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Plexiglass

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Plexiglass

Custom glass shower doors and tempered glass table tops displayed on a minimalist background, showcasing beveled glass edges for a modern aesthetic.
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What is Plexiglass?

Acrylic glass, widely known as Plexiglass, is a versatile and widely used plastic sheet known for its outstanding strength, thermoformability, and remarkable clarity. Unlike many transparent plastics, it boasts superior weathering properties, making it highly durable. From aircraft construction and cabin windows to monitors, displays, structural glazing, noise barriers, medical devices, and furniture — plexiglass finds diverse applications owing to its adaptability and exceptional qualities. Its widespread use across numerous industries highlights its importance as a dependable and durable material with versatile applications.

Customizable Options for PlexiGlass

At Dulles Glass, we provide tailored solutions to meet your plexiglass plastic sheet requirements. Select from thickness options of 1/8 and 1/4 inch, featuring a cutting tolerance within 1/8. 1/8 inch thick is ideal for lightweight applications such as picture frames, protective barriers, sneeze guards, or signages. On the other hand, the 1/4-inch thickness combines lightness with strength—perfect to use for windows, skylights, clear partitions, cabinet shelves, and outdoor protective barriers. Our clear plexiglass can be crafted in either a rectangle or square shape, allowing flexibility in design. Select your preferred size, and enjoy the sleek finish of straight corners with precise edgework for a polished look. Choose your preferred size, confirm your order, and we will cut your customized selection to perfection.

Shape

Choose from rectangle or square shapes for your project.

Dimensions

We custom fabricate to the exact measurements provided by you or your dxf file.

Custom glass shower doors with a modern beveled glass edge and elegant table top design, showcasing tempered glass features.

Thickness

Choose to your preference. We offer glass thicknesses from 1/4" or 1/8".

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beveled glass edge of a custom glass table top reflecting on a dark surface, showcasing quality tempered glass craftsmanship for shower doors and mirrors

Is plexiglass a glass or plastic?

Plexiglass, often known as acrylic, is crafted from polymethyl methacrylate — a type of synthetic resin used in making plastic. This transparent plastic sheet serves as a robust alternative to glass. Exhibiting a glass-like aesthetic, plexiglass is hailed for its versatility and resilience, resisting shattering even in situations where conventional glass might falter. While its visual mimicry of glass is remarkable, the uniqueness of plexiglass lies in its unique composition, making it a distinct and durable transparent plastic sheet rather than a conventional glass material.

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Clear glass panel display stand, ideal for showcasing custom glass products like tempered glass shower doors, table tops, and mirrors with a stylish beveled glass edge.

What is plexiglass used in?

Plexiglass finds extensive applications across various industries due to its exceptional qualities. In the medical and dental sectors, its purity and stability make it an ideal choice for prosthetics and specific devices. Its durability makes it indispensable in the construction of submarines, airplanes, lighthouses, and even sports arenas. From aircraft cabin windows to advertising displays, plexiglass stands out as a resilient and brilliant solution, offering innovative and sustainable choices in the evolving landscape of the retail sector. Acting as a transparent glass substitute, it is widely utilized in aquariums, automobile lenses, police riot control vehicles, and aircraft windows, demonstrating its adaptability. Plexiglass is also utilized for greenhouse construction, display cabinet doors, pergolas, and even bulletproof glass, showcasing its ability to be fashioned into a diverse range of practical and resilient products

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Which is stronger plexiglass or polycarbonate?

When considering the choice between plexiglass (acrylic) and polycarbonate, the decision hinges on specific requirements and applications. Clear acrylic is the preferred option when clarity, lightness, and cost efficiency are crucial. It boasts a glass-clear appearance, is easily shaped without compromising visibility, and is inherently UV resistant, making it suitable for outdoor use. While acrylic is less impact-resistant than polycarbonate, it surpasses glass in this regard by 10 times. 

 

On the other hand, polycarbonate is the go-to choice when strength, exceptional impact resistance (250 times that of glass), and high heat resistance are of importance. It is virtually unbreakable and less rigid than acrylic, allowing for cold bending and drilling without cracking. However, polycarbonate is more susceptible to scratches and generally comes with a higher price tag. The decision between the two materials depends on factors such as the intended use, desired properties, and budget considerations.

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Hand placing a yellow sticky note on a custom glass surface, showcasing the durability of tempered glass for shower doors, table tops, and mirrors with a beveled glass edge.

What are the advantages of plexiglass?

Plexiglass presents several advantages over traditional glass. It surpasses glass in strength, being both stronger more durable, and lighter. It’s 10 times more impact-resistant than glass, providing an extra layer of protection against breakage. Plexiglass also demonstrates impressive weather resistance, withstanding the elements and resisting damage from inclement weather conditions. Its transparency remains a key feature, offering clarity without compromising on strength. It also offers ease of cleaning and fabrication, along with superior glue bonding compared to other polymers. This versatility makes it ideal for many uses where strength and transparency are important.

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Close-up of scratched tempered glass sheet, ideal for custom glass applications like shower doors, table tops, and beveled edges.

What are the disadvantages of plexiglass?

While offering transparency and versatility, this material comes with its share of disadvantages. Unlike glass, it lacks the same level of rigidity, making it more susceptible to scratching. Plexiglass is unsuitable for high-heat environments, as it tends to melt under extreme temperatures. It can also expand with the increase in humidity and high heat, leading to potential structural issues, while contracting in dry and cold conditions. Over time, plexiglass may develop a yellowish tint, diminishing its clarity and aesthetic appeal. These drawbacks highlight the limitations of plexiglass, prompting careful consideration of its use in specific applications where its vulnerabilities may impact performance and longevity.

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Polycarbonate vs Plexiglass

PolycarbonatePlexiglass
Cutting and ShapingDoesn't break when drilled and can be bent without heating (cold bending).Can be polished effectively using either mechanical or flame polishing.
Optical ClarityLess transparent than plexiglass and resembles glass in its see-through quality.Excellent transparency and clarity
Impact Resistance250 times more impact-resistant than glass10 times more impact-resistant than glass
WeightLighter than regular glass and PlexiglassLighter than regular glass
CostMore expensive than acrylic/plexiglassLess expensive than polycarbonate
Scratch ResistanceEasier to scratch, and minor scratches cannot be polished awayMore resistant to scratches
ApplicationsIdeal for high-impact applications like safety shields, machinery guards, and bulletproof windowsWidely used for signage, DIY picture frames, sneeze guards, and other low-impact applications
UV ResistanceNaturally UV-resistantMay degrade over time in prolonged sunlight
Temperature ResistanceMore heat-resistant, suitable for outdoor useSensitive to high temperatures and may warp
DurabilityLess rigid than acrylic/plexiglassmore rigid and cracks easier than polycarbonate
Chemical ResistanceHighly resistant to different kinds of acids, oxidizing agents, oils, wax, and chemicals.It withstands exposure to inorganic chemicals, fats, oils, diluted acids, and concentrated alkalis at room temperature.
Helpful Resources for PlexiGlass

Help & Installation Videos

Not sure where to start? We’ve put together a series of helpful videos for you.

More Helpful Tips

From how to clean table tops to unique DIY projects for tables with glass tops. We have a collection of helpful tips for you!

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Dulles Glass is your online retailer for custom-cut glass, mirrors, and shower doors. We fabricate your glass your way, ship it to you free of charge nationwide, and provide our professional installation service in limited geographic areas.

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