Acrylic Sheet: Know Everything about Size, Thickness & Uses

Acrylic sheets have become increasingly popular in modern interior design due to their versatility and durability. Their functional and aesthetic benefits make them a common alternative to glass, as they are lightweight, shatter-resistant, and more impact-resistant than glass. They can be used on furniture, countertops, and other surfaces, enhancing their functionality and aesthetic appeal. 
In this blog, we will explore the interesting world of acrylic sheets, shedding light on their composition, manufacturing process, various applications, sizes, and thickness. 

What are Acrylic Sheets?

Acrylic sheets, also known as plexiglass or acrylic glass, are transparent or coloured thermoplastic sheets made from synthetic polymers. A thermoplastic is a material that is moldable at high temperatures and solidifies when cooled. Their impressive optical clarity is another reason why they have become an excellent alternative to traditional glass in various applications.
 

How are Acrylic Sheets Made?

Acrylic sheets are generally manufactured using the following two processes:

1. Extrusion: In this process, the raw acrylic resin is melted and pushed through a die, resulting in continuous sheets of uniform thickness.

2. Cell Casting: This involves pouring liquid acrylic into molds, yielding higher-quality sheets suitable for specialized applications.

Where are Acrylic Sheets Used?

REHAU’s RAUVISIO range offers a wide range of colours and textures in acrylic sheets. These sheets can be used on boards, panels and as laminates on various surfaces. They can be heat-molded into various shapes and sizes, offering flexibility in design and enabling creative applications.

Acrylic sheet uses can be in various settings, such as offices, restaurants, shops, and homes. They can bring style and durability to any space and are commonly used in the below application areas:

• Bedroom and living room furniture
• Bathroom and Kitchen cabinets
• Tabletops and countertops
• Floors and interior walls

RAUVISIO sheets are proven to last for at least 20 years of indoor use. Offering outstanding colour and shine, they also provide ease of work to carpenters as they can be cut to size using standard woodworking tools.

Properties of Acrylic Sheets:

Optical Clarity: They have excellent transparency, making them an ideal substitute for traditional glass.

Impact Resistance: They are significantly stronger than glass, making them highly resistant to impact and less likely to shatter or break.

Lightweight: They are lightweight, making them easier to handle and install compared to glass or other materials.

Chemical Resistance: They are resistant to many chemicals, making them suitable for use in laboratories and chemical environments.

Scratch and Stain Resistance: They have a hard surface that resists scratches, maintaining their appearance over time.

Hygienic: They are easy to clean and maintain, making them a hygienic choice for applications in kitchen furniture and bathroom cabinets.

Recyclable: They are recyclable, contributing to sustainability and environmental conservation.

Benefits of Using Acrylic Sheets

• Durability
• Easy Maintenance
• Variety of Finishes
• Versatility 

Durability: They are tough and resist scratches & scraping, making them a long-lasting solution. With UV-resistance, they do not crack or yellow when exposed to sunlight, maintaining their clarity and colour.

Easy Maintenance: They resist stains and do not absorb moisture. Their high water-resistance makes them ideal for applications in moist environments such as bathrooms and kitchens. The non-porous surface prevents water damage and facilitates easy cleaning.

Variety of Finishes: They come in a wide variety of patterns, colours, and textures that make them a popular choice.

Versatility: They can be used on a variety of surfaces, including countertops, cabinets, walls, and furniture. 

Sizes and Thickness

Acrylic sheets are available in various sizes to accommodate different projects. Common acrylic sheet sizes include:

• 4x8 feet
• 5x8 feet
• 6x10 feet

However, they can be custom-cut to fit specific requirements. The acrylic sheet thickness ranges from 1.5 mm to 25 mm, catering to diverse needs.

Acrylic sheets have emerged as a versatile and stylish solution for modern living. With their durability, design options, colours, textures and ease of use, they offer endless possibilities for your interiors. By choosing the right acrylic sheets from the RAUVISIO range, you get the assurance of a trusted brand like REHAU, which has been leading the way across verticals for over 75 years. Since its arrival in India in 1997, REHAU has been providing premium furniture, kitchen, building, industrial and radiant heating dry panel system with high quality standards of German engineering.