Acrylic vs Glass vs Plastic

"Should I use a Glass?"

"Should I use a Acrylic?"

"Should I use a Plastic?"

"Why Acrylic better?"

"Why Glass better?"

"Why Plastic better?"

Introduction

What is Glass?

Glass is an inorganic, non-crystalline solid material typically made from silica (sand), soda (sodium carbonate), and lime (calcium oxide). It is known for its hardness, brittleness, and high optical clarity.

What is Acrylic?

Acrylic, also known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), is a synthetic polymer that belongs to the group of thermoplastics. It is widely used due to its clarity, strength, and versatility. Acrylic is often used as a lightweight, shatter-resistant alternative to glass.

What is Plastic?

A broad category of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that are malleable and can be molded into solid objects. Includes a wide variety of polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and more.

Comparison between Acrylic, Glass, and Plastic

Attribute	Acrylic	Glass	Plastic
Transparency	Highly transparent, 92% light transmission	Highly transparent, 90-92% light transmission	Varies widely; can be transparent, translucent, or opaque depending on the type
Weight	Lightweight, about half the weight of glass	Heavier	Generally lightweight, varies with type
Durability	Impact-resistant, less likely to shatter	Brittle, shatters into sharp pieces	Varies; some plastics are impact-resistant while others are more fragile
Scratch Resistance	More prone to scratching than glass	Highly scratch-resistant	Varies; some plastics scratch easily while others are designed to be scratch-resistant
UV Resistance	Can yellow over time without UV protection	Naturally UV-resistant	Varies; some plastics degrade under UV light, others are UV-stabilized
Chemical Resistance	Resistant to many chemicals but can be damaged by solvents like acetone	Highly resistant to most chemicals	Varies widely; some plastics have high chemical resistance, others do not
Thermal Resistance	Can soften at high temperatures (~100°C or 212°F)	Can withstand high temperatures without deforming	Varies widely; some plastics are heat-resistant, others are not
Cost	Generally less expensive than glass	Can be more expensive depending on type	Generally inexpensive, varies with type
Workability	Easy to cut, drill, and thermoform	Requires specialized tools for cutting and shaping	Easy to mold and shape, varies with type
Recyclability	Recyclable, though not as commonly recycled as some plastics	Recyclable	Varies widely; some plastics are easily recyclable, others are not
Applications	Display cases, signage, windows, aquariums, furniture	Windows, bottles, optics, screens, lab equipment	Packaging, containers, toys, household items, automotive parts, and more

Summary

The choice between acrylic, glass, and plastic depends on the specific requirements of the application, including factors such as weight, durability, transparency, cost, and environmental considerations.

Hosea Ballou's quote, "There is no such thing as 'best' in the world of individuals." Just like the selection of which is the best material. There are no best material, but only the most 'suitable' to you.