Q: Acrylic VS. Glass Acrylic (PMMA) is often considered an alternative to glass because it can replace glass in some ways, but there are some differences and limitations. Below is a comparison between acrylic and glass for your reference.     ACRYLIC GLASS Transparency Transmittance 92% Transmittance 75~80% Strength Strong impact resistance Weak impact resistance Weight Lighter Half the Weight of glass Heavier Ease of Processing Easy to process and bend More difficult to process and requires higher precision Temperature Resistance Lower temperature resistance High temperature resistance Safety Relative to glass Not easily cracked or chipped May form sharp fragments when broken, May cause harm to human body Cost Cheaper More expensive Application Used in making transparent utensils, Exhibits, Lighting, Safety masks...etc. Used in windows, buildings, cars...etc. These properties indicate that both acrylic and glass have their advantages and disadvantages in different situations, depending on the needs and considerations of the specific application. For example, acrylic is often used in applications that require lightweight, easy processing, and high transparency, while glass is used in applications that require high strength, weather resistance, and temperature resistance.   Common applications of acrylic replacing glass are as follows: 1. Car windows: Some parts such as rearview mirrors, windows, and headlight covers in cars use acrylic because it is light, impact-resistant, and can be molded into more complex shapes during manufacturing.   2. Aircraft windows: In the aviation industry, acrylic is also used in some aircraft windows because it has a lower weight and can withstand variable pressure and temperature changes during flight.   3. Aquariums: Acrylic is often used in aquariums because it is lighter than glass and can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes while providing clear viewing.   4. Display windows: Acrylic is often used for store display windows as it is highly transparent and does not break easily, thus providing better security.   5. Lighting: Acrylic is used to make lighting shades, lamp covers, etc. because it can be easily processed into various shapes while scattering light evenly.   6. Medical Devices: Some medical devices and equipment, such as braces in dental offices and coverings for ophthalmic equipment, also use acrylic because of its light weight and transparency.   7. Interior Decoration: Acrylic sheets and panels are often used in interior decoration such as bathroom cubicles, windshields, table tops, cabinet doors etc. as it provides a modern look and transparency. Discussion on the Safety of acrylic and glass: When acrylic breaks, it usually does not form sharp fragments but instead breaks into smaller pieces or cracks. These fragments are usually relatively blunt and therefore less likely to cause puncture wounds to a human body. Due to acrylic's fracture pattern, it is considered safer than glass in some applications, especially where serious injury needs to be prevented.   However, when glass breaks, it can produce sharp fragments that pose a potential risk of injury to both humans and the surrounding environment. Although there are some special types of glass (such as safety glass or laminated glass) that can reduce the risk of fragmentation, in general, glass is more susceptible to puncture wounds when broken.    Overall, acrylic usually has advantages over glass in terms of safety because the fragments produced after it breaks are blunt and less likely to cause serious harm to the human body. This makes acrylic more popular in applications where safety is a concern, such as safety masks, display windows, children's play equipment, etc. However, for some special applications, such as car windshields, safety glass may still be a better choice because it can provide higher protection in the event of breakage. Discussion on the Weight of acrylic and glass materials: Acrylic is lighter than glass, about half as much. Due to its lightweight, acrylic often has advantages in applications where structural loads need to be reduced or weight reduction is required, such as aerospace, automotive parts, displays, etc. Products etc.   While glass is relatively heavy, weighing twice as much as acrylic of the same size and thickness, glass may be more advantageous in applications that require a stable structure or fixation, such as building structures, large windows, or applications that require a stable foundation. .   Overall, acrylic is generally lighter in weight than glass, which makes it more advantageous in applications where reduced loads or reduced structural weight are required. However, in applications where greater strength or stability is required, glass may be more suitable because its greater weight can provide stability and wind pressure resistance benefits. When selecting materials, weight and other properties need to be balanced against the needs and considerations of the specific application.   Discussion on the Processability of acrylic and glass: There are significant differences between acrylic and glass in terms of ease of processing. Acrylic is relatively easy to process and create into a variety of shapes because it is a thermoplastic material that can be heated and shaped at specific temperatures. It can be processed with standard cutting, drilling, bending, and scoring tools and does not require special glass processing skills. This ease of processing makes acrylic very useful when specially shaped products need to be made, such as curved displays, complex appliances or light fixtures.   But glass is generally more difficult to work with than acrylic because it is a non-thermoplastic material and cannot be shaped as easily as acrylic. Cutting, drilling, and grinding glass often require specialized tools and techniques, are more complex operations, often require more time and skill, and require a higher degree of precision.   In summary, acrylic is generally superior to glass in terms of ease of processing. It is easier to make into a variety of shapes and can be processed using conventional tools without requiring special skills or equipment. This ease of processing makes acrylic a flexible material suitable for applications requiring custom shapes or designs. However, it is important to note that acrylic can deform at high temperatures, so the temperature needs to be carefully controlled during processing.   Discussion on the Manufacturing Costs of acrylic and glass: Acrylic is generally less expensive than glass, especially when large quantities of the material are required. Acrylic is a popular plastic that is relatively cheap to manufacture and easy to produce and handle. However, the cost of acrylic can vary based on thickness, clarity, size, and special treatments (such as UV-resistant treatments). As for glass, the cost is usually higher, especially when large sheets, special types (such as tempered or laminated glass), or custom sizes are required. The manufacturing and processing of glass may require more energy and technology, and its special treatments, such as thermal insulation, sound insulation, lamination, or reflective coatings, may increase costs.   Summary Generally speaking, acrylic is less expensive than glass, so in more cost-sensitive applications, acrylic may be the more economical choice. However, if a specific application requires special properties of the glass, or requires special processing, the cost of the glass may be higher. Therefore, when selecting materials, cost should be evaluated along with other factors such as performance, appearance, weather resistance and safety to ensure the most suitable material is chosen.  

     Acrylic tubes are often used to make storage containers, such as pen holders, makeup brush holders, pencil cases, etc. These products not only provide practical storage functions, but also make the contents visible at a glance due to the transparency of the acrylic material, presenting a modern and neat feel. The following are some storage applications of acrylic tubes:   1. Pen holder:Acrylic tubes are often used to make pen holders, which can neatly classify and store different types of pens, pencils, office utensils, etc. Transparent features allow users to quickly find the tools they need.     REF：https://www.walmart.com     2. Makeup brush tube:On the dressing table, acrylic tubes are often used to hold makeup brushes, such as eye shadow brushes, foundation brushes, etc. This keeps the brushes clean and also makes it easy for users to quickly select the brush they need.     REF：https://www.amazon.com      3. Stationery box:Small acrylic tubes can be combined together to form a stationery box, which is used to store small stationery such as staples, staplers, compasses, etc., making the desktop more tidy.  REF：https://www.aliexpress.com/    4. Tool storage:Put small tools, such as screwdrivers, wrenches, etc., into acrylic tubes to make the tools more organized.   REF：Internet   5. Storage of clothing accessories: Put accessories, such as ties, necklaces, gloves, etc., into acrylic tubes to keep them neat and easy to select.   REF：Internet 6. Jewelry box: Long or round acrylic tubes can be used to make jewelry boxes to store hair accessories, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other accessories while displaying the beauty of the jewelry. REF：amazon 7. Souvenir display box: A souvenir display box is a container used to display and protect special items, souvenirs or collectibles. It has transparent characteristics to display and appreciate the items inside, while providing a dustproof, protective and decorative Function.    REF：uhavetohavethis 8. Doll display: Doll fans can stack acrylic tubes and arrange the dolls neatly, like a small display room. In addition to storage, you can also appreciate your treasure collection at any time.    REF：SHOPEE 9. Grow plants: Grow small plants or succulents in acrylic tubes to create a mini garden.    REF：aliexpress 10. Toy storage box: Suitable for storing small toys, such as building blocks, mini vehicles, etc. The transparent material allows children to easily find the toys they want.     When choosing acrylic tubes as storage containers, you can consider the following points:   1. Size and Shape: Consider the size and shape of the items you need to store to make sure the acrylic tube container is large enough and easy to access. Define the desired height, width and depth.   2. Sturdiness and durability: Make sure the acrylic tube you choose is strong enough and durable enough to withstand the weight of the items being stored. Choosing thicker pipe walls can increase the strength of the container.   3. Transparency: The transparency of acrylic tubes is its unique feature, but at the same time, the privacy of stored items needs to be considered. Use clear acrylic tubes if you want to be able to see your content clearly; consider translucent or tinted tubes if privacy is required.   4. Safety: Pay attention to whether the edges of the acrylic tube have been smoothed to prevent accidental injuries from possible sharp edges. Make sure the container is structurally sound to prevent it from tipping or collapsing.   5. Cleaning and Maintenance: Make sure acrylic tube containers are easy to clean and maintain. The surface of acrylic containers can be easily scratched, so use a soft cleaning cloth to clean them and avoid using abrasive cleaners.   6. Design style: Based on the usage scenario and personal preference, consider whether to add color, pattern or other decoration to make the storage container more visually attractive, and incorporate the appearance design of the acrylic tube to ensure that it can blend into your interior decoration style .   Generally speaking, acrylic tubes have great application flexibility in storage and can be flexibly configured according to different needs, providing simple and modern storage solutions. No matter which way you choose to use acrylic tubes, through transparent The appearance makes items easier to identify while maintaining a clean and organized appearance.  

 Q: Is acrylic environmentally friendly? A: Acrylic also known as plexiglass or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), is a man-made clear plastic material that is itself a recyclable material, so it does relatively well when it comes to recycling and recycling. In addition, acrylic products have a longer lifespan and can be used for a long time, reducing waste and resource consumption. If you want to choose acrylic products as environmentally friendly materials, it is recommended to choose Xingming high-quality 100% new material products, use them for a longer time, and properly recycle and dispose of them when they are no longer needed.  Q: Is acrylic toxic? Application scope?   A: Acrylic itself is non-toxic, and it is naturally odorless and non-toxic to the human body. It can be used in medical supplies, contact lenses, food packaging utensils, etc. It is transparent, light, weather-resistant, impact-resistant, recyclable, Compared with other plastic materials, it is easier to form and other advantages. The application of acrylic is widely used in various industries, and it is closely related to our lives.    ◆ Stationery gifts: office stationery, business cards, pen holders, medals, gifts, photo frames   ◆ Advertising: light boxes, signboards, signs, neon lights, display stands, signs   ◆ Home appliances: electrical accessories, audio panels, display panels   ◆ People's livelihood products: kitchen, bathroom equipment, storage box, dressing table, shelf   ◆ 3C supplies: mouse, goggles, casing, acrylic electronic products, LCD/TV, mobile phone panel   ◆ Optics: lenses, sunglasses, reflectors, magnifying (convex) mirrors, projection boards   ◆ Leisure and entertainment: basketball boards, household swimming pools, gaming equipment, game console panels, pet toys   ◆ Furniture: tables and chairs, lockers, lecture tables, furniture accessories   ◆ Aquarium: aquariums, petri dishes, feed tubes, fish and shrimp shelters,   ◆ Construction: tree windows, soundproof doors and windows, lighting covers, skylights, greenhouses, telephone booths, screens   ◆ Lighting: street lamps, art lamps and general lampshades   ◆ Transportation: vehicle doors and windows, road sound insulation walls, windshields, rain windows, lights   ◆Industrial use: protective masks for machine instruments, flow meters, optical fibers   ◆ Security: doors and windows of banks, prisons, jewelry stores   ◆ Agricultural medical treatment: greenhouse, plant storage box, baby incubator, medical equipment ◆ Military use: aircraft canopy, yacht windows and tank windows

When designing outdoor installation art, material selection affects not only the visual impact but also the artwork’s weather resistance, structural safety, and light-and-shadow effects. Below is a summary of commonly used materials for outdoor installations to help designers and engineering teams quickly understand the characteristics and suitable applications of each type:   Q1：What Are the Common Materials Used in Outdoor Installation Art ? Common Materials and Their Comparison Are Listed Below：   Advantages Disadvantages Suitable Applications Glass High transparency  Excellent texture Heavy, Fragile Difficult to process Suitable for architectural integration, delivering a high-quality appearance Metal High strength, durable, and carvable Easily rusts, low light guiding ability, and heavy Structural support and industrial-style design Plastic (PC/PE...) Lightweight and low cost Easily deforms and has lower weather durability Suitable for temporary installations and budget-conscious projects Acrylic (PMMA) Strong light transmission High weather resistance Excellent moldability May expand or deform when exposed to high temperatures Suitable for light-emitting installations and modern art, with applications in nighttime effects   Q2：What is weather resistance, and why is it important for outdoor art? Weather resistance refers to a material’s ability to withstand outdoor environmental factors such as sunlight, ultraviolet rays, wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations. For artworks installed outdoors long-term, the following issues cannot be overlooked:             ◆Will prolonged exposure to sunlight cause yellowing or brittleness?             ◆Will rainwater infiltration lead to material degradation?             ◆Is the material prone to cracking or breaking under strong winds?             ◆Will temperature fluctuations cause structural deformation? Art installations are not only about structure but also about aesthetic presentation. If environmental factors cause material deformation, fading, or damage, it not only affects the viewing experience but may also compromise safety and brand image. Therefore, acrylic, due to its stable material properties, can effectively resist the aforementioned issues and maintain transparency and structural stability over time, ensuring that outdoor artworks:             ◆ Maintain color and texture over a long period             ◆ Have a stable structure that is resistant to damage             ◆ Reduce subsequent maintenance and replacement costs   Q3: Why is acrylic suitable for outdoor installation art ? Acrylic has the following advantages: Excellent weather resistance: High-quality acrylic can effectively resist ultraviolet rays from sunlight, preventing yellowing, brittleness, or cracking. It is suitable for long-term exposure to outdoor environments, withstanding sun, wind, and rain for over 10 years. Outstanding light guide and transmission properties: Acrylic possesses excellent optical transparency (light transmittance up to 92%), making it especially suitable for use with LED light sources. It delivers clear, soft, and uniform lighting effects. Its nighttime performance is exceptional, making it ideal for luminous artworks, interactive lighting installations, and light sculptures. High plasticity and easy processing: Acrylic can be cut, engraved, bent, and thermoformed according to design requirements. Whether for geometric shapes, curved structures, or three-dimensional letters, it can be easily realized, meeting the demands for personalization and creativity in art. High safety and lightweight: Compared to glass, acrylic weighs about half as much and is less prone to shattering. Even if broken, it does not produce sharp fragments, making it safer and easier to install and transport—especially suitable for public spaces and outdoor locations. Compatible with various surface treatment techniques: Acrylic surfaces can undergo sandblasting, UV printing, laser engraving, dyeing, and film lamination, providing artworks with more layers, textures, and interactivity, greatly expanding artistic possibilities. Q4: How to use acrylic with light sources for glowing art? For installations that shine at night, besides the structural design aesthetics, the key lies in the combination of lighting and materials. Acrylic, with its excellent light guiding and diffusion properties, is an ideal material for making luminous installations. Here are several common and effective pairing methods: 🔷 Using Acrylic Light Guide Rods or Acrylic Tubes These products are made with special formulations and polishing treatments, enabling them to work with LED light sources that emit light either along the rod or tube body, or from the end face. They are suitable for linear or point light source designs such as lettering, lines, and geometric structures. Depending on the LED arrangement and the angle at which light enters, they can produce uniform lighting or dynamic point-flow effects. Additionally, the light sources can be concealed within bases or behind the structure to maintain a clean and seamless appearance. 🔷Embedding LED Strips or Modules Inside Acrylic Structures Embedding LED light sources inside acrylic boxes, bases, or tubes is currently the most widely used method. Both transparent and milky acrylic tubes can be utilized, with milky tubes softening the light for a gentler effect. This approach can be combined with UV printing or laser engraving to allow light to follow patterns, creating embossed or decorative light visuals. Additionally, RGB LED modules can be incorporated to produce color-changing, breathing, and other dynamic lighting effects. 🔷Using Diffuser Panels or Light Guide Plates For designs that require surface lighting or uniform illumination across a large area, diffuser panels or laser-engraved dot light guide plates are recommended. Light guide plates help control the direction of light to ensure even illumination, while diffuser panels soften the backlight to create a smooth, glare-free effect. This setup is ideal for flat designs, wall installations, or large glossy structures.   🔷Light Source Selection Suggestions Choosing the right LED light source is crucial for achieving the desired visual effect and ensuring long-lasting performance. It is recommended to use high-brightness, low-power LED strips or modules. For outdoor applications, waterproof LEDs with an IP65 rating or higher should be selected. Additionally, integrating lighting control systems can enable interactive features such as sound activation, light sensing, and timed color changes. Real-World Application  1. A luminous sculpture in a commercial plaza, using transparent acrylic tubes combined with RGB LED strips to create a colorful nighttime focal point. 2. An interactive light and shadow installation along a park walkway, combining acrylic tubes with dynamic sensor lights and colorful floral patterns, creating a blend of technological sophistication and human warmth. 3. In a commercial reception hall, the background wall features sandblasted acrylic tubes paired with embedded LED light sources, creating a soft and uniform glow. The brand logos on the wall are clearly displayed through UV printing on acrylic panels, showcasing the group’s subsidiaries with excellent recognition and high-quality texture.   Conclusion: SMEAcrylic offers Acrylic Rods, Tubes, light guide plates, and diffuser panels in various specifications, along with processing services such as cutting, drilling, and polishing. We assist customers in creating structurally stable, visually striking, and evenly illuminated installation artworks. Whether for small exhibition pieces or large-scale public art projects, feel free to contact us for consultation! Email: [email protected]

      Acrylic Tubes/Rods  are becoming more and more popular in interior design because of their ability to create unique and impressive visual effects. Its interior appears to be something floating in the air.   Design concept: To create a modern, stylish and memorable space, while using the unique properties of acrylic pipe sticks to create a sense of lightness, transparency and space. The following are several cases of acrylic tube stick interior design case sharing:   1. Hall design: Hang multiple acrylic rods of different lengths above the ceiling of the hall, extending vertically from the ceiling to the ground. These tubes can be clear, or you can use different colored acrylic tube sticks to create a variety of different visual effects. REF.: https://www.jasboutique.co.uk     2. Exhibition compartment: Utilize the transparent properties and changeable colors of acrylic tube materials to create a unique and memorable display effect. These booth partitions are usually used in various types of exhibitions, exhibitions, events, showrooms and other places to divide the display space, display products or services, and attract the attention of the audience. REF.: https://www.pinterest.com/     3. Enclosure design: This design uses acrylic materials to build enclosures, replacing traditional brick walls or other solid material enclosures. Its transparent or translucent properties allow light to pass through and produce unique visual effects, making the space Full of lightness and openness. Although the acrylic fence is transparent, its material is generally strong and durable, and has good compression and impact resistance. This makes it not lose to traditional fence materials in terms of safety. REF.: 2022 Park Qunjian Project   4. Back wall design: Acrylic tube back wall design uses transparent acrylic tube materials for sandblasting and LED lighting to create a unique and modern background, enhance the atmosphere of the space and attract visual effects, making the entire back wall Full of life and vitality. REF.: Li Lin Design   5. Screen design: This design combines acrylic tube screen and flowing water elements to create a unique and stunning visual enjoyment. In addition, LED lights are used to illuminate the inside of the acrylic tube or under the flowing water, which can create a unique lighting atmosphere at night and enhance the beauty of the space.   REF.: https://www.sign96.com     6. Lighting effect design: Adding LED lights inside or at the bottom of the acrylic tube rod can produce unique lighting effects. Through the refraction effect of the acrylic tube, the LED light can produce a soft and bright lighting effect, adding a sense of layering and atmosphere to the interior space. REF.: Shin Kong Mitsubishi Southwest Store     7. Display racks and display cabinets: Combine acrylic tubes into frames, which can be used as display racks or display cabinets to display and display products or artworks. Transparent acrylic tubes allow the displayed items to be better displayed without blocking the view.   8. Indoor furniture:Acrylic pipe sticks can also be applied in indoor furniture design, such as chairs, tables, bookshelves, etc. These pieces of furniture are available in acrylic tubes in different colors and shapes, adding a modern touch and personalization to the interior space.   REF.: https://www.bedbathandbeyond.ca     9. Art installation: The unique transparency and light guide effect of the acrylic rod, combined with the RGB gradient light source, can effectively guide the light and distribute it evenly throughout the rod, creating a unique light guide effect. It can be used to create art installations, adding artistic atmosphere and highlights to the interior space.   The interior design of acrylic pipe sticks can bring innovation, fashion and beauty to the space, while providing practicality and functionality. You can use your creativity to create a unique interior space according to your personal preferences and space needs. However, attention needs to be paid to its material properties and maintenance requirements to ensure safety and durability. Professional designers and architects can provide more professional suggestions and ideas on the application of acrylic interior design.

Q: Acrylic Cast Tube At present, SMEACRYLIC extruded acrylic tube, which can produce a maximum outer diameter of 250mm, but if you need a larger size, you can consider Cast Tube, the outer diameter can reach 600mm, Thickness 10mm, The length is 1.0~1.2M. The manufacturing process is based on liquid MMA raw material, poured into the tube mold, and formed by the centrifugal principle. The dimensional tolerance is large, the process is long, and one piece can be produced. It is suitable for small-scale production. Better, because the molecular weight is high, it can withstand temperature of about 90 degrees, but there will be fine cloth wheel throw marks on the surface. Q: Comparison table of Extruded Tube and Cast Tubes   Acrylic Cast Tube Acrylic Extruded Tube Manufacturing Operation Using liquid MMA raw material, pour it into the tube mold, It is formed by centrifugal principle and has large dimensional tolerance. The production process is long, and one can also be produced, which is suitable for small-scale production. There will be slight cloth wheel throw marks on the surface. Extruded from granular PMMA, with small dimensional tolerance, Fast production speed, suitable for mass production, It is normal to have small mold marks on the surface. Tolerance Large  Small Molecular Weight High (one million) Low (a hundred thousand) Physical properties Good (The molecular weight is high, and the temperature resistance is about 90 degrees) Not Good (the temperature resistance is about 80°) laser cutting OK OK Polishing (cloth wheel) Good (Higher temperature resistance) Not very Good Drilled (thick) Good (Good physical properties, high molecular weight) Need to drill slowly to avoid overheating (more likely to melt) Production restrictions 1 pcs can also be produced Production base quantity required