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Things You Didn't Know About Perspex Acrylic Sheets

Things You Didn't Know About Perspex Acrylic Sheets

Hollie Nixon1350 14-Mar-2019

Perspex Acrylic sheets are the most opted material of choice in the design and production industry due to its long list of advantages like durability, a vast amount of customizability, etc. As many know the advantages, we are here to uncover the interesting facts about Perspex sheets that people may not know.

What is “Perspex”? 

Perspex is not a type of acrylic sheet or chemical name as you might have guessed. It is the name of a company producing high-quality acrylic sheets, based out in the UK. They were one of the earliest to do it and mastered in the field for quite a large time. They even patented the making process, and hence their name is used to represent the high-quality acrylic sheets. Perspex from Lucite is not the only well-known manufacturer of good-quality custom Perspex sheets in the UK. Sheet Plastics also make amazing clear acrylic sheets. 

Acrylic Exists for a Long Time 

We have seen the acrylics adopted widely in the production industry only for a few decades. However, the manufacturing of the first Perspex sheet dates back 80 years since 1933 and patented in the following year. Then after, the company Perspex started mainstream manufacturing in a few years. Even then, it was only used for windows and doors in replacement of glass due to comparatively high manufacturing cost back then. The reason for the increased utility of acrylic is due to modern cast moulding techniques that let the manufacturers make anything out of acrylic beautifully and at a comparable cost.

UV Protecting Perspex Sheets 

Not all acrylic Perspex sheets have the character of UV protection. The manufacturing can be modified to attain UV resistance right out of the factory without additional coating or stickering. What is more interesting is, unlike glass, acrylics can be UV resistant while still having the same high transparency rate of 92%. Added to all, the advantages of getting UV resistant with the same transparency made it an instant hit in the market. Almost every museum and exhibition use UV protective acrylic sheets for the doors, windows, and to cover their artwork.

Perspex is Completely Recyclable 

Perspex is easily recyclable, provided you have the facility to do it and manage wastes. You can cut it and use for various needs. Heat these cut-off pieces to re-mould them into a new shape for any kind of use with minimal equipment. The industrial recycling even after the expected lifetime of acrylics is easy and widely done to make second order products like plates, which requires lesser strength than windowpanes. 

Perspex can be Modified even after Moulding 

You should have known that acrylic sheets are strong, but not brittle and can be cut. Furthermore, Perspex acrylic sheets can be drilled, grooved, etc. even after the moulding process. With the help of laser cutting, the strong and rigid material is bent by cutting of small portions of the sheet. This kerf bending technique is better than heading and is very effective for artistic products like trophies and other novelty products. As acrylic sheets have a lower melting point than glass, heat can be beneficially used to fit Perspex sheets tight and air proof as seen in aeroplanes. 

Perspex Sheets are not Harmful When Shattered 

Damage can be of any means depending on the place of use and the risk factors. Are you worried about the toxic nature and flammability of the acrylic sheets? Good news, they are less harmful when shattered. Unlike glass, which shatters into small and sharp pieces that hurt easily, Perspex sheets due to their high rigidity do not break into very small pieces. The pieces most often do not even fall apart, and when they do, they are not as sharp as glass to hurt. 

Economical Nature of the Perspex 

You might be wondering on what grounds this stands true. Perspex sheets are by default cheaper than any plastic alternative for the same purpose as polycarbonate, and last multiple times than other plastics. When compared to glass, they still are value for money, though clear acrylic sheets cost more than glass initially. Glass starts to yellow and crack when exposed to sunlight for continuous long durations, whereas acrylic stays the same for the duration even in outdoors. Considering the lifetime of both the material unchanged and cost, Perspex wins over to be the best for long-term usage. 

Acrylic sheets are the most feasible choice for many use cases in almost every product and rightfully so. If you are not convinced yet to add it to your project, check out with Sheet Plastics, UK, for more information on how customizable acrylic sheets can be beneficial for your needs.


I am a content marketer. My hobbies are to read and write about creativity and general information.

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