Perspex is a vinyl polymer, the material was invented at the beginning of the 20th century by Otto Rohm, which was a real revolution in chemistry. Thanks to this discovery, not only new technologies appeared, but new areas of production also emerged. Today it has become indispensable in architecture and design, it is difficult to imagine the production of furniture, clocks, or appliances without using perspex. It is used in almost all spheres—construction, transportation, advertising, trade, etc.
Perspex is a fairly versatile material. It can be polished, engraved, welded, and glued together. In construction, perspex is a good alternative to silicate glass. It is more than twice lighter and ten times stronger than ordinary glass. When broken, it doesn’t form dangerous fragments. Perspex has excellent heat and sound insulating properties. It transmits more light, has good optical properties, does not distort the image, and is resistant to various atmospheric phenomena. It can not only be bent but also given almost any shape. What are Perspex sheets used for? Their flexibility makes them ideal for various applications, from protective screens to signage and even decorative interior features.
Composition, technical characteristics, and properties
Perspex has the following technical characteristics:
- Density 1.19 g / cm³
- Tensile strength (+23 °C)
- Maximum operating temperature +80 °C
- Softening point + 95-105 °C
- Forming temperature + 150-155 °C
- Melting point +160 °C
- Ignition temperature +260 °C
Perspex products can be modified with other chemical elements to improve specific properties, such as impact resistance, light transmitting, light scattering, heat resistance, UV resistance, noise resistance, etc. This enhances the material’s impact, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
For this, the production of perspex is carried out with a change in its structure or the addition of related components. Perspex is an organic material that is formally called glass, but in reality, it belongs to a different category of substances. It is used to create all kinds of products that have the following properties:
- Insignificant thermal conductivity, in comparison with traditional glass;
- Due to the unique structure, Perspex products are not susceptible to the negative effects of moisture and microorganisms;
- A large indicator of light transmittance, it does not change during operation, retaining the original colour;
- The material is durable and resistant to mechanical damage;
- The production of Perspex and other structural elements is carried out without the use of harmful substances;
- The thermoforming method makes it possible to implement various design solutions while maintaining optical clarity;
- Machining enables workers to create highly detailed products through laser cutting.
The scope of Perspex’s application is expanding due to its electrical insulating qualities and resistance to aggressive chemical environments. Its price depends on various factors, including size, design complexity, properties, purpose, etc.
Perspex products
Commercial equipment made of Perspex is a popular product in the modern market since products made from this material have unique properties and are distinguished by an affordable cost.
It is actively used to create:
- light letters;
- architectural structures;
- partitions;
- containers;
- banners;
- shields;
- greenhouses;
- unique design solutions;
- advertising structures.
Furniture with Perspex is widely used and is really popular due to its modern looks. Thanks to its excellent optical properties, clear Perspex sheets are often used for display cases, protective barriers, and various furniture applications.
A wide variety of colours allows you to create original products that are used in the trade and furniture sectors. Coloured acrylic is commonly used for decorative elements, from signage to creative home designs.
Inside the house, we use Perspex for surfaces such as tabletops and countertops. Unlike ordinary glass, it does not scratch or make unpleasant sounds when in contact with cutlery. Perspex sheets can also be installed on the wall. In the kitchen, the material is used as an apron for the working area, commonly known as acrylic splashbacks or kitchen splashbacks. Read more on how to revitalise your kitchen using these 5 budget-friendly ideas.
Perspex is also a popular choice for gazebos, as it creates a barrier without obstructing the view. On terraces, it serves as an effective enclosure and can also be used to create uniquely shaped canopies. Additionally, Perspex sheets are ideal for greenhouses, allowing sunlight to pass through while protecting plants from the elements, ensuring optimal growing conditions.
Other applications
The material has high functionality, durability, and a range of colours and finishes. This allows it to be widely used in various fields:
- A Perspex aquarium creates an airtight space and can even have an unusual shape;
- Perspex on the roof provides protection from precipitation, wind, and provides a panoramic view;
- Perspex for greenhouses creates structures of unusual shapes of significant size;
- Perspex on the car provides a clear view, and its strong yet lightweight structure ensures it remains unaffected by external factors.
- A Perspex picture frame offers a modern alternative to traditional glass frames, providing durability and a sleek appearance.
Cut acrylic sheets can be customised for various applications, including signage and artistic projects. If you’re wondering where I can buy sheets of Perspex for a DIY project, they are readily available from numerous suppliers and online stores.
Perspex has become a part of our lives. It can literally be found at every step—at home, in the office, in the store, and on the street. New products from Perspex and original options for its use will continue to appear, making it a staple in modern construction and design.
