Acrylic is plastic, not glass.
Acrylic is a synthetic material known as PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate). Although it looks like glass, it is lighter, stronger, and easier to process, which is why it is often called acrylic glass or plexiglass.

What Is Acrylic Made Of?

Acrylic is made from petroleum-based polymers.
Unlike glass, which is produced from silica sand, acrylic is plastic in its chemical structure.

As a thermoplastic material, acrylic can be heated and reshaped. It can be cut, drilled, bent, and molded into complex forms.

Why Is Acrylic Used Instead of Glass?

Acrylic is widely used as a substitute for glass because it offers similar transparency with better durability and safety.

Key advantages include:

• Light transmission up to 92 percent

• About 50 percent lighter than glass

• Higher impact resistance

• Safer breakage without sharp fragments

Acrylic vs Glass: Differences

Acrylic and glass differ mainly in material composition and performance.

Acrylic is flexible, impact-resistant, and easy to process.
Glass is harder, more scratch-resistant, and performs better under high temperatures.

Is Acrylic Stronger Than Glass?

Acrylic is stronger than glass in terms of impact resistance.
It is less likely to shatter, which makes it safer for public, commercial, and industrial applications.

Glass, however, is more resistant to heat and surface scratching.

Common Uses of Acrylic

Acrylic is commonly used in:

• Advertising and signage

• Display cases and retail fixtures

• Windows and interior partitions

• Aquariums and protective panels

Final Answer

Acrylic is plastic, not glass.
It is designed to look like glass while offering lighter weight, improved safety, and easier processing.