Plexiglass vs. Acrylic: Same Material, Two Names
Short answer: there is no “versus.” Plexiglass is acrylic — the same clear, rigid thermoplastic sheet, under the name most people grew up saying. Asking whether to buy plexiglass or acrylic is like asking whether to buy a Kleenex or a facial tissue. If a project calls for plexiglass, acrylic of the same thickness is what you want.
Where the name comes from
The material is polymethyl methacrylate — PMMA. It was commercialised in the 1930s and sold under brand names, the best known of which became so common that people stopped hearing it as a brand at all. The generic spelling with two s’s is now simply what the material is called in workshops, hardware stores and search bars across the country.
You will also see acrylic sold as Acrylite, Perspex, and Optix. Those are brands of the same PMMA sheet, the way Lexan is a brand of polycarbonate. None of them is a different material, and none of them is inherently better than plain acrylic of the same grade and thickness.
Cast or extruded — the difference that actually matters
If you are going to care about one distinction, care about this one rather than the name. Cast acrylic is poured between glass; it machines and laser-cuts cleanly, polishes to a bright edge, and is what you want for anything visible or laser-engraved. Extruded acrylic is pushed through a die; it is cheaper and more consistent in thickness, and it is fine where the edge will be hidden or the part is purely functional.
Both are “plexiglass.” Neither is a compromise — they are just suited to different jobs. The longer comparison is here.
Plexiglass or polycarbonate?
This is the comparison worth making, because these genuinely are different materials.
| Plexiglass (acrylic) | Polycarbonate (Lexan) | |
|---|---|---|
| Impact resistance | Good — will crack under a hard hit | Very high — takes the hit |
| Transparency | Slightly clearer, stays clearer over time | Very clear, ambers slowly outdoors |
| Scratch resistance | Better | Scratches more easily |
| Edge finish | Polishes to a bright, glass-like edge | Does not polish the same way |
| Laser cutting | Cuts beautifully (cast) | Not suitable — discolours and burns |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
Rule of thumb: if the part will be seen, choose plexiglass. If the part will be hit, choose polycarbonate. The full comparison is here, and polycarbonate is here.
What thickness do you need?
We cut from 1/16″ to 2″. 1/8″ is the everyday thickness — signage, glazing, panels, craft and laser work. 1/4″ is the step up where the sheet needs to stay flat or hold a shape unsupported. Above that you are into spans, loads, bases and machining stock. The thickness guide walks through it.
Buying plexiglass cut to size
You do not need to buy a full sheet and cut it down. Enter the exact dimensions you want, pick a thickness and a colour, and the price appears on the page — priced by the square foot, cut to 1/16″ of an inch, no minimum order, and no quote needed for straight cuts.