When it comes to choosing the perfect material for your display cases, there are several factors to consider. While glass has been a popular choice for many years, acrylic has emerged as a versatile and superior alternative. Hampshire Plastics has over 50 years’ experience working with acrylics for museums, retail, and even one-off projects. In this blog post, we will explore why acrylic should be your go-to option for display cases, highlighting its advantages over glass.
Durability and Strength
One of the key advantages of acrylic over glass is its superior durability and strength. Acrylic is a thermoplastic material known for its impact resistance, making it highly resistant to shattering or cracking. In contrast, glass is more prone to breakage, which can be a significant concern, especially in high-traffic areas or if you’re displaying delicate or valuable items. Acrylic offers peace of mind by providing a sturdy and robust protective barrier for your displayed items.
Acrylic is also remarkably lightweight compared to glass, making it easier to handle, transport, and install. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for large display cases or situations where frequent movement or repositioning is required. Unlike glass, which is heavy and cumbersome, acrylic allows for hassle-free maintenance and rearrangement of your displays. This could be a great advantage for pop-up exhibitions or short term retail displays.
Optical Clarity and Transparency
Acrylic offers excellent optical clarity, rivalling that of glass. It provides a crystal-clear view of your items, allowing every detail to shine through. Moreover, acrylic is available in different thicknesses, enabling you to choose the one that best suits your display requirements. Additionally, acrylic can be easily polished to remove scratches, ensuring the clarity remains intact for an extended period.
One of the significant advantages of acrylic is its outstanding resistance to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It effectively filters out harmful UV rays, protecting your displayed items from fading or discolouration caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight. Glass, on the other hand, offers limited UV protection, necessitating additional measures to safeguard your valuables. Acrylic also excels in impact resistance, making it an ideal choice for environments where accidents or rough handling may occur.
Versatility in Design
Acrylic surpasses glass in terms of versatility and design possibilities. It is highly malleable, allowing for customisation and fabrication into various shapes and sizes. At Hampshire Plastics, we have a range of tools to easily mould, bend, or laser-cut acrylic to create unique and intricate display cases that perfectly complement your items. This flexibility enables you to create a visually stunning and personalised showcase that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of your collection.
Cost-Effective Solution
When comparing costs, acrylic proves to be a more budget-friendly option than glass. While the upfront cost of acrylic might be slightly higher, the long-term savings it offers are significant. Acrylic’s durability and resistance to breakage minimise the risk of costly replacements or repairs. Additionally, its lightweight nature reduces shipping costs, and the ease of handling translates to lower installation expenses.
When it comes to choosing the ideal material for display cases, acrylic outshines glass in several key areas. Its exceptional durability, lightweight nature, optical clarity, UV and impact resistance, design versatility, and cost-effectiveness make it the superior choice for showcasing your prized possessions or merchandise. Embrace the benefits of acrylic and elevate your displays to new heights of beauty and protection.
If you are looking for display cases, contact Hampshire Plastics today. We can create bespoke solutions to suit your needs, from one-off pieces to entire exhibitions. Our experienced team is on hand to answer any questions and provide you with comprehensive quotes.
