When choosing an Acrylic sheet for your next project it is good to consider which type of Acrylic is the most suitable for that particular job – Cast Acrylic or the lower-cost alternative Extruded Acrylic. 

The differences between Extruded Acrylic and Cast Acrylic sheets are few and far between, but they can make a difference to your end product so they should be considered. 

‘Cast’ acrylic sheets are suitable for laser cutting, CNC machining, line bending and blow moulding. They can also be cut using a plastics cutter or on a bandsaw or scroll saw. Often used for fabrication, laser engravings, noticeboards and signage and attractive displays. They are manufactured to a high standard, providing impact and UV resistance, excellent thermal stability, and low water absorption. The ‘Cast’ acrylic sheets in particular, are recommended for CNC machining. 

Due to the way cast acrylic sheets are manufactured, the sheet thickness is nominal and may vary slightly +/- 18%. 

The ‘Extruded’ Acrylic Sheets have consistent thickness across the sheet making them ideal for general fabrication and suitable for a variety of applications. Extruded sheets have a higher tolerance when heated or bent; more malleable than Cast Acrylic, they can also be easily flame polished and they bond exceptionally well when used in conjunction with solvent-based adhesives. 

Extruded sheets are as much as ten times more resistant to impact than glass.  

‘Cast’ Acrylic is the highest quality acrylic, more expensive than Extruded, offering the best optical clarity, greater thermal stability and higher resistance when exposed to solvents. With a slightly harder surface than Extruded, Cast acrylic has a less consistent sheet thickness with up to a +/-10% variation possible across the sheet; it is thermo-formable and can be reworked hot, which is not always possible with Extruded sheets. 

The surface finish, flatness and optical properties of Cast Acrylic sheets are all superior to those of Extruded Acrylic sheets. 

Both types of Acrylic sheet offer outstanding surface hardness and durability, excellent UV stability and are virtually shatter-proof so whether you choose Cast or Extruded Acrylic for your next project, you will not be disappointed.