Acrylic Vs. Plexiglass: What’s the Difference | Safely6ft™

Plexiglass vs. Acrylic: What’s the Difference Between the Two?

We hear it all the time: “What’s the difference between acrylic vs plexiglass?”

If you’re one of the many people who have ever wondered “what is the difference between acrylic and plexiglass?” or have had a sneaking suspicion of “is acrylic the same as plexiglass?” you’re not alone, and you’re also not wrong! Plexiglass is the same as acrylic. In fact, acrylic is to plexiglass what tissues are to Kleenex.

Let’s walk through a brief history of plexiglass and acrylic so you can see exactly where the confusion all came from and talk about the many benefits this incredible glass-like material can provide!

Plexiglass vs. Acrylic: A Brief History

What started as a way to create a lamination between glass plates to increase glass resistance turned into one of the most widely used sneeze guard materials available today. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), more commonly known as acrylic, was accidentally invented in 1933 by Otto Rohm.

The accidental creation of this glass-like material was made available for commercial use under the trademark Plexiglas® and has served countless industries since, being a key player in reducing the spread of COVID-19.

It’s also caused the main point of confusion for consumers searching for sneeze guards and other social distancing products for education, businesses, and restaurants, only to find countless “plexiglass vs. acrylic” options.

Benefits of Plexiglass Acrylic

Now that we’ve answered the question, “is acrylic the same as plexiglass?” You might be wondering, is plexiglass acrylic durable? Or, what is the benefit of using a plexiglass acrylic product?

Durability

The thermoplastic properties of plexiglass acrylic offer an incredible shatter-resistant quality most glass products cannot provide. It also is much stronger, more transparent, and resists erosion and UV rays better than glass can. Acrylic is lightweight enough for a variety of high-traffic or demanding applications, from tabletop and portable sneeze guards to buffet shields, business signs, and other settings in need of a durable and versatile protective material.

Affordability

When you consider the durability and shatter-resistance offered by acrylic, you see the value and affordability in its price. Whether used as a sneeze guard or a larger barrier, acrylic will withstand the test of time for a trustworthy product you can count on for many different applications.

Versatility

If you’re in need of a durable, long-lasting, shatter-resistant product in a color or finish other than clear, acrylic sheets can help! You can get acrylic sheets in virtually any color or design, which is one of the reasons they are a popular material choice for creating business signs.

Easy to Clean

Another benefit of using a product made from acrylic is how easy it is to clean; all you need is acrylic cleaner and microfiber cloth! Acrylic won’t streak with the right products, either, which means you’ll have a squeaky clean and streak-free surface your vendors, guests, patrons, students, staff, or employees will appreciate.

At Safely6ft™, we’re committed to providing our customers with the very best social distancing products tailored to your needs, whether it be plexiglass sneeze guards, floor signs, hand sanitizer stations, or wall, window and door signs. Shop today to discover what protective products are waiting to make your business or institution a cleaner and safer place to be!