Simple Tips for Working with Starboard

When it’s time to replace wood, plastic, or laminate items, many boaters and boat builders are turning to Marine Board, most known as Starboard. This polyethylene polymer sheet product won’t rot, splinter, swell or delaminate. And if that wasn’t enough, Starboard doesn’t require any painting, finishing, or maintenance. It can also be bent or thermoformed into different shapes and various effects, and while it can withstand most blunt impacts, it is easy to work on with woodworking tools including jigsaws, circular saws, drills, sanders, and routers.

But before you start planning your next project, check out these tips for working with Starboard.

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10 Creative Ways to Use Clear Acrylic Tubes for Crafts

From household items and retail displays to medical devices and more, there are so many uses for clear acrylic tubes. Not only are they versatile, but they are also flexible, durable, and affordable. That means you can also get creative with clear acrylic tubes with some fun craft projects you can easily do at home.

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5 Benefits of Using Acrylic Office Partitions for a Modern Workplace

After nearly three years of working from home due to the pandemic, a recent poll found that 9 out of 10 companies are requiring their employees to come back to the office in 2023. While many are offering incentives to come back—including catered meals and a pay raise—employees will undoubtedly need to adjust to the return of commuting and sharing work space with their coworkers.
One thing that could make the transition easier for employees is the installation of office partitions, which can create individualized space and privacy for each worker. And when it comes to choosing the right material for your office partitions, you simply can’t go wrong with acrylic. To prove our point, we have rounded up five great reasons to make acrylic office partitions a part of your workplace design. Acrylic office partitions can:

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How to Cut Corrugated Plastic Roofing (or PVC Roofing)

Whether you’re in the construction industry or a DIY-er in your own home, you want materials that are strong, yet easy to work with on a variety of projects. So it makes sense that corrugated plastic roofing is so popular. Made of polycarbonate thermoplastic polymer material. corrugated plastic roofing boasts an octagonal-wave shape (hence its corrugated look). The flexible, yet durable, material is weather resistant, remaining strong during strong impacts (including wind and hail) and temperatures from -40°F to +270°F. And corrugated plastic roofing won’t degrade or deteriorate over the years, making it a solid investment for any homeowner. While corrugated plastic roofing is easy to install, you will have to cut the sheets to fit your project needs. Not sure where to start? Here is a rundown on how to get the job done.

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What Are Sneeze Guards and Where to Use Them

Asia businesspeople discussing business brainstorm meeting together share data and write on acrylic partition stand back in new normal office. Lifestyle social distancing and work after coronavirus.

When Covid-19 hit, companies, schools, restaurants, and other locations put safety measures in place to help limit the spread of the virus. One item that became a staple in buildings across the globe is sneeze guards, which are protective barriers made of acrylic or glass that help prevent the spread of germs and viruses. In February 2020, the World Health Organization advised the use of “physical barriers to reduce exposure to the COVID-19 virus, such as glass or plastic windows,” while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that venues “place a barrier between employees and customers.” So while they were once used almost exclusively in food service and healthcare locations, sneeze guards are now found in practically every type of building imaginable. From students and teachers to customer service reps and restaurant workers, sneeze guards have become increasingly popular in various settings.
Here’s a quick guide on everything you need to know about sneeze guards.

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5 Reasons to Use Acrylic Sheets for Your Pergola Covers

 

With warmer weather on the way, people are ready to start enjoying their backyard areas. One way to do just that is with a pergola, which can offer protection from the harsh rays of the sun or a summer sprinkle throughout the season. That means you’ll have more time to enjoy a book, eat a meal, or simply relax outside with family and friends.

After making the investment in a pergola, you’ll undoubtedly want it to last for years to come—and if it can offer more protection from the elements, even better. Enter acrylic sheets such as Acme’s Pergola Roof Panels. They not only resist harsh weather and UV rays, but are also easy to install, customizable, and cost-effective.

Not convinced acrylic is right for your pergola cover? Here are five reasons why you should make the choice.

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Dangers of UV Lighting to Documents and Artwork

Just like our skin suffers damage from the sun’s UV rays, documents and artwork face a similar fate without some sort of protection from UV lighting. Here we discuss how UV light chemically affects documents and artwork. And just like we can slather on sunblock to prevent sunburn and UV ray damage, there are solutions for protecting for these paper-based valuables, too. We’ll discuss some of them, but specifically, the importance of UV resistance in acrylic sheeting to safeguard you documents and artwork.

 

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Recycling Polycarbonate: How, Why & Where

Acme Plastics polycarbonate panels and sheets provide a strong and lightweight option for a variety of uses and applications.  Continued environmental concerns surrounding synthetic plastics often leave customers with hesitation about investing in polycarbonate panels and sheets. The good news is some polycarbonate plastic panels are 100% recyclable, allowing you to be eco-friendly in your use. Below we will explore the details of how, why, and where to recycle your polycarbonate panels and sheets and how they actually are an environmentally responsible purchase after all!

 

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Greenhouse Market Growth: What to Expect & How to Stay Ahead of the Trends

The Global Greenhouse market is expected to grow between 2023 and 2029. Staying ahead of the trends, specifically advancing technology, provides a lot of opportunities for horticulture enthusiasts. In the article below we will explore the current state of the greenhouse market, future predictions, and the benefits of using polycarbonate and acrylic greenhouse plastic when building your next greenhouse project.   Continue reading Greenhouse Market Growth: What to Expect & How to Stay Ahead of the Trends

How to Make a Photo Frame with Cut-To-Size Acrylic

Are you looking to add an artistic touch to your home or workspace? An acrylic frame is an ideal way to present compelling artwork, photographs, inspirational quotes, or favorite cartoons all while adding a contemporary feel to any décor. When getting started with making a DIY acrylic frame you will need to decide which size acrylic you may want. Extruded acrylic is transparent, moisture resistant, and half the weight of glass, but many times stronger. Acme Plastics’ acrylic extruded clear sheets are available in a wide selection of thicknesses, sheet sizes, and can be custom cut to your specifications. Extruded acrylic is transparent, moisture resistant and half the weight of glass. Using a table saw, cut-to-size acrylic can be easily cut to make a frame or other DIY projects you may have in mind.

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Everything You Need to Know About Recycled Acrylic

At Acme Plastics, we offer recycled plexiglass as a green alternative to plexiglass and standard acrylic. Our eco-conscious offering of Acrylite proTerra, the recycled acrylic line of Acrylite by Röehm, is versatile and can be used in a variety of display setups. There are a multitude of advantages working with Acrylite proTerra that may not be as obvious when compared to competing materials like glass or other plastics. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the numerous benefits of recycled plexiglass and how it can enhance your next project.

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Plexiglass vs. Glass: Which is Better for Custom Framing?

Whether you are customizing personal family photos or original artwork, there are choices beyond your selected images. There’s the frame, the mat (or no mat), and the cover (glass vs. plexiglass). All these decisions are a matter of preference, but we’ll focus on the cover since many people are not sure whether acrylic glass or glass is better for custom framing. There are some things to consider when you are choosing between custom cut plexiglass and glass. First, know that one is not better than the other. Plexiglass and glass each have their different advantages and disadvantages. We break it down for you here so you can decide what will be best for your custom framing project.

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Twinwall Polycarbonate vs. Multiwall Polycarbonate: What’s the Difference?

It is common occurrence for people to confuse twinwall polycarbonate and multiwall polycarbonate. After all, twinwall and multiwall polycarbonate have the same properties while providing varying levels of insulation. Depending on the type of project you’re working on will dictate which of these two kinds of polycarbonate is the better fit. Below is a look at the differences between twinwall polycarbonate and multiwall polycarbonate and the insulation appropriate for various types of applications and projects.

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5 Plexiglass Use Cases in Manufacturing

Plexiglass sheets can be utilized in a multitude of ways in the manufacturing industry. Plexiglass is a versatile material that can do everything from protecting manufacturing workers by providing them with a durable, shatter-resistant plastic to make vital products that may help increase productivity and safeguard public health. Plexiglass sheets are available in a variety of thicknesses and is commonly sold in sheets, rods and tubes. One of the most stand out qualities that it offers is its versatility and moldability to fit nearly any application, which is vital in the manufacturing industry. According to piedmontplastics, “Whether you’re manufacturing need requires strength, longevity, or clarity, plexiglass offers numerous advantages over other materials. High among those advantages is its versatility in that it is featured in multiple applications.” In the blog post below, we will explore so the most common use cases for plexiglass within the manufacturing industry and how plexiglass can offer a long-lasting, cost-effective solution for your next project. Continue reading 5 Plexiglass Use Cases in Manufacturing

How Polycarbonate Sheets Can Offer Added Security

Polycarbonate sheets are perfect for a high level of security in a variety of settings. Retail businesses, office buildings, homes, schools, and sporting venues all benefit from protection against vandalism, the elements, and more.

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6 Common Use Cases for Acrylic Clear Blocks

Whether you’re into crafting or looking to make the most out of retail displays, Acme Plastics’ acrylic clear blocks are a versatile and practical option to consider for both personal and professional needs alike. And we offer a variety of popular sizes to accommodate every situation, or we’ll customize acrylic clear blocks to any specifications.

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How to Insulate Plexiglass Windows to Keep Energy Bills Down

With energy bills skyrocketing, everyone is looking for ways to save. Making sure that your home is energy efficient can help to keep your monthly household bills under control. One way to conserve energy—and get the most bang for your buck—is to install plexiglass windows throughout your house.

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Everything You Need to Know About Acrylic Sheets

In the world of plastic, acrylic sheets are one of the most popular and highly-sought out materials. If you are considering using acrylic sheets for your next project, but aren’t quite sure about what type of sheets you may need or how to properly care for them once acquired, we’ve got you covered. Acme Plastics has a comprehensive guide on the ins and outs of acrylic sheets and everything you need to know in order to properly customize, machine, and maintain them. Listed below are some of the most common questions our plastic specialists receive about acrylic sheets and the answers we share with our consumers when prompted with these very essential inquiries about our line of acrylic sheets at Acme Plastics. Continue reading Everything You Need to Know About Acrylic Sheets

The Future of Plastics

The plastics industry is evolving for a sustainable future. Plastic in and of itself isn’t bad. However, due to a societal emphasis on single-use plastic production and a lack of an advanced recycling infrastructure, many controversies have ensued related to plastic waste and pollution. According to spglobal.com, “Despite broad public sentiment that plastic is harmful to the environment, it is proving hard for the global economy to quit producing new plastic products. Unlike other ecologically friendly practices, attempts to eliminate plastics have not been directly helpful to the bottom line of many consumer companies. S&P Global Ratings forecast that plastic packaging is unlikely to be replaced in the near future for many of its current uses, as plastic holds advantages over some alternative packaging options like paper or glass.”  In this blog post we will explore several ways we can educate ourselves about the current state of plastic, integrate recycled plastic products into our daily minutiae, and motivate businesses to consider recycled plastic in their supply chains for a greener future.

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Acrylic Mirror vs. Glass Mirror: Which Is Better?

It’s a common misconception amongst many people that glass mirrors are better than acrylic, simply because they are more well-known. However, many consumers do not even realize that mirrors within their own home and offices are actually manufactured from acrylic. Not only are acrylic mirrors equal to glass mirrors, but they also have a plethora of advantages over their glass counterparts. Here, we will discuss the key differences between acrylic mirror sheets and glass mirrors, advantages and disadvantages of both acrylic and glass mirrors and ultimately which type of mirror you should use for your next project.

 

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5 Common Applications for HDPE Cutting Boards

While high density polyethylene (HDPE) garners high marks as a durable material in many applications,  HDPE cutting boards are popularly known for being used in commercial and restaurant kitchens, but they are not limited to the kitchen. There are many benefits of HDPE cutting boards as compared to other leading materials such as wood and bamboo, which is why HDPE is considered a choice material across many industries. HDPE cutting boards from Acme Plastic are ideal because we specialize in cut-to-size orders that can meet the unique specifications of your needs. Listed below are some chief benefits to using HDPE cutting boards, examples of popular applications, and reasons why it should be a top pick for your next project. Continue reading 5 Common Applications for HDPE Cutting Boards

5 Plexiglass Use Cases in Manufacturing

Plexiglass sheets can be utilized in a multitude of ways in the manufacturing industry. Plexiglass is a versatile material that can do everything from protecting manufacturing workers by providing them with a durable, shatter-resistant plastic to make vital products that may help increase productivity and safeguard public health. Plexiglass sheets are available in a variety of thicknesses and is commonly sold in sheets, rods and tubes. One of the most stand out qualities that it offers is its versatility and moldability to fit nearly any application, which is vital in the manufacturing industry. According to piedmontplastics, “Whether you’re manufacturing need requires strength, longevity, or clarity, plexiglass offers numerous advantages over other materials. High among those advantages is its versatility in that it is featured in multiple applications.” In the blog post below, we will explore so the most common use cases for PLEXIGLASS within the manufacturing industry and how plexiglass can offer a long-lasting, cost-effective solution for your next project. Continue reading 5 Plexiglass Use Cases in Manufacturing

The Ultimate Guide to Food-Grade and Food-Safe Plastics

Cooking is regarded as a science and rightfully so, but for those more adept at experimenting in the kitchen than in the lab, the complexity of plastics pertaining to food safety can be overwhelming. When it comes to food processing, packaging, and storing, there’s copious amounts of information to digest about the different types of plastics and their functions. And, knowing the difference between what’s safe versus not is vital for keeping consumers protected from any potential harm. Here’s the rundown on what you need to know on the subject, so you can be sure you have all the ingredients necessary to create the best possible food experience.

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The Pros and Cons of Plastic Roofing Sheets

When it comes to determining the ideal material for each roofing project it is dependent on what type of structure you are building and its unique requirements. Polycarbonate is the most popular plastic roof sheets in the industry and while it is very strong and resilient, it is also extremely lightweight and able to handle the extremes of temperature and all of its elements. While polycarbonate roofing may not be the top material for home use, it is a popular choice for other structures such as greenhouses, patios, sheds, pool covers, and even industrial warehouses. There are a multitude of benefits for using plastic roof sheets as polycarbonate for your next project. In the blog post below, we will explore the many advantages that plastic roof sheets can offer your next project and what type of plastic is most appropriate for the structure at hand.
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Why Recycled Plastic is Becoming the Hottest Building Material in Construction

It is a known truth that plastic more times than not gets a bad wrap (pun totally intended) because of pollution caused by single-use plastic and a lack of recycling infrastructure. However, recycled plastic has many benefits in the construction industry. By using recycled plastic, construction companies can save money, while also increasing sustainability because recycled plastic consumes less heat and energy than other building materials. It also gives plastic a new life beyond the landfill, which contributes to the circular economy. According to worldgbc.org, “Plastic is the perfect building material, “It is cheap to convert into building materials, available and easy to mold.” The material is durable, waterproof, and insulating, making it suitable for building in many different types of climates.” In the blog post we will explore the many benefits of using recycled plastic in the construction industry and ways that it can be utilized in a variety of building projects.

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Perfecting Your Patio: Using Plastic Roof Panels To Cover Your Outdoor Space

Advantages of Polycarbonate Roofing

Do you love your deck or patio space, but hate the rain, wind, or snow that makes it difficult or impossible to enjoy the space as often as you would like? Or want to protect your vehicle from the same elements without impinging on the view? Have you considered covering it? There are many ways to cover a patio or pergola and plastic, or polycarbonate roof panels are a clear – or color – option. Polycarbonate roof panels have several advantages over other leading materials such as glass or metal and are easy to install. Polycarbonate is ten times stronger than glass, making it extremely durable and virtually shatter-resistant against the elements. In this post, we will look at the many advantages of polycarbonate roofing and how it can be used to create a year-round or covered outdoor space.

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Polycarbonate Panels: Going Beyond the Greenhouse

When most people think of polycarbonate panels, they often think of greenhouses. It’s one of the most common use cases along with roofing. Surprisingly there are many other unsuspected places that polycarbonate paneling is used. In fact, according to shapeplastics.com, “Due to its tough and impact resistant nature, polycarbonate is perfect for any DIY home project where durability is essential.” Here, we will explore the wide variety of applications and places you may find polycarbonate paneling and why you may consider this versatile material for your next project.

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The Sustainable Benefits of Recycled Acrylite® proTerra

Acrylic plastic has many aspects that make it a sustainable material (reusable, shatter-resistant, less energy intensive to create than glass), but is also more difficult to recycle than other plastic counterparts. However, a new stand-out product, Acrylite® proTerra by Röehm now available at Acme Plastics, is made from recycled plastic and provides all the same benefits of acrylic while also being recyclable. In this blog post we will explore the vast number of sustainable benefits that Acrylite® proTerra has to offer and why it is a great choice for your next project or application.

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10 Places You’ll Find Expanded PVC Foam Board

PVC foam board is an extremely versatile product and is used in several common applications across a variety of popular industries. Due to its easy nature to work with, this material is fabricated and formed using traditional tooling methods and is also capable of accepting screen and digital print on its surface. Available in an array of colors, it is robust for indoor and outdoor use alike, which only adds to its appeal. According to wholesalepos.com, Expanded PVC foam board is a less expensive material to acrylic or dibond, although durable, it can deteriorate quicker than those materials. Ranging in usefulness from signage purposes to beer mats for pubs and bars, expanded PVC foam is truly all around us. Here, 10 unique places you may come across PVC foam board and how it compares to other materials.

 

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Repurposing Plexiglass in Our Post-Pandemic Life

Since the year of 2020, our nation has been in a serious search for the best protection against the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Grocery stores, nail salons, schools, office spaces, hospitals, and retail shops alike were all looking for the perfect solution to safeguard against the spread of this seemingly deadly virus. As it turns out, plexiglass was the leading contender when it came to building barriers and protective shields for public spaces. According to an article from greenbiz.com, “Before the virus, demand for such plastics had been decreasing, as innovation allowed for thinner sheets in appliances such as TVs. As demand spikes, there’s a need for a sustainable, recyclable and ultimately circular option.” However, in today’s climate, millions of pieces of plexiglass sold to businesses and private establishments to create safer environments for this anxiety-ridden time, it leaves many of us to wonder what will happen to all these plexiglass shields and barriers when the pandemic is finally over? Below we explore possible ways to repurpose and upcycle plexiglass barriers and shields for life after the pandemic.

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Building Your Dream Greenhouse with Polycarbonate Panels

Gardening, or more specifically home-grown food has become increasingly popular over the past couple of years as more people are realizing they can harvest healthier food for a lot less money by growing it themselves. According to grocery.coop, “You can save big money by growing your own vegetables and fruits. In fact, depending on the type and amount you grow, you can save a significant amount of money. By spending a few dollars on seeds, plants, and supplies in spring, you’ll produce vegetables that will yield pounds of produce in summer.” Of course, growing your own produce and crops means you need the proper space for the fruit and/or vegetables to flourish. If you are considering a greenhouse, buying or building with plastic polycarbonate panels is a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing choice for the durable and heat conducting material.

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Which Glues Work for Polycarbonate Plastic

Polycarbonate is a modern plastic material with many beneficial properties, namely its high optical clarity, and great durability. It is visually similar to glass, but thirty times more impact-resistant, making it as strong as some metals. Consequently, there are many use cases for polycarbonate, such as a replacement for security windows, or tiny non-conductive parts for machinery.
 
Regular solvents won’t adhere to polycarbonate. In fact, standard household glues may cause polycarbonate to undergo “crazing,” which occurs when chemicals break down the polymer’s microscopic bonds, causing small, crack-like streaks. While this won’t damage the polycarbonate significantly, it will create an unseemly appearance.
 
Thankfully, there are many effective methods for gluing, or fusing, polycarbonate plastic. Gluing and fusing are not exactly the same, however. While glues leave an adhesive behind, fusing causes a chemical reaction that allows the polycarbonate to melt back together. This is similar to the processes used to glue acrylic plastic.
 
Each of these bonding and fusing agents have different chemical properties, which may be ideal for different use cases. Let’s go over four common methods used to repair, bond, or fuse polycarbonate plastic. Continue reading Which Glues Work for Polycarbonate Plastic

30 Amazing Acrylic (PMMA) Plastic Facts and Figures

Acrylic is one of the most versatile and commonly used materials in modern manufacturing. It goes under a lot of names, including PMMA, plexiglass, Optix, Perspex, and Acrylic Glass. It’s most commonly used in its sheet form, but it can be easily formed into a variety of shapes, like tubes and rods. While acrylic is usually transparent, it is available in a wide range of colors and tints.

There’s a lot of reasons behind the ubiquity of acrylic – and it is a truly amazing material that plays a major part in modern life. Let’s go over 30 acrylic facts that reinforce how influential this material is. Continue reading 30 Amazing Acrylic (PMMA) Plastic Facts and Figures

How to Paint on Frosted Acrylic Plastic Panels

Throughout the ages, many of the greatest artists painted on unconventional surfaces. By straying from more basic materials like canvas, these artists made their pieces stand out with materials like stone, wood, and glass. Today, this same creativity persists among artists and DIY crafters with a new material – acrylic plastic, also known as plexiglass. With the right knowledge, painting on acrylic can create anything ranging from amazing three-dimensional art to eye-popping signs for an event. Continue reading How to Paint on Frosted Acrylic Plastic Panels

What Are OP3, P95, and P99 Plastic Acrylic Sheets?

When shopping for acrylic for your home or business, you may have encountered a few strange initialisms surrounding these plastic sheets. When acrylic sheets are described as OP3, OP2, P95, and P99, the significance is not exactly intuitive – and evaluating product differences through the screen of your phone or computer is a taxing endeavor. Continue reading What Are OP3, P95, and P99 Plastic Acrylic Sheets?

How to Remove Scratches from Plexiglass / Acrylic

Acrylic – also known as Plexiglass, Perspex, and Lucite – is a popular type of plastic to use due to its many advantages. For example, clear acrylic sheets have exceptional optical clarity, while colored acrylic sheets are available in a spectrum of colors. Unfortunately, when compared to stronger plastics like polycarbonate, plexiglass scratches more easily. This creates not only a visually unappealing appearance but also damages the acrylic’s durability. Thankfully, it’s often much easier to repair acrylic than it is to create scratches in the first place.
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7 Ways to Use Acrylic Sheets at Home

Acrylic plastic is becoming increasingly popular for home use, with applications ranging from furniture to greenhouse panels. This is especially true for clear acrylic sheets – although these sheets are visually similar to glass, acrylic is half the weight and 17 times more durable. Although clear acrylic is arguably the most popular type of acrylic plastic, this thermoplastic polymer is available a large swath of colors, hues, and tints, making it great for decorative applications. Continue reading 7 Ways to Use Acrylic Sheets at Home

The Best Engineering Plastics for Extreme Heat

Heat resistance is a primary consideration that should be made before purchasing plastics. For some applications, heat resistance is more important – may be the plastic will be stored in an autoclave, or may commonly interact with flames. If a plastic melts or has its structural integrity compromised by heat, it can spell disaster – so, engineers are wise to choose plastics that are designed to endure extreme heat. Continue reading The Best Engineering Plastics for Extreme Heat

A Guide to Gluing Acrylic Plastic to Plastic

Whether you’re looking glue acrylic plastic for your next project or simply repair a break in your acrylic plastic, it’s important to know and understand the best method to glue plastics together for long-lasting results. Gluing acrylic plastics together is slightly trickier than gluing materials like ceramic, wood, or paper, and requires a different set of procedure. However, with a little know-how, you can successfully glue acrylic plastic to acrylic plastic like a professional.
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Thermoset Plastics vs. Thermoplastics: What’s the Difference?

There are two main classes of polymers: Thermoset plastics, and thermoplastics. While the names of these two kinds of plastic may seem similar, they actually have several key differences. These differences can influence the performance of these plastics, making them ideal for different use cases.
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How Do You Cut Plexiglass Acrylic Plastic?

When using acrylic for projects, it’s common for customers to need to cut their own plexiglass sheets at home. Maybe they bought their sheet of plexiglass acrylic in the wrong size, the right size wasn’t available when they purchased the plastic, or they’re just trying to reuse and repurpose an acrylic sheet for a DIY project. There are a lot of reasons to cut acrylic, but there are special considerations to be made before cutting acrylic.
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The Advantages of Polycarbonate Roofing Panels

Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic with a reputation for being exceptionally strong and resilient. With an impact strength that is 250 times stronger than glass and 30 times stronger than acrylic, polycarbonate panels have enjoyed increased use over the past few decades. Today, polycarbonate can be found being used for anything ranging from eye protection to bullet resistant glass!

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The Difference Between Polystyrene and Polyethylene

Polystyrene and polyethylene are some of the most commonly used polymers today. Both are impact resistant, lightweight, and available in many different forms, making them ideal for a wide variety of uses. With so many uses for both kinds of plastics, it’s easy to become confused about how to best utilize these products – however, these plastics have key differences that must be considered.

Let’s take a closer look at the properties of both polyethylene and polystyrene, and identify what makes these two thermoplastics unique:

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How Are Acrylic Sheets Made?

Acrylic is a plastic material that can be used for many purposes. It provides a cost effective, durable material that can be fashioned into a variety of shapes and sizes, although acrylic sheets are the most popular form. This is because acrylic sheets can be turned into windows, retail displays, and even aquariums–all while providing better impact strength and a higher level of optical clarity than glass!

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Which is Best-Polycarbonate or Acrylic Panels?

In the past, glass panels were the material of choice for windows, doors, and other clear barriers due to a lack of viable alternatives. This has changed in recent years, as high-quality plastics became much more affordable due to advances in fabrication technology. As a result, acrylic and polycarbonate panels have started to gain traction as alternatives for glass panels. Outside their cost-effective nature, several other factors have led to the adoption of acrylic and polycarbonate panels skyrocketing.

Continue reading Which is Best-Polycarbonate or Acrylic Panels?

What is Designboard and When Should I Use It?

Imagine being able to build furniture with wood that won’t rot—or metal that will never rust. While it may sound too good to be true, Designboard can deliver these amazing benefits to builders and designers. Even though wood and metal are extremely popular for construction due to their integrity and availability, Designboard seeks to overcome common challenges with the physical properties of these materials. Continue reading What is Designboard and When Should I Use It?

What is Bulletproof Glass and How Does it Work?

Bulletproof glass is a durable alternative to glass for structures and vehicles that need an additional level of protection. By using strong, sturdy plastics, bulletproof glass stopping a frenzy of bullets dead in its tracks, it is not fully impenetrable. In fact, no bulletproof glass is guaranteed to protect against all projectiles. Instead, bulletproof glass is meant to absorb energy from bullets upon impact. This means that “bulletproof glass” is a misnomer, leading industry experts to refer to this form of glass as “bullet resistant glass.” Despite this, it is very common to use “bullet resistant glass” and “bulletproof glass” interchangeably. As a result, when we refer to “bullet resistant glass” in this post, we are truly referring to bullet resistant plastic. Continue reading What is Bulletproof Glass and How Does it Work?

The Best Plastics for Outdoor Use

When designing products for outdoor use, plastic is an effective material that should be given serious consideration. Plastics are increasingly being used to construct greenhouse panels, playgrounds, outdoor furniture, and other structures that were previously dominated by materials such as wood and glass. There are many reasons for this, but plastic’s lightweight and durable nature certainly assist in making it an ideal candidate for outdoor structures. Continue reading The Best Plastics for Outdoor Use