Acrylic is a tough transparent plastic, an alternative to glass, that first appeared on the market as the trademark, Plexiglass™. It is sold under several different names: Lucite™, Optix™ and acrylic glass, but its composition remains the same. It is a synthetic polymer of polymethyl methacrylate, or PPMA. Because it is tough and shatter resistant, it was used during World War II for many things, including periscopes, canopies and gun turrets. It is ideal for large aquarium tanks, protective shields at ice rinks, forklift guards, helmet visors and viewing ports on submarines where its shatterproof properties are needed.

Acrylic, when heated to 100 degrees, can be easily molded into a variety of shapes such as bottles, tubes, picture frames and figurines. As it cools, acrylic holds its formed shape. This makes it easy to shape large sheets into the bow-front aquariums and skylights. It can be machined, drilled or sawed like wood and soft metals. When it is being shaped, molds made from wood or plastic can be used, a cost savings for manufacturers. In the 1960s designers began using acrylic in furniture and it’s been incorporated into some guitar designs. It also can be easily shaped for dentures.

Acrylic’s toughness makes it ideal for home windows and lenses for car headlights. Acrylic letters in outdoor signs hold up indefinitely, resist weathering and protecting the colors. Acrylic paints for artists aren’t affected by light, so they retain their color. Indoor, hanging and wall signs are easily lit due to acrylic’s clarity. Sculptors and glass artists use acrylics for outdoor designs because of the material’s weather-resistance and light-refracting capacities.

Acrylic weighs 50 percent less than glass, making it easier to handle. Acrylic shoes, dentures and artificial nails are more comfortable due to the polymer’s light weight. The majority of composite dental fillings are made of acrylic, and it’s used in cosmetic surgery. Tiny microspheres of PPMA in fluid are injected under the skin to reduce scars and wrinkles permanently. Acrylic skylights increase light, and their addition to roofs does not significantly increase the load placed on a home’s foundation or frame.

Acrylic has a tensile strength of 8,000 lbs. per square inch with impact resistance six to 17 times greater than ordinary glass. Under high impact, it won’t shatter and, if it does break, it fractures into large, dull-edged pieces. This quality of acrylic is an important safety feature in shower doors, bath enclosures, sliding glass doors and security barriers in correctional facilities. It also is used for safety enclosures at hockey rinks and ball fields.

Acrylic maintains its optical clarity and doesn’t yellow, remaining transparent. This is important for plane windows, greenhouses, skylights and store-front windows. It’s used in surveillance mirrors and windows where its durability is valued. It is resistant to UV light and some manufacturers add coatings of acrylic for extra protection to signs, motorcycle shields and exterior windows. It is used in food sneeze guards in cafeterias, self-serve salad bars and grocery take-out displays.