these resources to ensure you get a complete picture of HDPE and it’s uses.
Industrial Plastics
This final category encompasses many different types of plastic with unique characteristics that make them suited for just about any task you could throw at them. Lightweight and durable, they can be used in a wide variety of industry applications.
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is one of the most widely used plastics on the market today. It has great impact resistance, can be used for heavy duty applications and is suitable for vacuum forming. A&C Plastics carries a variety of grain finishes, thicknesses and even custom colors to ensure you always get the exact product you need.
This foamed polyvinyl chloride comes in a smooth matte finish that’s perfect for signage, screen printing, store displays and more. You can even paint or laminate this thin plastic sheet for projects like stage prop design or wood replacement!
If you need something stronger than fluted fiberboard but just as light and economical, fluted polypropylene is a great choice. It’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments, making it ideal for specialty boxes, temporary partitions and even POP displays.
This glossy plastic is commonly used in cosmetics, engineering and storage for its superior strength and clarity compared to glass. It’s FDA-approved to come in contact with food and even accepts ink and paint!
Another popular and common plastic, polypropylene sheet is a more economical alternative to HDPE and ABS. It’s resistant to acid, abrasions, moisture, stress cracking, impact and considerable thermal conditions. It’s even used as a semiconductor in chemical industries because of how well it resists corrosion!
save energy, money and space with this economical barrier solution. Vinyl and PVC strip curtains and doors work well as partitions, freezer and refrigerator curtains and overhead loading dock doors. Consult with an expert about the indoor or outdoor conditions where you will be using this plastic to determine the right thickness for your needs.
Pros & Cons of Industrial Plastics
| Pros |
|---|
| Economical |
| Visually appealing |
| Certain varieties are FDA-approved |
| Great impact resistance |
| Versatile |
| Certain varieties accept paint and ink well |
| Cons |
|---|
| Certain varieties are susceptible to UV-degradation |
| High flammability |
| Certain varieties have high thermal expansion |
Industrial Plastics Solutions
Being one of the most versatile types of plastic, HDPE is used in several industries for a wide variety of applications. If you're operating in tough conditions, HDPE is the plastic that's up for the job. Here are just a few of the places HDPE is frequently found.
You’d be hard pressed to find an airplane that doesn’t use ABS plastic for their overhead storage bins! Find out how many other aerospace applications plastics are being used for.
Polypropylene, PVC and ABS are all used in the interior and bodies of our personal vehicles. With features like impact resistance, flame retardance and a sleek finish, these plastics are making our cars safer without sacrificing design.
ABS is often used in conjunction with polycarbonate to make the casings and inner components of electronics like cell phones. ABS is a great insulator, helping to guide and contain electrical currents within our devices.
Parts like water pump rotors, bushings, bearings, housings and gears are often made of polypropylene because of its great corrosion resistance, helping equipment last longer so water treatment facilities incur less downtime for maintenance and repairs.
Volatile substances like gas and oil need plastics that can handle them, and ABS is just the plastic for the job. ABS resists all sorts of corrosive forces, from chemicals to saltwater.
Polypropylene is an economical material for plastic pallets, since it’s less likely to break or fracture than a wood pallet while also being much lighter.
Industrial Plastic Resources
There are many different types of plastic within the "industrial" category, which means there's plenty of learning to be done to make the best decision for your project! These articles might be just what you need.
We think we pretty much covered all the different types of plastic and the characteristics that make them so great in this plastic guide. But if there’s more you want to know, you can always head to our information center to check out our resources for a more extensive look into different industries. Or, if you know what kind of plastic you need and would like to place an order, contact us today for a custom quote.
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