Publish Time: 2025-03-03 Origin: www.jinbaoplastic.com
In the world of industrial plastics, acrylic sheets have become indispensable for applications ranging from architectural design to advertising displays. As a leading manufacturer with nearly three decades of expertise, Jinbao Plastic understands the critical role material selection plays in achieving project success. This guide explores the primary types of acrylic sheets available—cast, extruded, frosted, and colored—detailing their unique properties, ideal use cases, and how businesses can leverage these materials effectively.
Acrylic, scientifically known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), combines optical clarity, weather resistance, and durability. Unlike glass, it is lightweight and shatter-resistant, making it a preferred choice for industries requiring both functionality and aesthetics. At Jinbao Plastic, our acrylic sheets are manufactured under stringent quality controls, ensuring consistency across all product lines.
Production Process
Cast acrylic is created by pouring liquid MMA monomer into molds, followed by a slow curing process. This method allows molecules to align uniformly, resulting in exceptional optical clarity and internal stress reduction.
Key Advantages
High Surface Hardness: Resists scratches and maintains gloss over time.
Thermoformability: Retains shape during heating, ideal for complex designs (e.g., curved signage).
Chemical Resistance: Withstands exposure to solvents and cleaning agents.
Common Applications
Retail displays requiring flawless transparency.
Aquarium panels due to water resistance.
Medical equipment housings where sterilization is routine.
Jinbao Specifications
Available in thicknesses from 1.5 mm to 25 mm, with standard sizes up to 3,050 × 2,030 mm.
Production Process
Extruded acrylic is manufactured by pushing molten PMMA through a die, creating continuous sheets. This rapid process reduces production costs, making it economical for bulk orders.
Key Advantages
Uniform Thickness: Ideal for laser cutting and CNC machining.
Flexibility: Easier to bend without cracking compared to cast acrylic.
Cost-Effective: 20–30% lower price point than cast acrylic for large-scale projects.
Common Applications
Protective barriers in public spaces.
Light diffusers in LED fixtures.
Budget-friendly signage and point-of-purchase displays.
Considerations
While extruded acrylic is less resistant to solvents, it excels in environments where mechanical stress is minimal.
Surface Treatment
Frosted acrylic undergoes sandblasting or chemical etching to create a translucent, matte finish. This texture scatters light, providing privacy while maintaining brightness.
Key Advantages
Aesthetic Versatility: Adds a premium, non-glare finish.
Custom Opacity Levels: Ranges from lightly frosted to fully opaque.
Easy Maintenance: Resists fingerprints and smudges.
Common Applications
Office partitions and decorative room dividers.
Backlit menus in hospitality settings.
Artistic installations requiring soft lighting effects.
Jinbao Options
Available in clear frosted, colored frosted, and patterned variants.
Pigmentation Techniques
Dyes or pigments are integrated during manufacturing to produce sheets in solid hues, translucents, or gradients.
Key Advantages
UV Stability: Colors remain fade-resistant outdoors.
Design Flexibility: Over 20 standard colors, including metallics and fluorescents.
Impact Resistance: Maintains structural integrity even in thin profiles.
Common Applications
Corporate logos and directional signage.
Architectural accents in façades and interiors.
Themed displays for events and exhibitions.
Industry Insight
For outdoor use, Jinbao’s UV-stabilized colored acrylic sheets are tested to withstand 10+ years of sun exposure without yellowing.
While cast, extruded, frosted, and colored sheets cover most commercial requirements, businesses may explore:
Anti-Glare Acrylic: Reduces reflections in high-light environments (e.g., digital kiosks).
Impact-Modified Acrylic: Blended with additives for enhanced toughness in safety barriers.
Mirrored Acrylic: Lightweight alternative to glass mirrors for decorative applications.
Factor | Cast Acrylic | Extruded Acrylic | Frosted Acrylic | Colored Acrylic |
Budget | Higher | Lower | Moderate | Moderate |
Machining | Superior finish | Good for simple cuts | Requires edge polishing | Consistent coloration |
Outdoor Durability | Excellent | Good | Good (UV-treated options) | Excellent (UV-stabilized) |
Aesthetic Priority | Clarity | Uniformity | Light diffusion | Brand alignment |
Since 1996, Jinbao has served businesses across 50+ countries, combining scale with precision:
35 Production Lines: Outputting 2,100 tons monthly to meet urgent deadlines.
Global Certifications: ISO 9001, SGS, and RoHS compliance.
Bulk Pricing: Volume discounts for construction firms and advertising agencies.
Technical Support: Material selection guidance from our engineering team.
From the high-gloss allure of cast acrylic in luxury retail displays to the functional affordability of extruded sheets in protective screens, each acrylic type serves distinct industrial purposes. At Jinbao Plastic, we empower businesses with a diverse portfolio of standardized sizes (2 mm to 30 mm thickness) and finishes, eliminating compromises between quality and scalability.
Whether you’re fabricating a bespoke art installation or sourcing materials for a nationwide retail rollout, understanding these acrylic variants ensures informed, cost-effective decisions. Explore our catalog or contact our team to request samples tailored to your project’s demands.
Jinbao Group was established in 1996 and its head office is located in the beautiful spring city-Jinan, Shandong province.