07/03/2021
Plexiglas Vs Glass
In general, glass is cheaper to purchase than PLEXIGLAS, is more scratch resistant. PLEXIGLAS, on the other hand, is stronger, more shatter-resistant and resistant to the elements and erosion than glass.
PLEXIGLAS is a type of cast acrylic sheet. The scientific name is poly(methyl methacrylate), sometimes abbreviated as PMMA and classified as a transparent thermoplastic. Since PLEXIGLAS is a plastic, it is a petroleum-based product. Glass is a amorphous (non-crystalline) solid, an inorganic compound that has cooled from a liquid to a solid without passing through a crystalline state. Glass is brittle, transparent and composed primarily of silicas.
Glass surfaces reflect light more readily than PLEXIGLAS surfaces, and this can create unwanted glare or reflections. Many aquarium makers use PLEXIGLAS not only for its greater relative strength but also because it offers less glare and increased clarity.
Standard glass is cheaper than clear cast acrylic sheets. However, prices will depend not just on size and thickness, but also on added features such as UV-cut and glare-reduction coatings. In general, when comparing sheets of glass and PLEXIGLAS offering the same benefits, the glass option will be cheaper. However, given that PLEXIGLAS is more resistant to weathering and erosion than glass, long-term maintenance and replacement costs can become significantly cheaper with PLEXIGLAS.
Glass is an amorphous material, a “frozen” liquid, and thus much more easily shattered than a thermoplastic such as PLEXIGLAS, which is softer than glass. One problem with PLEXIGLAS is that it is subject to crack formation when it is brought into contact with common solvents. This makes cleaning PLEXIGLAS more difficult as you must choose cleaners that are safe to use on it. Improper cleaning can scratch PLEXIGLAS. In general, glass is more difficult to scratch than PLEXIGLAS but more easily shattered.
Glass has about twice the density of PLEXIGLAS. Therefore, a sheet of PLEXIGLAS weighs less than a sheet of glass of the same dimensions, and this presents many added benefits including easier handling and shipping costs.
Clear acrylic sheets are much easier to cut than glass sheets. PLEXIGLAS can be cut a wide variety of shapes to fit the user’s needs.
