Metal, wood, and stone are the most common materials used in construction. The building and construction industry has evolved over time. The construction industry is constantly introducing new materials with broader functionality and distinct advantages over traditional building elements. Materials that are more flexible, cheaper, and offer energy savings are replacing the traditional building elements. Plastic glass is one such material that can be used for many different purposes.
The glass has been an integral part of doors and windows for centuries. The construction industry is now able to use it more because of the improved, durable glass. Plastic glass is now used for roofing, insulation, and wall coverings. It’s also used as flooring, interior décor, and in the manufacture of floor tiles. Plastic glass is used in almost every aspect of residential and commercial construction.
Here, we will go into detail about plastic glasses. Let’s get going.
What is plastic glass?
Plastic glass, as its name implies, is made of plastic materials. The polymerization process is used to create it. It is a plastic material, but its transparency and clarity make it an excellent alternative to glass. It is also many times stronger than regular glass, which is why it is used so extensively in the construction industry.
Plastic glass is available in many different types. In the construction industry, acrylic (or polycarbonate ) is most often used. We will, therefore, focus on these two.
This article will compare acrylic and lexan so you can decide which is the better choice for your next project. This Guide will help you compare plexiglass and laxen in detail.
What is acrylic glass?
Acrylic, or plexiglass, is a polymethyl methacrylate. The transparent, glossy surface and glass-like feeling of acrylic are its most notable features. It is stronger than regular glass. The construction industry uses it because it’s shatterproof and scratch-resistant. Acrylic is now used for even the smallest decor items to avoid breakage.
Acrylic/Plexiglass: Properties and Uses
Here’s the next step in the comparison of acrylic and lexan. Now, we will talk about the main characteristics of Lexan.
- Scratch Resistant: Plexiglass has a smooth feel and is resistant to scratches.
- Optical Clarity Acrylic glass is known for its high optical clarity and transparency. It loses transparency over time. Fortunately, there are simple ways to restore it.
- Impact Resistant: Plexiglass has a 17 times stronger impact resistance than glass, making it a good alternative to glass.
- Versatility: Choose a color, and you’ll find plexiglass in that shade. Acrylic is available in frosted, textured, and patterned varieties. Acrylic is available in many different styles and colors to meet your project needs.
- UV Resistant: Acrylic Glass filters harmful sun radiations.
- Customizability: Personalization is big these days, and acrylic can be easily thermoformed. It’s also a good material to use for creating customized products.
- Recyclable: Today, there is a great deal of emphasis on using eco-friendly products, and acrylic is recyclable.
Acrylic/Plexiglass Applications
Acrylic has replaced glass in many areas, but there are a few that have been particularly successful.
- The acrylic used in the windows filters UV rays.
- Commercial display units use it because of its high optical clarity.
- Plexiglass, which is used for aquariums and fish tanks, is very strong.
- Acrylic is used to make animal enclosures because it is resistant to impact.
- The plexiglass used for light fixtures and diffuser panels allows 92% of the light to pass through.
- The versatility of this material and its ease of customization make it an ideal choice for DIY projects.
What is Lexan?
Lexan and polycarbonate are also best clear plastic sheet in australia. It is a thermoplastic with two carbonate groups. Lexan is known for its optical clarity and durability.
Lexan: Its Properties
The following are some properties of polycarbonate that justify its widespread use in construction.
- Impact Resistant: Lexan is able to withstand hard impacts and not break, so it can be used in areas where safety and security are important. It is 250 times stronger than ordinary glass. It is a perfect substitute for glass when it comes to strength and durability.
- Transparency: Polycarbonate, a translucent and clear material. Lexan’s original transparency is difficult to restore as its clarity diminishes over time.
- Color Options: Polycarbonate comes in a limited range of colors. Most of the time, it is available in white and clear.
- Low Flame-Proof: Polycarbonate is resistant to fires thanks to its low flame-proofing.
- Low Resistance to UV: Polycarbonate is a material that filters UV rays but loses its color. This makes it a poor choice for UV protection.
- Lexan’s resistance to chips and cracks: Lexan is an extremely durable material that resists small chips and cracked corners.
- Electrical insulation: is an excellent insulator. It is safe enough to use in areas where electrical insulation may be required.
Lexan is used in many applications.
Lexan can be used in the following applications:
- The durability of this material makes it ideal for bullet-resistant doors and windows
- Lexan is used to make car windows that are resistant to hard impacts and have a high safety value.
- Lexan is the material used to make reusable drinking containers
- Lexan is used to make the screens of electronic gadgets. This material prevents breakage while maintaining high optical clarity.
- In industries that use high temperatures or strong chemicals, it is used as a protective guard.
The cost difference between Lexan and acrylic
Lexan and acrylic are similar in many respects. Both are stronger than glass, but polycarbonate is three times stronger. Both have a transparent, glass-like appearance. However, polycarbonate will lose its clarity over time. In other areas, plexiglass and lexan are similar but different at the same.
Acrylic is the winner in terms of cost-effectiveness. Acrylic is 35% cheaper than polycarbonate, even though they are both cost-effective alternatives to glass.
Which is better?
Plastic glass is an industry that’s booming and on the rise.
Both acrylic and lexan are excellent inventions. Both are great alternatives to glass, widely used for home interiors and exteriors, as well as in the building and construction industries. The final decision between Lexan and plexiglass depends on the project. For a lamp for a living room, plexiglass is the best choice. If you are looking to replace the windshield on your car, Lexan is the best choice. It all depends on your personal requirements.
Here is a quick comparison of acrylic plastic glass and Lexan:
Wrapping up
We hope you have found it easier to make the right decision now that you know the differences between acrylic and polycarbonate. Use these products to enhance your next project and reap the benefits of strength.
