Perspex is a form of acrylic plastic that starts as a liquid and is then formed into a strong plastic. Due to its durability, flexibility and sustainability, acrylic is one of the best substitutes for glass. Over the years, the use of high-quality acrylic has expanded into several applications. Initially used to make windows for submarines and cars, acrylic sheets now have a variety of alternative uses (including construction, engineering and even photography). A durable plastic, it is versatile, cost-effective and a practical alternative to glass.
Below are some of the pros and cons of using acrylic sheets.
Pros of acrylic sheets
UV-resistant
As it is flexible and easily moulded into any shape, acrylic is perfect for creating various products. They are an ideal product to use outdoors as they are heat resistant up to 160 degrees C.
Reusable
Many restaurants prefer to use acrylic crockery and glassware as it is durable, shatterproof and easy to clean.
Eco-friendly
As it is synthetic, acrylic (i.e. Perspex) is easy to reuse. Due to the many ways you can make acrylic sheets into other things (plates, acrylic table tops, secondary glazing or shelves), it’s an eco-friendly choice.
Offers a wide variety of colours
Acrylic sheets are available in an extensive range of colours and designs. Depending on what you are using the material for, you can choose coloured sheets or you can opt for clear, acrylic sheets. These sheets are available in various styles, including frosted acrylic, fluorescent acrylic and mirror acrylic.
Dishwasher safe
Dishes and glassware made from Perspex sheets have been designed to hold up against the heat of a commercially manufactured dishwasher.
Cost-effective
Synthetically manufactured, glass look acrylic is cheaper to produce and purchase, therefore they are a great alternative to glass.
Cons of acrylic sheets
Low quality
Perspex sheets melt at high temperatures or from exposure to direct flames. The melting point for acrylic plastic is 160 degrees C, so it cannot withstand extreme temperatures. Acrylic is tough and durable, but can also be easily scratched.
Toxicity
The manufacturing process of acrylic products can release highly toxic fumes. Anyone who works to make acrylic sheets is provided with protective equipment and clothing. There is also a risk that the acrylic could blow up during polymerisation if you don’t take the right precautions.
Difficulties in recycling
Acrylic is recyclable, however, as it’s not bio-degradable the process is not as easy as putting it in your recycle bin or taking it to a bottle bank. But you can re-use acrylic (e.g. Perspex), by cutting larger sheets into small pieces and forming them into other products.
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Shelves were cut precisely to specified dimensions
Order was delivered in advance of scheduled date
Order was extremely well packaged and protected
Raymond Pocock,
1 hour ago
Verified
Great service
Great service. Very well packed to prevent damage during delivery.
Waldemar Banasiak,
1 hour ago
Verified
Got what I ordered delivery expensive…
Got what I ordered delivery expensive but material fine
MR GRAHAM MOLLOY,
2 hours ago
Verified
Easy to use website
Easy to use website, easy to navigate and choose style, dims, edge detail etc.
John Dare,
4 hours ago
Verified
Simple ordering process
Simple ordering process. Polite, professional, knowledgeable and helpful staff.
Fast service. Easy to deal with.
Lacy Paul,
4 hours ago
Verified
Really impressed by Cut My…
I'm honestly really impressed by Cut My. I was making a desk for my daughter's bedroom and had a specific shape and sizes in mind. From my sketch, the designer helped me to finesse the final product which was an improvement on what I'd done. The end product looks great.
Some thoughts - it turns out that the corners in my house are not square. I recommend that you check this before setting off on a bespoke project.
Also, delivery times were longer than I expected - I suspect this was partly due to ordering over the Christmas period, but was also informed that it had extra quality control due to being bespoke (it took a few weeks). This didn't really affect me, but worth knowing.
All in all, five stars and I'd use again.
Mr Willbond,
4 hours ago
Verified
overall very good
As usual ordering easy, delivery fast and prices acceptable. Have never experienced any problems with this company.
Richard Chapman,
6 hours ago
Verified
Already reviewed.
Have already reviewed not doing so again. 5*.
David Thomas,
7 hours ago
Verified
Easy to order and fit. Looks great.
It was easy to navigate the website and order the splash back we wanted. It arrived promptly in excellent condition. As it was mm accurate to our specifications, fitting with the purchased adhesive was straightforward. The final result is excellent.
Mark Juby,
7 hours ago
Verified
Fast and precise service
Fast and precise service. Will use again.
N Guerrini,
7 hours ago
Verified
Well packaged and timely delivery
Well packaged and timely delivery
Marc,
7 hours ago
Verified
good cut exact measurements
good cut exact measurements. this is the third time i have ordered i use them to built a case for small lighted house and shop kits that i build.
JANET SMITH,
7 hours ago
Verified
Prompt great selection and I will be…
Prompt great selection and I will be using your product
Rikki,
7 hours ago
Verified
All as should be.
All as should be.
Tom,
8 hours ago
Verified
Great service.
I was kept well informed at all times about the delivery status, they gave a time slot and delivered within that time frame. Great service. I would recommend.
Kerry,
19 hours ago
Verified
Good but expensive
I can't say anything negative about the quality of the wood, the way that it was cut to my specifications, or the speed of delivery. My only criticism is that it was very expensive- over £30 for a single piece of wood just over a metre in length.
Mark.,
17 hours ago
Verified
Excellent product and service
Excellent product and service
Dave,
18 hours ago
Verified
Everything cut to order correctly…
Everything cut to order correctly and packaged well. However dispatch was slow and the order arrived well after the estimated arrival.
Fes,
18 hours ago
Verified
Very professional
Very professional, nothing too much trouble. I would definitely use them again and have no hesitation in giving them 5 stars
Evelyn Hamilton,
19 hours ago
Verified
Fit first time
Fit first time
Mr Mitchell,
19 hours ago
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