Durable Plastic Archives

How to Install Multiwall Polycarbonate Hurricane Panels

A man installing hurricane panels on his home

If you’ve used plywood to protect your home from hurricanes in the past, hurricane panel installation using multiwall polycarbonate is a doable DIY. Like plywood, polycarbonate hurricane panels can be direct mounted to your home without the use of installing a framing system, but they are lighter, transparent, and can be reused. Here’s what you need to know (about tools, materials, and maintenance) and how to install hurricane panels.

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A Guide to Choosing the Right Marine Plastic for Your Project

Boat being built using marine plastic

When embarking on a marine project, the materials you use play a pivotal role in the project’s long-term success. Whether you’re building a boat, dock, or protective equipment, choosing the right marine plastic can significantly impact the durability, performance, and cost-effectiveness of your project. With countless options available, navigating this decision can be overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about selecting the ideal marine plastic to suit your needs.

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How Premium Marine Plastics Contribute to Sustainable Boating Practices

Interior of boat utilizing marine plastic

The push for sustainability is reshaping every industry, and boating is charting the same course. The marine industry, traditionally reliant on non-renewable materials, is now exploring greener alternatives. One standout solution is the use of premium marine plastics. Not only do these materials reduce the environmental footprint, but they also enhance performance and longevity, making them an ideal choice for sustainable boat building. In this post, we’ll explore how premium marine plastics are contributing to improved sustainability within boating and why they’re emerging as a vital material in the industry.

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How to Install a Pergola Using Twinwall

Twinwall pergola installed in a backyard

When it comes to extending the life of your pergola and enhancing its features, it’s crucial to carefully choose the quality of the materials you use to build it. Twinwall polycarbonate panels from Acme Plastics are an excellent, durable choice for your pergola roof, as they are lightweight, easy to install, and offer optimal light transmission. Twinwall polycarbonate is also thermally efficient because it traps air between the layers of its sheeting. While it offers many benefits, you need to be cautious when learning how to install a pergola roof panel properly. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to install a pergola roof with Twinwall panels from Acme Plastics.

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Back to School: Classroom Acrylic Uses to Try This Fall

Teaching techniques are always evolving—and so should classroom tools. Consider acrylic in the classroom to help refresh your room. Acrylic is easy to clean, durable, shatter resistant, light weight, and easy to transport, making it a must-have tool for back to school. Classroom acrylic displays can be decorative or used for directional, educational, and safety purposes.

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What is Custom Acrylic Printing? When to Use It & Why

Customization allows the creation of something truly your own, which aligns with your needs, preferences, and identity. It can be used for self-expression, to create a memorable aesthetic, and to ensure a thoughtful touch. This makes custom acrylic printing a smart choice, whether you’re a business owner in need of impactful signage, a homeowner wanting to elevate your interior design, or someone searching for the perfect personalized gift. In this blog, we’ll further explain what exactly custom acrylic printing is, and when and why to use it.

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Achieve Your Design Dreams with Custom Cut Acrylic Shapes

Custom cut acrylic shape for a coffee table

Designers and hobbyists alike are always on the lookout for materials that can offer both flexibility and durability without compromising on aesthetics. Custom cut acrylic shapes provide the perfect blend of these qualities, making them the choice for various creative projects. Whether you’re transforming your home with unique décor, crafting eye-catching signage for your business, or diving into a personal DIY endeavor, custom acrylic shapes can turn your vision into reality. Their adaptability and high-quality finish make them indispensable for anyone aiming to create standout pieces.

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Is Plexiglass Bullet Resistant? Your Guide

Is Plexiglass bullet-resistant? Not inherently, but it can be manufactured to be. Plexiglass is the brand name for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), more commonly known as acrylic. The thermoplastic is durable, shatter-proof, and easy to manipulate, making it easy to work with. It can also be manufactured to be bullet-resistant.

Here, we answer five questions about Plexiglass and bullet-resistant acrylic.

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How to Work with Bullet-Resistant Acrylic

Bullet-resistant acrylic sheets are commonly used in place of glass when impact protection or ballistic security is needed. The material is chosen for use in many applications from retail panels and POP displays to schools and television studios. It is less expensive than bullet-resistant polycarbonate and laminated glass, making it a cost-effective option for those uses. Underwriters Laboratories approve Level 1 bullet-resistant acrylic sheets for the following: “protection is provided against complete penetration, the passage of fragments of projectiles, or spalling (fragmentation) of the protective material to the degree that injury would be caused to a person standing directly behind the bullet-resisting barrier.”

Bullet-resistant acrylic is also easier to work with since it is pliable and can be cut, sanded, and heated. Here’s what you need to know if you want to work with bullet-resistant acrylic.

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Bullet-Resistant vs. Bulletproof: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the nuances between “bullet-resistant” and “bulletproof” can significantly impact your decision when selecting protective materials. Whether you’re upgrading the security of your home, office, or vehicle, knowing these differences ensures you choose the right level of protection for your needs. This guide will give a thorough explanation of bullet-resistant vs bulletproof materials in order to help you make an informed choice.

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6 Acrylic Barrier Uses to Consider

Woman sitting behind an acrylic partition in office

Before the pandemic, acrylic barriers and shields were hardly given much thought—if they were given any thought, or use, at all. Post-pandemic, however, shields and other acrylic barriers are more mainstream as they are a prevalent part of the personal protective equipment (PPE) toolkit.

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What is Plastic Fabrication? Everything You Need to Know

Plastic fabrication

What is Plastic Fabrication?

Plastic fabrication is the transformation of raw plastic materials into finished products – from household items to complex industrial components – through the use of various techniques. The versatility and adaptability of plastics make them a preferred material in a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical, and consumer goods, so it’s important to fully understand the scope of the question, “What is plastic fabrication?” Read on to discover the different methods, finishing processes, benefits, and challenges of plastic fabrication.

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10 Acrylic Plastic Safety Tips To Know

Proper PPE for handling acrylic plastic safely

Whether you’re a professional manufacturer or a DIY enthusiast exploring new creative avenues, acrylic plastic is an undeniably valuable material. Its versatility, clarity, and ease of use make it suitable for a wide range of projects, from sleek signage to intricate artwork. In this guide, we’ll delve into essential acrylic plastic safety tips to equip you with the knowledge and precautions necessary to work with this material.

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How to Lower Noise with a DIY Acrylic Noise Barrier

Man installing an acrylic noise barrier

Ever feel like unwanted noise seems to crop up at the most inopportune times, like when you’re on a business call, recording something, or simply trying to unwind? Fortunately, there’s a relatively simple and cost-effective solution for when peace and quiet feel like rare commodities: install an acrylic noise barrier to help block out excess sound.

Just follow our helpful guide below and you’ll be on your way to a more relaxing atmosphere that promotes productivity, creativity, and focus.

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Acrylic vs Nylon: What are the Key Differences?

Nylon (Polyamide) and acrylic (Poly Methyl Methacrylate) are both made from synthetic polymers derived from petroleum. As thermoplastics, they both can be easily melted and molded into many shapes. They are both incredibly versatile materials with a wide range of uses. But they have differences that will matter depending on their use. Here, we discuss their differences, their pros and cons, and some considerations to help when choosing acrylic vs nylon for your projects.

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Can You Tint Plexiglass?

Acrylic, or plexiglass, is available in a variety of colors and opacities. It can be easily tinted with almost any color by adding a small amount of dye during the manufacturing process. But it is rather difficult to tint plexiglass after it has been produced. Standard window-tinting materials for glass film will not work on plexiglass, so specialized films are required to tint plexiglass sheets.

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8 Best Plexiglass Uses in Your Home

Homeowners are always looking for ways to make their houses not only look better but also become more efficient. One of the easiest ways to do both is to incorporate plexiglass into your living arrangement.
Acrylic—which is also known as plexiglass—is a transparent thermoplastic homopolymer that comes in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Plexiglass can be used in several different ways. Plexiglass is typically sold in sheets and is available in styles such as frosted, mirrored, or non-glare. Take a closer look at these 8 exciting plexiglass uses in your home to elevate efficiency and design!

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6 Benefits of Acrylic Sheet Aquariums

Mother and daughter cleaning acrylic sheet aquarium at home

From retail displays to directional signage, there’s no shortage of things to create with acrylic. And while you might lean towards using the material for your business needs, acrylic can also come in handy for your home—case in point: your aquarium.

An acrylic sheet aquarium can make a fish lover’s life easier for a multitude of reasons, offering an alternative to the typical glass models. Read on for some of the biggest benefits of choosing an acrylic sheet aquarium.

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Why Acrylic Works for Directional Signage

Acrylic plastic directional sign for public restrooms

Whether it’s a store, office, school, or hospital, people need to be able to know where to go. Enter directional signage, which will help visitors and staff get to exactly how to get where they need to be. So, what is directional signage? And why is acrylic the best option for it? Read on for all the details.

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What is ABS Material

Construction worker carrying hard hat made out of ABS plastic material

When it comes to finding a manufacturing material that is tough and durable, but flexible enough to be used in an array of ways, look no further than ABS material. Not familiar with it? Here’s a breakdown of what is ABS material and how it can be used.

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