The material of acrylic is often used as an alternative to mineral glass.
While there are benefits to both acrylic and glass viewing panels depending on the application, in recent years, acrylic has far surpassed minearl glass in versatility and multiple uses.
Differences in the properties of the two materials include:
Acrylic glass is less dense - its density can range from 1150-1190 kg/m3. This is less than half the density of glass which ranges 2400 to 2800 kg/m3. Transportation and assembly on site are consequently easier and cheaper.
Acrylic glass has a higher impact strength than glass and will not shatter. Shattering is wanted by most applications where tempered (toughended) glass is used, e.g in automobiles. However it is not wanted for most others. Non-shattering makes Acrylic the ideal material for applications where it would induce fatal losses, like in submarine windows. Polycarbonate is also a great material that does not shatter.
The surface of acrylic is softer and more easily scratched than mineral glass. However, it is easy to polish acrylic in order to remove blemishes. Scuffed mineral glass would need to be replaced.
Acrylic can be cut easily - quite similar to wood.
Acrylic glass transmits more light than glass.
Up to 92% of visible light is transmitted through acrylic.
Mineral glass transmits 80-90%, depending on type of glass and manufacturer.
This is especially relevant, when comparing load bearing transparent materials. These windows are mostly several centimeters thick. Load bearing mineral glass that we know of is derived from bullet proof glass - in relation to acrylic it appears milky.
Two ore more acrylic blocks can be bonded seamlessly to form one structure.
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