Plastic Material Selection: Difference Between Acrylic (PMMA) and PVC

Plastics can be found everywhere in our life. PMMA (Acrylic) and PVC are both clear plastics on the market and they both can be used to make laminates. When we considering the selection of plastic material, what’s the difference between acrylic and PVC, and which one to choose? In this article, we put these two types of materials together and compare them in different ways.

What is PMMA Plastic?

Poly(methyl methacrylate), or PMMA, also known as acrylic and Plexiglas, is a type of transparent and extremely biocompatible plastic material that is often used as an alternative to glass due to its light weight and shatter resistance. PMMA has many technical advantages over other transparent polymers, including high resistance to UV light and weathering, excellent light transmission and unlimited coloring options. PMMA material is widely used in car windows, smartphone screens, skylights, hockey rinks, illuminated signs, aircraft canopies, etc. But acrylics are not recommended for applications with chlorinated or aromatic hydrocarbons, esters, or ketones. PMMA can be processed by injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, thermoforming and casting.

Advantages of PMMA Material

– High clarity and transparency. PMMA allows 92% of light to pass through it, which is higher than glass and other plastics.

– High hardness and toughness. PMMA is a tough, durable, scratch-resistant and lightweight material.

– Chemical resistance. Acrylic is not affected by most laboratory chemicals, but can’t be used with chlorinated or aromatic hydrocarbons, etc.

– UV resistance. Acrylic is highly resistant to UV light and weathering. It can prolonged exposure to sunlight.

– Biocompatibility. The biocompatibility of PMMA material made it a great choice for the medical industry.

What is PVC Plastic?

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), also called vinyl, is a widely produced polymer made with carbon atoms derived from ethylene, PVC comes in rigid and flexible forms. When it comes to the properties of PVC, it’s hard, corrosion-resistant, impermeable to germs, easily cleaned, resistant to chemicals, and doesn’t conduct electricity. So PVC plastic material is popular in medical products and uses, such as basins, blood bags, catheters, enteral feeding devices, inflatable splints, medical gloves, tubing, thermal blankets, IV containers, etc. It’s also a durable material suitable for the construction industry, you can find PVC materials made into fences, flooring, roofing, sealants, wires, windows, decking, etc. PVC can replace some stainless steel and other corrosion-resistant synthetic materials. And it’s often the preferred choice for lots of outdoor applications. Junying is capable to make PVC parts with precision fabricating and CNC machining services.

Advantages of PVC Material

– PVC is easy to get and can be purchased at a relatively low price.

– PVC has outstanding tensile strength.

– PVC is resistant to chemicals and alkali.

– PVC is hard and can resist impact deformation.

– PVC can be cut, shaped, welded, and joined easily.

– PVC is resistant to weathering, corrosion, shock and abrasion.

Plastic Material Selection - Difference Between Acrylic (PMMA) and PVC

If you have specific requirements on the material for your project, you may need to compare them in detail.

1. Colors

PVC is naturally white in color, while PMMA is a clear, colorless polymer, it will never discolor or yellow.

2. Density

The density of the transparent PVC board is 1.38g/cm3, and that of the acrylic board is 1.1g/cm3. PVC is very dense compared to most other plastics.

3. Sound

Throwing an acrylic sheet and a vinyl sheet of the same size on the floor or knocking them with your hands, you will find that the clear sound is acrylic and the dull one is vinyl.

4. Smell of burning

Acrylic sparks the yellow flame and gives a smell of alcohol when it burns, without smoke. When PVC board burns, the flame is green, with the smell of hydrochloric acid, emitting white smoke.

5. Price

PVC is generally cheaper than PMMA. PVC is readily available and budget.

Plastic Material Selection: Difference Between Acrylic (PMMA) and PVC | CNCLATHING

What is PMMA Plastic?

What is PVC Plastic?

Plastic Material Selection - Difference Between Acrylic (PMMA) and PVC

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