When selecting acrylic for your project, the manufacturing process matters. Here is a guide to help you choose between Cast and Extruded acrylic based on their unique properties.
1. Extruded Acrylic
-The Process: Manufactured by melting plastic pellets and pressing them through rollers to form sheets.
-Key Characteristics: This is generally the more cost-effective option. It is softer, meaning it heat-bends at a lower temperature.
-Ideal Applications: Perfect for general use, such as window replacement, picture framing, and simple display cases.
2. Cast Acrylic
-The Process: Created through a chemical process where the material is poured into glass molds and cured in a temperature-controlled water bath.
-Key Characteristics: This material is harder and more robust. It provides superior optical clarity and yields stronger, cleaner glue joints. Notably, it can be machined (drilled or cut) without melting from friction.
-Ideal Applications: The best choice for aquariums, water-contact projects, and complex fabrication requiring machining.