Properties of Plastic Sheets
Sheets are seventeen times as strong as glass, making a great substitute for glass. They also weigh half as much as an equivalent size of glass. Since they are more durable and less breakable than glass, they are a safer substitute for glass. Perspex sheets are also environment friendly in that they are hundred per cent recyclable. They are also food safe, making them popular choices in several household uses and food packaging industry.
They are easy to glue, fabricate and bend without the need for specialized tools. They have high longevities compared to glass. They do well in outdoor applications because of high UV resistance. Light transmission is also exceptional because of the optical clarity.
Types: Created in the 1930s, they are now of two kinds based on manufacturing process and performance: cell cast and extruded sheets. Cell Cast Acrylic Plastic Sheets: These are extremely high quality with high strength and top grade technical properties. These are also easy to handle, mould and use in machines. Extruded Acrylic Plastic Sheets: These types of acrylic sheets have enhanced vacuum formability and are therefore useful in functions which require complex shapes.
Applications: As a substitute for glass, acrylic plastics are popular in the field of retail and point of purchase. Because of their transparency and high break resistance, they are also ideal for exhibition displays where glass can be a less safe alternative. Acrylic plastic sheets also find use in rear projection screens where semi-transparent displays are illuminated by projectors behind the screen. It may also be possible to create spherical displays with Plexiglas.
Plexiglas is also widely used in shop fittings and shelves as a durable and safe alternative to glass. High quality mouldable Plexiglas is used in field of model making at small and industrial scales. Framing is another area where acrylic plastic sheets also find application. These sheets are also used in signage. Plexiglas has several architectural applications ranging from public aquarium windows, submarines and ship windows. They are also used as transparent walls for private and public pools, allowing the coach to observe swimmers and divers.
Since float glass is not meant to be load bearing, Plexiglas is the substitute used as structural building elements and glazing that can survive weathering for several decades. Roof lighting and light fixtures also benefit from the optical clarity and strength of Plexiglas. Buildings situated near rivers and other water bodies with unpredictable water levels often have flood windows that are made of acrylic plastic sheeting. Resources: http://www.dplast.co.th/index.php/sheeting/ http://ezinearticles.com/?Acrylic-Plastic-Sheets&id=7893166
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