Cast acrylic is a type of plastic that is created by casting the polymerised liquid monomer into a mould. This process results in a highly durable and optically clear material that is often compared to glass but with several distinct advantages. It’s a material that can be used in several ways in your home development project. Read on to fine out more.
Unlike extruded acrylic, which is produced by continuously pushing the acrylic polymer through a die, cast acrylic is made in small batches, allowing for greater precision and quality control.
When looking to purchase cast acrylic, consider cast acrylic that offers high levels of strength and clarity while being easy to work with such as those at Simpy Plastics.
Applications of Cast Acrylic
Cast acrylic is widely used across various applications due to its exceptional clarity, strength, and versatility. It is a preferred material for signage and displays, offering high transparency and ease of fabrication for creative and intricate designs.
In architectural projects, cast acrylic is utilised for windows, skylights, and glazing, providing durability and weather resistance. Its strength and clarity also make it ideal for aquariums and terrariums, ensuring both safety and excellent visibility.
Additionally, cast acrylic is commonly used in the creation of protective barriers, such as sneeze guards, in public spaces. The material’s excellent light transmittance properties make it suitable for lighting fixtures, where it helps achieve bright, even illumination.
Properties of Cast Acrylic
Optical Clarity: One of the most impressive properties of cast acrylic is its optical clarity. It boasts up to 92% light transmittance, making it a preferred choice for applications where transparency and clarity are essential.
Durability: Cast acrylic is incredibly strong and resistant to impact. It is up to 17 times more impact-resistant than glass, which makes it a safer option in environments where breakage could pose a risk.
Weather Resistance: This material is highly resistant to weathering and UV radiation, maintaining its clarity and structural integrity even after prolonged exposure to the elements. This makes it ideal for outdoor applications.
Chemical Resistance: Cast acrylic is resistant to many chemicals, including acids and alkalis, which makes it suitable for use in various industrial settings.
Ease of Fabrication: You can easily cut, drill, and shape cast acrylic using standard tools, which makes it a favourite among DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Benefits of Cast Acrylic
Cast acrylic offers numerous benefits, including exceptional optical clarity, making it ideal for applications requiring high transparency, and superior durability, being up to 17 times more impact-resistant than glass, which enhances safety by reducing the risk of shattering.
It is also highly resistant to weathering and UV radiation, ensuring long-term clarity and integrity in outdoor applications.
Additionally, cast acrylic is lightweight, easy to fabricate with standard tools, and resistant to many chemicals, making it versatile for various uses, from signage and displays to protective barriers.
Its ability to be customised with different colours and finishes further adds to its appeal, making it a cost-effective and adaptable material for a wide range of projects.
Whether you’re creating a stunning display, a protective barrier, or a custom piece of furniture, cast acrylic is a material that offers the perfect combination of beauty, strength, and versatility.