Three Types of Acrylic Sheet
There are three main ways plexiglass is manufactured. Each style of plexiglass acrylic has its own advantages and disadvantages. This article will outline the differences.
Cell Cast Acrylic Sheet
- This style is produced by melted liquid PMMA resin poured between two plates of glass
- Least amount of expansion and contraction
- Highest margin of error on thickness tolerance
- Standard thickness tolerance from .118” – .500” is +/- 8%
- This is the best material to use when cutting or routing
- Highest molecular weight
- Widest range of colors available
- Standard material for signs, aquariums, and high-end fabrication
Continuous Cast Acrylic Sheets
- This style is produced by pouring melted liquid PMMA resin between two belts of polished stainless steel
- Best material consistency
- Least amount of expansion and contraction
- 2nd best thickness tolerance
- Widest ranges of sizes available up to 9’ wide and 16’ long
- Standard material for forming, fabrication, and skylights
Extruded Acrylic Sheets
- Semi-soft melted resin is pushed between rollers and cut to size
- Highest internal stress within the sheet
- Most expansion and contraction
- Generally, the best thickness consistency
- Thickness tolerance +/- 10%
- Softest sheet
- Gums up routers more when cutting
- Easy to glue
- Standard material for displays, and replacement windows. Some signage acrylic sheet uses.
Why Choose A&C Plastics?
Our commitment to order accuracy and customer service will help you get exactly what you need right when you need it.
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Every Color Imaginable
We have more than 200 different colors of acrylic sheets in our warehouse and our expert staff is always ready to help.
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Oversized Sheets
Big projects call for big materials. Our warehouse is home to some of the largest sheets in the plastics industry.
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No Project Too Large or Too Small
We work hard to meet your expectations on every level. Let A&C Plastics deliver for you.
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Custom Cutting Capabilities
We can perform cut-to-size orders with tight tolerances of 1/32 inch.
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