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What is the Difference Between Plexiglass and Acrylic?

Aug. 15, 2025

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Many people think that Plexiglass and acrylic are two completely different materials, even assuming significant differences in their uses and performance. However, a closer look reveals that they are very closely related—Plexiglass is simply a brand name for acrylic; the chemical composition and key properties are virtually identical.

 

Acrylic, thanks to its excellent light transmittance, lightweight, and weather resistance, has long been a part of our daily lives. High-quality acrylic, like XISHUN Acrylic, is not only crystal clear and durable but also amenable to a variety of custom fabrications, allowing it to be easily adapted to meet functional needs, design, and aesthetics. This is precisely why it is so popular across a wide range of industries.

  

Acrylic vs. Plexiglass: Core Differences

Although Plexiglass is a type of acrylic, there are some differences in market perception:

 

Different Naming Methods

Plexiglass: Originated from a registered trademark in the last century, it has gradually become a synonym for high-quality acrylic sheet.

Acrylic: A generic name for the chemical name PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), encompassing all brands and specifications of the same material.

 

Market Positioning

Plexiglass is generally regarded as a high-quality, stable, and high-end sheet.

Acrylic brands and quality levels vary widely. For example, XISHUN Acrylic maintains high transparency and weather resistance while offering a wide range of colors and thicknesses to meet diverse project needs.

Material Property Comparison: Acrylic

Translucent as crystal, with a 92% transmittance comparable to real glass;

Weatherproof and sun-resistant, no yellowing for ten years;

Embracing, diamond-cutting, and high-temperature shaping for customizable customization;

Light as a cloud, weighing only half the weight of glass.

Acrylic Advantages

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Xishun Acrylic, a dazzling new choice:

• Mirror-like gloss: Illuminate advertising light boxes and furniture panels

• Flexibility: Impact resistance five times greater than glass

• Versatile crafting options: Laser engraving/screen printing/color cutting

• Color palette: Transparent to frosted, solid to gradient

 

Craftsman's Guide

Long-term outdoor use? Choose plexiglass: Resistant to UV rays and wind.

Exploring indoor creativity? Choose acrylic: Xishun offers a wide range of sizes and affordable prices.

From miniature models to art installations, no chipping or smudging when cutting, no smudging when dyeing.

Conclusion

Plexiglass is not a completely different material from acrylic; it is a trademarked name for acrylic. Whether choosing Plexiglass or another brand of acrylic (such as XISHUN Acrylic), you can choose the most appropriate material based on its transparency, thickness, color, and weather resistance according to your project requirements. Understanding the relationship and characteristics of the two can help you design and produce more efficiently.

FAQs

1. Can Plexiglass replace acrylic in your projects?

Yes, Plexiglass is essentially a brand of acrylic.

 

2. Which is stronger, Plexiglass or acrylic?

For the same thickness and quality grade, the difference in strength is minimal, primarily due to the production process and material purity.


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