Acrylic / Plexiglass

Acrylic, otherwise known as plexiglass or acrylic glass, is a transparent thermoplastic that has broad uses throughout various industries as an alternative to glass. Going by the scientific name Polymethyl Methylcrylate, its most prominent qualities - those that make it such a useful material - are its clarity, shatter-resistance, and lightweight nature.

Wherever you might encounter plexiglass, you will find that it will be one of two types defined by their production method. These are cast acrylics and extruded acrylics. In this piece, we'll be taking a closer look at these two types of plexiglass, delving into what differentiates them, what they're most suited for, and when to choose one over the other for your needs.

Let's get right into it.

Cast Acrylic Sheets

These are acrylic sheets made from pouring out the liquid ingredients that makeup acrylic (methyl methacrylate, monomer, and initiators) into forms or molds. These are then allowed to set into the desired shape. The result is a high optical quality product that is superior in strength and durability to glass without sacrificing its clarity.

Benefits of cast acrylic sheets include:

• Superior chemical resistance, demonstrated by their resistance to crazing (the formation of tiny networks of cracks) when exposed to corrosive substances or solvents
• Superior capacity to be reworked under high-temperature settings
• Higher optical properties and surface finish
• A broader range of thermoforming applications

Extruded Acrylic Sheets

On the other hand, these types of sheets are manufactured through a process involving the pushing of acrylic pellets through extrusion dies that are highly polished to produce the finished

Taking on the challenge of constructing your own acrylic aquarium can be a gratifying, cost-effective, and fun venture. It allows you the ability to create something unique and special for you and your fish pals. We have taken the time to research the steps it takes in accomplishing such a task. Below is a general guide to help you with your next DIY project of building your own fish aquarium tank.

What Material Should I Use?

Most fish aquariums can be made out of one of two things, glass, and high-strength acrylic. Glass has many valuable qualities but cast acrylic may be the better material when DIY-ing your own custom fish tank. Acrylic (or plexiglass as it is commonly known) has great optical clarity, is super durable, and is lighter in weight making it the better home for your beloved fish pals. Cast acrylic has 17 times the impact resistance of glass and also has better insulating properties. Fish aquariums made out of acrylic can be 4 times lighter than those made up of glass making it easier to transport your tank around your home. Acrylic is also easier to shape and mold giving you the opportunity to design a more unique looking aquarium so you are not resigned to just a square or rectangle shape. Here is everything you need to know about acrylic.

What do I Need and How Much Will This Cost me?

Items needed:

• Acrylic sheets
• Solvent Cement
• Aquarium safe silicone
• Duct tape

If you DIY your own, standard rectangle/square acrylic aquarium you will need a total of 5 sheets of acrylic (6 if you want a lid). It is recommended and common among custom tank

Acrylic is one of the most recognizable names in the world of plastics -- and for good reason. It has many different applications and is one of the more durable and versatile products available. It's often sold in sheets of transparent material that can take the place of windows or provide protection in a variety of instances. Businesses, industrial facilities, government buildings, and even individuals can all benefit from using acrylic in buildings or smaller scale projects. However, it's just one of many thermoplastics and synthetic materials that are available.

To make sure that you choose the right material for your own needs, it's important to understand all of the specific qualities as well as the pros and cons of acrylic. Here's a guide to help you get started and make the best possible choice for your next project.

What Is Acrylic?

Acrylic is a thermoplastic, which means that it can be melted into a liquid in order to shape it into a specific form. This process is called injection molding. And it involves liquefying the acrylic material and injecting it into a mold that's the shape of the sheet or pane you want to create. Then it is cooled, which allows it to turn back into a solid. It can also be melted and molded multiple times without losing its physical properties, which makes it a prime candidate for being recycled.

It is also sometimes referred to as plexiglass or acrylic glass since it is meant to mimic the look of glass. However, the material is known for being lightweight, clear, and fairly impact resistant. So it actually offers plenty of benefits over glass when weight or safety is an issue.

There are also some unique qualities that set acrylic apart from other plastic materials like polycarbonate or PETG. For instance, it tends to be fairly scratch resistant, since it

Pet owners need to always make sure that their animals have a safe and comfortable environment to call home. Whether you have a dog, fish, snakes, or lizards, enclosures can be helpful for keeping them in a controlled space. This helps you ensure that they don't get out, while also keeping outside threats or hazards at bay.

In order to achieve this goal, pet enclosures need to be made using a strong and durable material. However, visual clarity can also be useful so you can always keep an eye on your beloved pets. Luckily, acrylic sheets let you enjoy the best of both worlds.

If you're interested in building enclosures for your pets and want to learn more about sourcing acrylic sheets for this type of project, read on for a helpful guide.

Use Acrylic to Keep Pets Safe - From Dogs to Fish

Acrylic sheets can be used in a wide array of pet enclosures. You can choose the exact size of the sheets you want to use. So you can utilize the material for everything from a large outdoor dog kennel to a small indoor enclosure for reptiles or fish. Just change up the size, thickness, and framing materials used to suit the needs of your specific pet.

In terms of safety, acrylic is a fairly impact-resistant material. This means that if your pet or another object bumps into it, even at a high rate of speed, it's unlikely to break or give in any way. Unlike glass, acrylic is better equipped to absorb the energy from impact and spread it out instead of cracking or breaking. Even if something is able to penetrate the surface after multiple strikes, the material won't shatter into a bunch of harmful pieces. In addition, acrylic is lightweight and doesn't come with sharp edges or pieces that can create hazards for pets or humans around your home.

A DIYers Dream Material

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, more and more people and businesses are considering ways to improve safety conditions and sanitization around their homes and workplaces. Sneeze guards provide a practical solution for a wide array of facilities that's incredibly quick and easy to implement.

Acrylic sheets provide the perfect material for setting up DIY sneeze guards at stores, workplaces, and basically any location where a clear barrier may come in handy. If you're interested in improving your own safety and helping your employees, coworkers, or members of the public do the same, here's a guide to using acrylic sheets as sneezeguards.

Properties of Acrylic Sheets

Acrylic is a clear plastic material that is rigid and reasonably strong. One of the most notable qualities of this material is its crystal optical clarity. It allows nearly all light to pass through unimpeded, so you can see through to the other side almost as if no material were present at all.

Acrylic is also fairly impact resistant. It's not as strong as some specialty plastics like polycarbonate. But it does offer more impact resistance than glass, so it shouldn't shatter or get damaged when struck with an object traveling at a reasonable speed. If the material does get scratched or chipped on the surface, you can easily polish that spot to restore shine and visual clarity. Acrylic also does not fade or discolor when exposed to sunlight or exterior conditions, so it is often able to last for an extended period of time without showing any signs of age or wear.

Finally, acrylic is lightweight and easy to work with. It can be shaped and cut into exact sizes depending on your needs. And once you receive your acrylic

If you've been thinking about adding a backsplash in your kitchen, you should know about the benefits of using acrylic. Many people automatically opt for ceramic or glass tiles for this purpose. But acrylic offers tons of advantages that match or surpass these common options.

For those who want to add a little something extra to their kitchens or other spaces around the home, here's what you should know about using acrylic for backsplashes.

Benefits of Adding a Kitchen Backsplash

Kitchen backsplashes usually consist of tile or another durable material installed over the wall that lines the countertops. It is designed to provide a solid, durable surface that's easy to clean. Since this area is often exposed to food splatters and grease or moisture that could otherwise damage a traditional wall, backsplashes add another layer of protection. They also tend to be easier to clean and maintain, so you can keep your kitchen looking like new for as long as possible.

They also provide aesthetic benefits. You can choose a specific color that matches your design scheme, or add a nice pop of color to a neutral space. You can even choose a patterned tile that adds some extra life or visual interest to the room. Even with a neutral shade or a reflective, mirror-like surface, this addition can result in some extra texture and depth that can make the whole room feel more complete.

Why Acrylic is Perfect for Kitchen Backsplashes

Acrylic is a type of thermoplastic that can easily be formed into a variety of different shapes.