The Difference Between Cheap Acrylic and Quality Perspex
The differences between cheap acrylic and high-quality Perspex can be very subtle at first glance. Both appear to be “clear” and seemingly interchangeable, however, their performance varies greatly depending upon the application in which they are used.
In many ways, the differences are apparent as soon as they are put into use. At times the differences may be learned the hard way, after a project has already begun and some money has been spent on the cheap material.
To avoid confusion, and to save money by selecting the correct material for your specific use, an understanding of the differences between cheap and quality materials is essential.
Optical Clarity
One of the most noticeable differences is the optical clarity. High-quality Perspex has exceptional optical clarity – it is truly transparent with little to no distortion. When light travels through the quality material it appears to travel through the material with little to no visual impairment from the light passing through the material.
On the other hand, cheap acrylic can appear to be clear enough in a retail setting; however, it clearly exhibits poor optical clarity. This lack of clarity can be due to the cheap acrylic having a yellow or blue tint or simply appearing hazy when attempting to see through the material or when light is shining through it. For example, if you are going to be using the material for display cases, signs, etc., then the optical clarity is extremely important.
As previously mentioned, the optical clarity of cheap acrylic may appear acceptable in a retail environment, but will quickly deteriorate over time. In addition, the quality of Perspex retains its clarity for many years. On the other hand, the optical clarity of cheap acrylic will begin to appear hazy from environmental conditions or from UV exposure.
Consistent Material Thickness and Manufacturing Standards
Another area where quality Perspex excels is with regard to the consistency of the material thickness. Regardless of where you measure the material, the thickness is essentially the same. Cheap acrylic, on the other hand, may exhibit great variability in thickness. This variability in material thickness can result in unequal edge cuts, and potentially, issues with fitment or appearance.
Additionally, the quality of the surface finish is significantly better with quality Perspex. The quality of Perspex has a smooth, even surface, free from waves, ripples, or imperfections. Cheap acrylic generally has surface imperfections that create aesthetic concerns and create additional difficulties when attempting to fabricate the material cleanly.
Manufacturing Differences During Fabrication
During the fabrication process, the manufacturing differences are evident. Quality Perspex cuts cleanly with smooth edges. On the other hand, cheap acrylic tends to chip, crack, or produce ragged edges that require additional finishing work.
Professional Cutting Equipment and Working with Quality Suppliers
When purchasing custom-cut Perspex or acrylic, the quality of the cutting equipment used by the supplier is just as important as the quality of the Perspex. Reputable suppliers such as Productive Plastics work with quality materials and utilize precision cutting equipment that ensures the cutting accuracy required to minimize the problems associated with utilizing inferior quality materials with subpar fabrication techniques.
A combination of quality Perspex and a reputable supplier with precision cutting equipment yields finished parts with smooth edges, accurate dimensions, and surfaces that are ready to use without requiring considerable additional processing.
Cheap suppliers that utilize low-cost acrylic, on the other hand, typically yield parts that require substantial additional processing to remove debris, smooth the edges, and possibly meet the original specifications.
UV Protection and Outdoor Durability
The quality differences in Perspex become readily apparent over time, particularly when considering the amount of time the Perspex remains durable and retains its optical clarity when utilized outdoors. Quality Perspex contains UV inhibitors to prevent degradation from sunlight. As a result, quality Perspex can remain durable and retain its optical clarity for 10-20 years outdoors.
Cheap acrylic that lacks UV protection begins to discolor rapidly (within 1-2 years of exposure to direct sunlight), and will ultimately lose its impact resistance. For applications involving outdoor signage, displays, or architectural features, this reduced lifespan renders cheap acrylic a false economy.
While the impact of UV exposure is more apparent for applications located outdoors, the effects of indirect sunlight still pose a risk to unprotected acrylic. Over time, cheap acrylic develops a yellowish hue due to indirect sunlight exposure.
Impact Resistance and Structural Integrity
Both Perspex and acrylic are more resistant to impact than glass; however, quality differences exist. Quality Perspex maintains a uniform level of impact resistance across the entire sheet. Cheap acrylic, on the other hand, may contain weak areas or inconsistencies in material properties that render it more susceptible to cracking or shattering under applied stress.
Real World Usage:
Quality Perspex can withstand typical usage (i.e., bumping, cleaning, etc.) without sustaining any damage. Cheap acrylic is far more likely to experience damage from even moderate impacts or stresses during installation.
Safety Applications:
Quality Perspex provides a level of reliability and stability that cannot be relied upon from cheap acrylic, especially in critical or safety-related applications (e.g., protective barriers, machine guards, etc.). Reliability and stability are paramount when it comes to protecting people from injury.
Scratch Resistance and Surface Hardness
Although Perspex is softer than glass and will scratch, quality Perspex offers superior scratch resistance compared to cheap acrylic. Furthermore, the surface hardness is more consistent in quality Perspex, resulting in fewer scratches that are visually less noticeable.
Cheap acrylic, on the other hand, is far more prone to scratching and the resulting scratches are often more pronounced. For applications where the surface of the material will receive repeated contact or cleaning, the difference in scratch resistance will directly impact the length of time that the material remains aesthetically pleasing.
Some quality Perspex products include scratch-resistant coatings that provide enhanced durability. Scratch-resistant coatings are rarely offered on cheap acrylic products, providing yet another functional difference between budget and quality products.
Chemical Resistance Variations
Quality Perspex consistently demonstrates predictable chemical resistance. It is compatible with most cleaning agents when used appropriately. Cheap acrylic, on the other hand, may exhibit unpredictable chemical resistance to cleaning agents or environmental chemicals, leading to crazing, haze, or surface damage.
For commercial or industrial applications where frequent cleaning is performed, or where the material is subject to varying chemicals, the quality of Perspex provides reliable performance, whereas cheap acrylic may degrade as a result of standard maintenance practices.
Cost Comparison
Quality Perspex is 30-50% more expensive than cheap acrylic of comparable size. For a small project, the difference between cheap and quality may be $30-$40. However, for large-scale commercial projects, the difference can multiply exponentially.
However, when factoring in longevity and performance, quality Perspex is actually a more economical option. While quality Perspex may cost $50 instead of $30 for a small project, quality Perspex will last 7-12 years longer than cheap acrylic, thereby saving money over the long-term due to reduced or eliminated replacement costs, and reduced or eliminated labor costs to re-fabricate the piece.
For professional applications (business signage, displays, protective barriers), the quality difference is generally worth the increased cost. For temporary use, DIY, or applications where appearance and longevity are of little concern, cheap acrylic may be suitable.
When Is Budget Acrylic Sufficient?
Not all applications demand top-shelf material. For short-term displays, DIY crafts, or instances where the acrylic will be replaced as needed, cheap acrylic can be entirely sufficient.
For interior applications, away from direct sunlight, cheap acrylic is less demanding of the material. For example, a simple display case placed in a shop storage area is unlikely to require the same level of quality as a permanent outdoor business sign.
Understanding the intended use helps determine if quality material is necessary, or if a budget option will suffice.
Choosing the Right Acrylic
Think about how you will be using your Perspex or acrylic sheet. Will it be outside? How long do you want it to last? Are clarity and transparency important? Will it have many users and therefore be used and manipulated a lot?
For any application where visibility of the sheet is required over an extended period of time, then generally quality materials are preferred. Although quality Perspex or acrylic may be more expensive to buy initially; the aesthetic appeal, increased lifespan, and greater durability of these products will ultimately save money in the long term.
If you’re creating something that will be temporary, hidden, or is not critical, budget acrylic may be sufficient. However, please recognize the limitations of budget acrylic as well as the fact that budget materials will not produce high-quality results at a fraction of the cost.
Working with manufacturers/suppliers who provide you with alternatives and can explain the difference between their different products/products lines will allow you to make educated decisions rather than making a purchase simply because it was cheaper without considering the product’s limitations.
What works well for one project may not work as well for another. While quality Perspex is not always the best choice for every project, if quality Perspex is the best option for your project, purchasing low-cost acrylic will create issues that will ultimately end up costing you more to resolve in the future than had you purchased quality Perspex to begin with.