Which Acrylic Sheet Is Better - Extruded or Cast?

Acrylic sheet is a type of plastic that is used in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, film and stage production, and more. When you are shopping for an acrylic sheet for a specific project, there are so many choices that it can feel overwhelming!

When you are considering buying acrylic sheet, it can be difficult to know which type is better - Extruded or Cast. This article will clarify the differences between the two and help you decide which one is best for your project.

What is an Acrylic Sheet?

An acrylic sheet is a clear, lightweight plastic sheet that is used in a variety of applications. It is commonly used as an alternative to glass in windows, doors, and skylights. Acrylic sheet can also be used in signage, displays, and fabrication.

There are two types of acrylic sheet: extruded and cast.

• Extruded acrylic sheets are made by melting acrylic pellets and then forcing them through a die. This process creates a sheet that has a consistent thickness and width. Extruded acrylic sheets are typically less expensive than cast sheets, but they may not be as optically clear.
• Cast acrylic sheet is made by pouring molten acrylic into a mold. This process allows for greater control over the thickness and width of the sheet. Cast sheets are typically more expensive than extruded sheets, but they are optically clearer.

Properties of Extruded and Cast Acrylic Sheets

When it comes to choosing the right type of acrylic sheet for your project, it is important to understand the difference between extruded and cast acrylic sheets. Both types of acrylic sheet have unique properties that make them well-suited for different applications.

• Extruded acrylic sheet is made by melting raw materials and then forcing them through a die. This process gives the sheet a uniform thickness and consistent properties throughout. Extruded acrylic is often used in applications where optical clarity and precision are important, such as in display cases or windows.
• Cast acrylic sheets, on the other hand, are made by pouring molten material into a mold. This process gives the sheet a slightly different molecular structure, which gives it superior resistance to breakage and yellowing over time. Cast acrylic is often used in applications where durability is more important than optical clarity, such as in signage or bullet-resistant security glass.

Which Acrylic Sheet is Better Extruded or Cast acrylic?

Both extruded and cast acrylic sheet have its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the right one for your project. Here's a quick rundown of each type:

• Extruded acrylic is cheaper and easier to work with than cast acrylic. It's also less brittle, making it ideal for projects that require bending or shaping. However, extruded acrylic isn't as optically clear as cast acrylic, so it's not the best choice if you're looking for a flawless finish.
• Cast acrylic is more expensive than extruded acrylic, but its well worth the extra cost for projects that require a high level of clarity. It's also more scratch-resistant and durable than extruded acrylic, making it a good choice for applications that will see a lot of wear and tear.

Based on this you can choose the acrylic sheet that suits your needs.

AKMY Polyplast’s Acrylic Sheet

AKMY is India’s oldest and biggest extruded acrylic sheet manufacturer. AKMY Extruded Acrylic sheets are one of the most versatile and multifunctional property products which come with superior clarity, UV resistance, and higher dimensionally stability, to less tolerance in thickness and size, than other similar plastic sheets. Our Extruded Acrylic sheets feature high electrical insulation, lighter in weight, easier to cut in any shape or size, are pretty in looks, strong surface hardness, thereby offering good weather resistance, and can be thermoformed/machined and can be easily cleaned.

AKMY, one of the top cast acrylic sheet manufacturers in India, offers Cast Acrylic sheets that come with excellent optical clarity & transparency and are highly resistant to variations in temperature up to 17 times the impact resistance of ordinary glass. They weigh half the weight of glass and are ideal for precision machining highly resistant to many different chemicals Acrylic (PMMA*) has certain properties making it an ideal material to be widely used across a wide range of applications including medical, life sciences, food/beverage testing, advertising/signage Industry.