Why? You will also see a side by side comparison of acrylic and glass aquariums so that you can decide for yourself which type of aquarium is best for you. Acrylic tubs last approximately 30 years while fiberglass bathtubs last less than 15 years. Finally, it’s also good to know that acrylic sheet is much more affordable than standard glass. While glass might be a better option for windows, acrylic is more suitable material for making clear furniture. Facebook. Durability – while acrylic might be susceptible to scratching, it’s much harder to crack or shatter than a glass. Mineral glass transmits 80-90%, depending on the type of glass and manufacturer. Acrylic is porous whereas glass is anti-microbial. It’s easy to process this material without breaking it, which makes it a popular choice for DIY projects. But those options come with a cost. Acrylic is far superior to glass in regards to optical quality. Ceramic Bongs. Note that glass is NOT UVA resistant without a film or coating, so you can still get skin damage. With the typical 3-element glass lenses, you have a metalic M9x0.5 mount holding the lenses in place. If you are thinking about buying a new basketball goal, you might find yourself stumped over the difference between glass and acrylic backboards. The key difference between Acrylic and Plexiglass is that Plexiglass is a brand name of acrylic sheets. This site may contain copyrighted material. When an average glass quality transmits around 80–90% of the light, the acrylic material can transmit 92% of visible light. But just how much heavier glass is may surprise you. Thicker pieces of acrylic and museum quality acrylic will avoid this issue. - July 31, 2018. Clear acrylic is also very translucent, allowing just as much light to pass through as real glass. It is a glass-like substance that was created by scientists in the early 20 th century. Due to the coronavirus, we are experiencing some delivery issues. Miles A. If any other cleaner is used, you will crack the acrylic and it must be replaced. The lighter weight of acrylic has advantages. In the world of decorative glass, you really want your designs to stand out. So, if you have the choice of shipping a lot of acrylic or a lot of glass, I’d chose the acrylic. Therefore, the delivery time is longer than usual. Acrylic is porous whereas glass is anti-microbial. First, there’s cost. Although both glass and acrylic containers are transparent, acrylic transmits more light than glass does. Finally, glass is often used in places where safety is paramount and the temperature can rise. The acrylic vs glass debate is often complicated by issues that really have nothing to do with acrylic vs glass: 1) The melting issue is really about acrylic vs metal. Acrylic sheet is also very hardwearing and will not discolour or weather, keeping its good looks for years. Acrylic has a glass-like gloss surface and scuffs the surface lightly. Simply put, glass and tempered glass are really hard to scratch. All rights reserved. By. Glass and acrylic both have many benefits to them, and it is the (minimal) drawbacks that should make your decision an easier one. Acrylic Mirror vs Glass Mirror Using acrylic mirror in place of a glass mirror is becoming an increasingly popular trend for DIY and construction projects. Glass is slightly more translucent than acrylic sheet, allowing in a little more light. Glass vs. Acrylic The Differences Between and the Debate About Glass Aquariums and Acrylic Aquariums (The First Tank Guide) Support and Share the First Tank Guide: Tweet. Acrylic can really stand up to any punishment…except window cleaner and paper towels. April 26, 2020 by Jonathan Holmes. And yet the Acrylic sheet is still stronger than the glass. Thanks to its low weight, acrylic is very suitable for applications where saving weight is crucial, such as caravan and boat windows, roof lights and aquariums. The difference is only minor but might be a key factor in some situations. Glass vs Acrylic: Detailed Comparison 1. Unlike a regular mirror that relies on an. Glass Backboards vs. Acrylic Backboards. Glass requires at least 2 people for the same size sheet. The difference is only minor but might be a key factor in some situations. A win for acrylic is weight. It is common for people to use these terms interchangeably, however, there are significant differences. We take a closer look at the acrylic material to see what makes it such a popular alternative and to see whether glass can still be useful. A lot of healthcare providers and hospitals choose glass over anything simply for this reason. Product link URL Join Andy Joe Plastic Hero as he tests glass, acrylic and polycarbonate against the force of a baseball bat! Same for embedded patterns. This use constitutes a 'fair use' of any included copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. Acrylic vs Glass Aquarium: Pros and Cons of Both Plus the Best Choices. Acrylic vs Glass The lambda value for acrylic is higher than that of glass. Acrylic and Glass Display Case. But, thanks to glass hardware and adhesives, glass weight isn’t really an issue when it comes to cladding and installation. This is especially important when viewing the colorful world of the coral reef and the species that inhabit those waters through panels whose thickness, in many cases, exceeds 12 inches. Resistance: Even if glass aquariums are resistant too, they are not as resilient as acrylic. Best for a Scratch Resistant Aquarium. Acrylic transmits more light than glass; in fact, up to 92% of visible light is transmitted through acrylic. This unprecedented year of 2020 has taught us all that our health is paramount. Depending on how it is manufactured, it can be either more scratch resistant than glass or extremely scratch- … One of the most important benefits of acrylic is that it’s much stronger but also lighter than glass. Copyright © 2019-2020. It is more transparent and can be softened to form any kind of shape. But how do you know when it’s best to use acrylic and when you should opt for standard glass? Although it scratches easily, acrylic typically lasts longer than glass. With typical acrylic lenses, you have a black plastic M9x0.5 mount. Glass is naturally UVB protectant making it a great product to protect furniture as a glass tabletop, art work in frames, or when used as architectural decorative glass, perfect for protecting entire spaces. Variety: Since acrylic is a flexible plastic sheet, molding it into shape is very easy. Impact resistance ; Acrylic is many times stronger than glass and thus more resistant to strokes (10-20 times). At less than half the weight of glass — (SG: 1.19 vs. 2.45) — acrylic is an excellent alternative, especially where weight plays a key factor in design. Factory Glass Direct LLC. Here are key acrylic vs. fiberglass shower base differences to consider: Customization. Between glass and plexiglass of the same thickness, glass is the more effective soundproofing material. Glass and acrylic can both be bent and molded into pretty much any shape. Glass is the obvious choice for house windows and other applications that come into contact with bright sunlight and receive intensive use. This kind of material is often used as it is shatter-resistant, durable, and transparent. The good thing about these side panels was that they were scratch resistant, and more importantly, they looked a lot better as compared to acrylic side panels that would scratch rather easily. If this is a laminated decorative piece, the whole thing will have to be reproduced. Plexiglass is often also referred to as acrylic. Unlike acrylic, glass is not easily scratched and it is also inflammable and more resistant to heat. Acrylic is almost half the weight of glass. Acrylic sheet is a form of plastic that has several advantages over standard glass and can be used as an alternative in many applications. This material won’t shatter if you accidentally drop it as long as it’s not a massive impact. All material available is specifically displayed in efforts to educate, illustrate, clarify and or advance further understanding of services or products related to our industry. Acrylic plastics can be used as replacements for glass in many products, with varying degrees of visual and constructive qualities. However, plexiglass is so much cheaper that you can afford to get either thicker sheets or more pieces for the same price as glass. If the surface is tough, stable, clear, and lighter in weight than acrylic sheets, it is polycarbonate. Another benefit of glass is that it isn’t UV sensitive – acrylic sheets sometimes fade when exposed to bright sunlight for extended periods. Architects, Georgia Support The Vote is a nonpartisan coalition of Georgia business and civic Leaders focused on promoting safe, fair elections across the state [Suwanee, GA], Illuminated mirrors are one of the hottest bathroom accessories of recent times – and for good reasons. Be it etched, laminated, back-painted, or printed, you don’t want your glass to get in the way or limit you. Decide on placement, budget, and pattern or colour choices, and then you can decide whether glass or acrylic meets all your requirements. Even if you accidentally clean it with paper towels, that can permanently damage acrylic. Also, acrylic scratches very easily. To help you decide, we’ll take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of each material. Over time, acrylic will yellow. It can be sterilized very easily and because of its tempered design, holds up in very demanding spaces. This is especially relevant, when comparing load bearing transparent materials with the same depth. Key Difference – Acrylic vs Plexiglass. On the surface, glass and acrylic may look identical but a few things to keep in mind when deciding the materials to use. Glass is slightly more translucent than acrylic sheet, allowing in a little more light. The difference is that bent glass is much more expensive than acrylic. When comparing plexiglass vs glass for windows, it’s clear that they each have their advantages. And when you have to process the material, acrylic sheet is an ideal choice, for example for DIY projects such as side tables, nameplates and accessories. When it comes to scratch resistance, a glass tank is the clear winner vs acrylic aquariums. Most aquariums are made of either glass or acrylic. If it does break, it tends to be into large pieces with blunted edges. Under everyday, normal conditions, it’s unlikely your glass aquarium is going to scratch. For one, acrylic can only be cleaned with warm water and soap. Noun (lb) An amorphous solid, often transparent substance made by melting sand with a mixture of soda, potash and lime. With Acrylic a single person can carry and move the panels ready for install. Fiberglass tubs are cheaper ($300-$500) than acrylic tubs ($500-$1200) but are less durable. Acrylic reflects less light than glass, meaning more will go through and illuminate your artwork. According to experts, it is a petroleum-based thermoplastic, to be exact. It can be sterilized very easily and because of its tempered design, holds up in very demanding spaces. Acrylic is a thermoplastic developed in 1933 , and its main disadvantage to real glass is its higher likelihood of being scratched. Twitter. Lastly, acrylic has the win for durability. Another benefit of glass is that it isn’t UV sensitive – acrylic sheets sometimes fade when exposed to bright sunlight for extended periods. With a film or coating, acrylic can be UVB protectant, at a cost. Acrylic can have some visual distortions that can affect your project. Acrylic vs fiberglass tubs - how do they compare? Winner: Acrylic I don’t need to tell you that glass is heavier than acrylic. A lot of healthcare providers and hospitals choose glass over anything simply for this reason. We offer colorful back painted and printed glass, etched, laminated, and even glass films. Unlike glass, acrylic is colorless at any thickness. Acrylic is often clearer than glass (which can have a green tint), and due to its lighter weight, acrylic is also more cost effective to ship. Pinterest. When it comes to their weight, fiberglass bathtubs weigh 70lbs while acrylic ones weigh 100lbs on average. Acrylic compared with glass: Weight ; Acrylic weighs less than half that of glass. Acrylic has a lambda of 0.19 W/m.K (watts per meter per Kelvin). In other words, if you want a curved or oddly shaped tank, go for acrylic. Acrylic latices may derive from esters of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid. However, many people don't know what the difference is - except that the acrylic tank is usually much more expensive. To find out more about the many applications of acrylic sheet, contact us on 0122 39 76 701 or email us. Glass on the other hand, is relatively scratch resistant. Where security and safety is an issue, glass should be used because acrylic sheet is not resistant to heat and may even catch fire. The terms Acrylic and Plexiglass are often used interchangeably for plastic sheets made from a polymer derived from esters of methacrylic acid. Alright Stoners, it is finally time to compare every type of bong in order to figure out what is the best type of bong on the market. Constructions using glass are more stable than acrylic ones. Acrylic shower units are made from large sheets of acrylic and reinforced with glass fibers and resin, so they actually have some fiberglass in them. For example, is acrylic cheaper than glass? When acrylic shatter, it is, in contrast to glass, in large pieces with relative blunt edges. In terms of display materials, both acrylic and glass have advantages and disadvantages. You can easily move the tank around your home… Acrylic is much lighter, weighing less than half that of glass. Acrylic vs. Tempered Glass PC Case – Our Buyer’s Guide for 2020. If you’re planning to use clear acrylic for replacement windows or whether you have another DIY project using acrylic in mind, we have a wide range of acrylic in sizes, colours and thicknesses to suit your requirements. By contrast, mineral glass transmits between 80-90%, depending on the type of glass. How to make a DIY picture shelf with acrylic sheet, Making a DIY laptop stand with acrylic sheet, All you need to know about glueing polycarbonate, How to paint polycarbonate: 7 expert tips, Bending polycarbonate: everything you need to know, Plastic Sheets Shop Protective Screen Grant. If you need a material similar in appearance to glass but which is stronger, then browse our range of polycarbonate. A small acrylic aquarium is much easier to lift than a glass one. 470 Satellite Blvd NE Suite A Suwanee, GA 30024, How to Use Architectural Glass to Transform your Living Space, Sliding Glass Barn Doors: Decorative Glass Options, Keep Employees & Customers Safe with Bacteria Resistant Glass Partitions, FGD Glass Solutions Joins Georgia Support The Vote, Lighted Mirrors – How They’re Made and Where You Can Use Them, If your cleaning crews know how to maintain the panels, If you’re okay with some visual abnormalities, If you need to reduce the risk of breakage, If you’re often replacing the panels due to remodels or updates, High traffic areas when you need durability. In this article, we will compare Acrylic Bongs vs. Glass Bongs vs. Silicone Bongs vs. We’ll cut the sheets to size for free and your order will be shipped within 24 hours. It might sound a bit overwhelming, but by the end of this article, you will have a complete understanding of each type of bong, and the pros and cons of each. The specific value for glass depends on how the glass was treated and whether the glass is double glazed. In this article, you will see the pros and cons of both acrylic and glass aquariums. In addition, glass is significantly tougher than acrylic: glass skylights can hold more weight than other models and can survive most hailstorms. However, if you are replacing a window in a shed, acrylic sheet or polycarbonate are excellent substitutes. 6) Light Transmission — Acrylic. Up to 92% of visible light is transmitted through acrylic. Warranty As mentioned above, the best glass skylights come with a 20-year warranty (sometimes transferable ) that guarantees you’ll be covered in the rare event of an early failure or breakage. This is a moot point because while acrylic has a small upfront cost, in the long run, it could cost just as much or more than glass. When building a new gaming rig, one has to pay attention to every detail – every component needs to be compatible with the other components and the whole thing needs to provide a satisfying performance. Generally, glass allows in about 80% of light, while acrylic lets in 90-92%, thereby affording a better view of the art. Glass or acrylic: how do you decide which to use? The only difference between the two is that one is made from acrylic and the other from glass. The PC case market saw a huge boom when tempered glass side panels were quickly introduced in some of the cases in the market. Imagine you have two aquariums that are the exact same size. Explore our extensive library of decorative glass. While glass is cheaper to purchase and more easily recycled than acrylic, acrylic is stronger, more shatter resistant and resistant to the elements and erosion than glass. The main advantage that glass offers compared to acrylic is aesthetic. Since acrylic is lighter and several times stronger than glass, a finished piece can be completed in sizes as large as 5’ x 10’ while still being much safer to ship. The glass aquarium can be as much as 10 times as heavyas the acrylic aquarium. Every piece of glass can crack and/or break. Acrylic transmits more light than glass. One of the easiest ways to keep everyone healthy and safe, If you’ve ever ogled an ultra-luxury modern home online or in a magazine, you’ll have noticed something – the generous use of architectural glass. Glass is heavier than acrylic and this can be helpful for some applications. Home | Company | Acrylic Vs. 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