| Deciding factor | Acrylic | Glass |
|---|---|---|
| Impact resistance | resists breakage | shatters on impact |
| Fabrication freedom | free laser-cut / bend / bond | needs special tooling |
| Weight | about half the weight | heavy to move & install |
| Aging | scratches but re-polishes | stays clear longer |
| Cost (same thickness) | low-volume custom | bulk flat sheet |
Does acrylic yellow over time?
Cast acrylic stays clear indoors for well over a decade. For outdoor use in constant sunlight, consider UV-cut sheet or a protective film.
Worried it scratches more than glass?
Surface hardness is lower than glass, but acrylic restores scratches by polishing. Glass scratches are hard to polish and still carry breakage risk, so for displays people touch, acrylic is practically the better deal.
Decision rule
Choose acrylic where dropping must not shatter it or where you may drill later — fixtures and storage — and glass for fixed displays that are only viewed, where hardness and long-term clarity matter. Acrylic wins on impact and fabrication freedom; glass wins on hardness and clarity over time.
All figures on this page are illustrative sample values, not measured specifications.