Plexiglass is a plastic material made from polymers of methyl methacrylate (PMMA). It is one of the most sought-after plastic materials, and the reason is simple: it is a better alternative to glass because of its flexibility, UV resistance, lightweight, transparency, high impact, and chemical resistance.

Glass is an amorphous solid made from raw materials such as sand, silica, soda, and lime that are melted at very high temperatures to form a new material.

Plexiglass and glass are popular materials used for different applications. But when you look at both materials, you may wonder: What are the similarities and differences? Comparing plexiglass and glass is crucial because both materials have distinct advantages and disadvantages that make them suitable for specific applications. Knowing this will help in selecting the most suitable material for diverse applications.

Strength and Durability

Glass is inherently prone to scratches. Glass is also brittle, so when it is subjected to stress, it breaks easily into sharp shards. On the other hand, it is very unlikely for plexiglass to break, and when it does, it will fracture into pieces with rounded edges. Plexiglass is 10 times more impact and shatter-resistant than glass.

Cost and Affordability

Plexiglass is cheaper than glass due to the raw materials needed for forming and production. You need silica sand, soda ash, and limestone to make glass, and a rise in the cost of any of these materials will influence the cost of production. Plexiglass is made from polymers of methyl methacrylate.

Plexiglass can be manufactured using methods like extrusion and injection molding, which can streamline production and reduce associated costs. Plexiglass melts at a much lower temperature, while glass melts between 1,400 °C to 1,600 °C, meaning plexiglass requires significantly less energy to shape and manufacture.

Another factor that contributes to the high cost of glass is its heavy weight. Plexiglass weighs 50% less than glass of equal thickness. Hence, transporting plexiglass is easier and cheaper than glass.

Applications in Construction and Architecture

Plexiglass is highly impact-resistant, making it a safer option for windows and facades, especially for areas prone to extreme weather conditions or potential impacts, because it can withstand harsh or unfavourable conditions and still allows light to penetrate through it.

Plexiglass is also three to eight times more thermally insulating than regular glass windows. However, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause plexiglass to turn yellow and lose its optical clarity due to UV degradation. When it comes to safety, plexiglass is a better option. Glass can shatter upon intense impact, creating potential safety hazards.

Design and Aesthetics

One thing about plexiglass that cannot go unnoticed is its aesthetic appeal. Plexiglass comes in different colours and can easily blend with the interior design of your building. When plexiglass is used as tabletops, shower enclosures, coffee tables, bed frames, etc., it gives the house a sophisticated feel. Glass furniture adds charm to the home and it can maintain its sleek and beautiful look for a long time. Plexiglass is more flexible than glass; it can be made into any desired shape.

Optical Clarity and Light Transmission

Both glass and plexiglass sheets are transparent; however, plexiglass has better optical clarity. Plexiglass has a light transmittance of 0.93, meaning plexiglass transmits more than 90% of light. Glass, on the other hand, ranges between 0.80 and 0.90. It transmits more light, but the thicker the glass is, the more it discoulors. Plexiglass maintains its clarity consistently regardless of its thickness.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Glass is produced at extremely high temperatures, releasing more CO2 into the ecosystem. Plexiglass, on the other hand, is produced with less energy. Both Plexiglass and glass can be fully recycled but recycling plexiglass is a bit harder than glass.

Safety Considerations and Regulations

Plexiglass is a flammable material and, therefore, not recommended for places prone to high temperatures or open flames. One advantage, however, is that plexiglass forms no embers, which makes it easy to extinguish with little water in the event of a fire, unlike glass, which is a brittle material and is more likely to shatter and fuel the fire.

Sharp glass pieces can cut deeply. Finely crushed glass can irritate the eyes and inhaling it can hurt the lungs. Plexiglass, on the other hand, doesn’t let toxic or harmful substances. Both glass and plexiglass comply with several industry safety standards such as automotive, food, healthcare, construction, etc.

Choose Canada Plastics and Belting Inc. for Plexiglass Sheets

Both glass and plexiglass have their unique properties and, as such, are suited for different applications. It is your responsibility to know when and where to use plexiglass sheets. If you want a more scratch-resistant material, that is durable, lighter, versatile, and shatter-resistant, then plexiglass is the right material. Contact Canada Plastic and Belting Inc. for plexiglass sheets for your next project.

Related Product:

• Plexiglass Acrylic Sheets

Glass has been a significant construction material for both residential and commercial spaces for many years. However, in light of the restrictions of glass in terms of use and durability, several options, like plastic, have been explored as suitable substitutes. This article covers transparent plastic, known as plexiglass sheets, and its effectiveness as a substitute for glass windows and other glass structures.

What Is a Plexiglass Window?

A plexiglass window is a window made from plexiglass which is a clear plastic that is made from polymethyl methacrylate. Plexiglass is an efficient substitute for glass mainly for its sturdiness and resilience to damage. Despite its similarity in terms of appearance and strength, plexiglass is not the same as glass as it’s made from acrylic.

Is a Plexiglass Window as Clear as a Glass Window?

Several factors can affect the clarity of glass, such as the method of production, the adhesive layer of the glass window, and even the thickness of the window. Although glass windows reflect light easily, they are not entirely transparent, and the thicker they are, the less clear they become.

On the other hand, Plexiglass windows can maintain 100% light reflection no matter how thick the window is. Plexiglass windows can be clearer than glass windows as they are entirely transparent.

How Thick Should Plexiglass Be for a Window?

Plexiglass windows can measure as much as 1.25 inches in thickness; however, the thickness of plexiglass windows depends on several factors, such as the size of the window to be installed, the type of building, and the climate of the environment.

Small buildings in simple structures with mild weather conditions do not require thick plexiglass windows. On the other hand, in large buildings with bigger windows or structures with harsh weather conditions, more expansive plexiglass windows are sturdier and provide more support.

Does Plexiglass Turn Yellow in the Sun?

Exposure to intense radiation or prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the glass’s yellowing due to arsenic. This can be noticed in very old car headlights or even windows. However, plexiglass is known for its durability, even in sunlight.

Unlike other types of plastics like PE that degrades or are discoloured with prolonged exposure to sunlight, plexiglass is made of acrylic sheets capable of withstanding the radiation produced by sunlight and retaining their appearance for a very long time. Therefore, users don’t have to worry about the discoloration or yellowing of their plexiglass windows compared to using glass windows.

Reasons to Use Plexiglass for Windows

Some reasons to embrace the use of plexiglass sheets for windows include the following:

1. Cost-effective: Using plexiglass for windows is cheaper and more cost-effective than using glass. This is because the production of plexiglass requires less energy and raw materials. Also, compared to glass, plexiglass is easier and cheaper to transport from one place to another because they are lighter in weight.

However, there are several types of acrylic sheets for users to choose from, all of which differ in price, such as transparent acrylic sheets, lucite block, coloured acrylic sheets, and mirrored sheeting.

2. Minimal reflection: Plexiglass is a better option than glass for windows because it produces less glare and reflection. Unlike glass which produces more reflection and becomes more discoloured as the thickness increases, plexiglass can retain its clarity to allow adequate light transmission no matter how thick the window is.

3. Superior strength: Plexiglass is preferred to glass for windows because of its sturdiness. Plexiglass is estimated to be 17 times stronger and sturdier than glass. Unlike glass which can be easily damaged by high impact, plexiglass poses more difficulty to both intentional and accidental damage.

Another perk of using plexiglass for windows is that there is a lesser chance of injuries to people in the environment if the window sheeting breaks, unlike glass windows which could cause severe injuries.

4. Easy to use: Another major advantage of using plexiglass for windows instead of glass is that it is easier to use than glass. Plexiglass is easier to cut and can be carved into different shapes for creative window designs, unlike glass, which poses many difficulties to cut and shape.

Common Uses of Plexiglass

Some common uses of plexiglass include:

1. Commercial and residential windows: Plexiglass is used as a substitute for glass windows in many commercial and residential buildings. Home and business owners are more inclined to use plexiglass for windows instead of glass to guarantee safety and durability while saving money.
2. Skylights: Unlike glass, with its limitations in terms of shaping or installing roofs, plexiglass is versatile and can be used for different types of roofs. Also, plexiglass is more resilient to adverse and prolonged exposure to the elements, making it a better option for skylights in homes or businesses.
3. Solar panels: Plexiglass is a good option for covering solar panels, not only for their better resilience to sunlight but also for their ability to transmit light so that the panels can be charged. Also, plexiglass is easier to cut and shape for different shapes and sizes of solar panels.
4. Secure facilities: Plexiglass is more suited for secure facilities because it is more difficult to damage than glass. Facilities like ATMs, COVID-19 protection borders, and the like can be protected with plexiglass.
5. Shower enclosures: Plexiglass is preferred for its sturdiness and durability and for how easy it is to maintain. Plexiglass is easy to clean and is cheaper and safer for your bathroom than glass, as it is more difficult to clean and maintain and is also prone to damage.
6. Gardens and greenhouses: Plexiglass is a great option for indoor gardens and greenhouses as it is better suited to withstand the effects of the elements as well as being easier to clean and maintain. It also provides more security for the gardens than glass that can easily be shattered.

Ready to embrace the benefits of plexiglass? Canada Plastics & Belting Inc. is one of the top plexiglass suppliers in the GTA. We can also custom-cut the sheets to your specific dimensions. Contact us today or call us at (416) 291-3036 for a free quote.

Glass is bulky, heavy, and extremely fragile. Plexiglass, on the other hand, has all of the same aesthetic appeal and functionality of glass without its negative traits. It’s extremely versatile and can be used for numerous different residential and commercial construction projects. Considering plexiglass Acrylic Glass Sheets is one of the most versatile glass substitutes on the market, it’s also surprising that it happens to be an extremely affordable commonly used building material. In fact, you’ve most likely seen a structure featuring plexiglass and automatically assumed it was glass. Keep reading to learn about the most common and best uses of plexiglass.

Windowpanes

Plexiglass sheets are 250 times more durable than glass and they’re transparent, which makes them the ideal material for windowpanes. They’re scratch-resistant and can handle virtually anything Mother Nature throws at them—literally and figuratively—without getting nicked or damaged. Since plexiglass is a thermoplastic material, it can also withstand a combination of hot and cold temperature fluctuations.

Its transparent property means that it also allows for plenty of natural light distribution for any space while still providing ample UV protection.

Shower Enclosures

Large and luxurious shower stalls with transparent enclosures are making a big comeback in residential bathroom design—but with a modern twist. Believe it or not, most contemporary “glass” shower stalls aren’t actually made of glass at all! Instead, plexiglass is used because it weighs significantly less and is a lot easier to install than glass. The lightweight nature of plexiglass allows the shower doors to glide more seamlessly back and forth without damaging the structure.

Gardens and Greenhouses

Plexiglass Acrylic Glass Sheets is also the transparent material of choice when it comes to enclosing outdoor gardens and greenhouses. It offers maximum protection from external elements while also letting in optimal natural light and distributing it evenly throughout the space. Plus, plexiglass is a lot easier to maintain and keep clean than glass while withstanding a variety of external elements.

Skylights

A plexiglass skylight is an excellent structural addition to any space that could use a little extra natural light shining through. In addition to boosting the aesthetic appeal of a property, skylights also help lower energy costs by emitting more natural light during the day so that you don’t have to use as much electricity. Skylights can be completely transparent or frosted depending on your privacy needs and preferences.

Furniture

Nowadays, when you see a modern-looking glass-top table or piece of furniture, chances are that it’s most likely actually made with plexiglass. Plexiglass perfectly mimics the appearance of glass without being nearly as heavy or fragile. It’s also used for a lot of kitchen and bathroom backsplashes and as a topper for shelving units.

Plexiglass Suppliers in the GTA

Canada Plastics & Belting Inc. is one of the leading plexiglass distributors in Toronto and the GTA. We have a large inventory of assorted types of plexiglass ranging in transparency levels and colours. Whatever your aesthetic and structural needs are, we’re guaranteed to have the right product for just about any project. Contact us today to learn more about our products.

Invented in the early 1900s, plexiglass has a long and storied history. Its main claim to fame is that it’s a stronger and more resilient glass substitute that mimics the appearance of its predecessor and nothing else. Plexiglass and glass are both available in a variety of transparency levels and aesthetic designs, but the similarities between the two ends there. Originally, plexiglass sheets were designed to serve as a lightweight alternative to glass for a variety of applications. As a result, its popularity across various industries has only seen continuous growth over the years.

What Is Plexiglass?

Plexiglass is a thermoplastic material that has the capacity to withstand a wide range of extreme temperatures and environmental conditions. Composed of polymethyl methacrylate and has a melting point of 160°C or 320°F. It’s also commonly referred to as acrylic or acrylic glass and is typically manufactured in large transparent and flat sheets. However, plexiglass can also be frosted or opaque. Plexiglass is the generic term for this material, whereas Plexiglas® is an official brand name.

When to Use Plexiglass

There are a number of notable benefits to using plexiglass for various commercial and residential construction projects or other types of applications where glass would traditionally be used. Plexiglass is a close second to glass and is even a better alternative in many ways. Here are a few reasons to use plexiglass sheets instead of glass for your next big or small project.

Cost Savings

Not only are plexiglass sheets cheaper and easier to manufacturer than glass, they’re also incredibly lightweight which makes transportation a breeze. Less weight means plexiglass sheets are easier to carry and can often be carried by one person. It also reduces the amount of weight on transport vehicles, which improves fuel efficiency and cost savings for your business.

Safety and Durability

Plexiglass sheets have been used as dividers to safeguard food displays and hot tables in restaurants, buffets, and bakeries for decades. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic expanded the use of plexiglass protective dividers and sneeze guards to a variety of other industries and public settings. Now it’s widely used in more eateries, medical centers, retail stores, and grocery stores to help prevent the spread of viral transmissions. The reason plexiglass sheets are used as sneeze guards instead of glass is because they’re easy to sanitize and more impervious to damages like scratches or dents.

The lightweight nature of plexiglass sheets also makes them a lot easier to carry and install almost anywhere.

Versatility and Ease of Use

Unlike glass, plexiglass sheets are incredibly versatile and easy to use in virtually any indoor or outdoor setting. Plexiglass has garnered a number of different uses over the years thanks to its unmatched durability and versatility. During and after the manufacturing process, plexiglass can be customized to suit the practical requirements of all applications for which it’s used.

Since plexiglass is typically delivered in large sheets, it can be cut down to size on construction sites prior to installation. That way, you can always be sure that you have the correct size and shape needed for your specific project. Its incredibly lightweight design also makes it easier to transport large quantities of plexiglass at a time. So, even if you make a mistake in the reconfiguration process, you can always order extra plexiglass sheets and use the leftovers for other projects. The fact that plexiglass sheets are so lightweight also makes it easier to take them in and out of storage as needed.

Light Transmission Capabilities

Plexiglass has light transmission and distribution capabilities that are comparable to glass. In fact, plexiglass has become the go-to material of choice for a lot of commercial and residential contractors for this reason along with the fact that it’s so lightweight and easy to install. Plexiglass sheets also have exceptional UV blocking capabilities that protect structural interiors and those who use them.

Plexiglass sheets are suitable fixtures for any structures that require a great deal of steady light transmission and even distribution throughout the premises. Structures such as homes, greenhouses, apartment buildings, and storefronts can all reap the benefits of plexiglass instead of the traditional glass.

Applications for Plexiglass Sheets

Given all of their many attributes, plexiglass sheets have become increasingly ubiquitous across commercial, residential, and industrial applications over the years. Most often, plexiglass sheets are used for windowpanes, but their uses have expanded far beyond standard construction elements. In light of the pandemic, more and more businesses have opted to use plexiglass sheets as sneeze guards or dividers to create separation between customers and employees. Other common uses of plexiglass sheets include the following.

Skylights

As mentioned, plexiglass sheets provide excellent light transmission, distribution, and UV protection all at the same time. Spaces that are lacking natural lighting can benefit greatly from skylights made out of plexiglass. It’s an incredibly durable material that can withstand virtually all external and internal environmental elements including snow, rain, wind, and even various temperatures.

Greenhouses

Plexiglass is also perfectly suited for use in greenhouses. Not only does it distribute light evenly so that every plant gets the nutrients it needs from the sun, but it also blocks out harmful UV rays and protects the plants from external elements.

Print Signs, Art, and Advertising

Plexiglass has turned the art of print media on its head. In the past, plexiglass was only used as a protective external casing for static paper or canvas signs, prints, and pieces of advertising to prevent damages. While plexiglass is still used as a protective casing for various types of print advertising and art, its use has evolved significantly.

Now, many artists and advertisers are actually printing their work and brand messaging directly on plexiglass platforms. This is a much more space, time, and cost-efficient option for individual artists and large brands alike because it reduces the amount of materials used for each piece without compromising on durability and quality.

Plexiglass Suppliers in the GTA

Canada Plastics & Belting Inc. is one of the top plexiglass distributors in Toronto and the GTA. We have a wide inventory of various types of plexiglass products that come in various shapes, colours, and transparencies. Choose from the products we have in stock or place customized orders that are specific to the requirements of your commercial or residential project. Contact us today to learn more about our products.