Acrylic vs. PVC Plastic: The Manufacturer’s Guide to Choosing the Right Material

In my 30 years of manufacturing plastics, the most common question I get from new distributors is: "Alan, should I stock Acrylic or PVC?"

The answer is: You need both. But you need to know when to sell which one.

While both are "plastic sheets," Acrylic (PMMA) and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) are as different as glass and wood. Mistaking one for the other can lead to shattered signs, warped furniture, and angry customers.

This guide breaks down the technical and practical differences so you can recommend the right material every time.

1. The Core Difference (In Plain English)

Direct Answer:
Acrylic (PMMA): Think of it as "Plastic Glass." It is transparent, glossy, rigid, and used primarily for aesthetics (signs, displays, windows).
PVC Foam Board: Think of it as "Plastic Wood." It is opaque, matte, lightweight, and used primarily for structure (cabinets, wall cladding, printing boards).

2. Optical Clarity & Finish

This is the easiest way to decide.

• Acrylic: The king of clarity. Clear cast acrylic has a light transmission of 92.5% (higher than glass). It polishes to a crystal-clear, high-gloss finish.

• PVC: Always opaque. Even "clear" PVC has a slight blue/gray tint and lower light transmission. PVC Foam Board has a matte finish that absorbs light, making it excellent for reading text on signs but terrible for "high-end" luxury displays.

3. Durability & Impact Resistance

• Impact Strength: Both are stronger than glass. However, Polycarbonate is the true "unbreakable" plastic. Acrylic is ~17x stronger than glass but can crack if hit hard. PVC is softer; it absorbs impact better but will dent or scratch.

• Scratch Resistance: Acrylic wins. Its surface is harder. PVC scratches very easily (fingernail hardness).

• Weathering (UV):

• Acrylic: Inherently UV stable. A Jinbao acrylic sheet can sit in the sun for 30 years with less than 3% yellowing.

• PVC: Standard PVC yellows over time. You must order UV-stabilized PVC if it will be used outdoors for more than 2 years.

4. Processing & Machinability

For fabricators, this is where the money is made or lost.

• Laser Cutting:

• Acrylic: Cuts beautifully with a CO2 laser, leaving a polished "flame-polished" edge.

• PVC: NEVER laser cut PVC. It releases Chlorine gas, which is toxic to humans and will rust your laser machine instantly. PVC must be cut with a CNC router or saw.

• Bending:

• Acrylic: Needs heat to bend (line bending or thermoforming).

• PVC: Can be "cold bent" to a certain radius, or heat bent much faster than acrylic.

5. Cost Comparison

If budget is the only factor:

• PVC Foam Board is cheaper. It is generally 30-40% lower cost per square meter than solid acrylic.

• Acrylic is a premium material. You pay for the optical clarity and surface hardness.

Quick Selection Table

Conclusion

• Choose Acrylic if: You need transparency, high gloss, light transmission, or laser cutting.

• Choose PVC if: You need a waterproof wood replacement, a matte printing surface, or a lower-cost structural panel.

At Jinbao Plastic, we manufacture both materials on 35 production lines. We don't push you toward one; we supply the one that fits your engineering specs.

Still not sure?

Send us your project drawings. Our engineers will recommend the exact material grade and thickness you need.

• Email: jinbao@jinbaoplastic.com

• WhatsApp: +86-13969152622

About the Author:

Alan FAN is the CEO of Jinan Jinbao Plastic Co., Ltd., established in 1996. He has spent nearly three decades helping global distributors optimize their supply chains with high-quality Acrylic and PVC solutions. His technical expertise bridges the gap between raw material manufacturing and end-user applications.