Demystifying Plexiglas and Other Trademarked Names: All Acrylic, Different Brands

When it comes to transparent, shatter-resistant materials, Plexiglas has become synonymous with the product itself. However, there is often confusion surrounding the relationship between Plexiglas and other similar-sounding trademarked names. In this blog, we will delve into the world of acrylic, the fascinating material behind these brand names, and clarify the distinctions between them.

Acrylic: The Versatile Material Acrylic, scientifically known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), is a synthetic polymer made from petroleum-based raw materials. It was first developed in the 1920s and later commercialized in the 1930s by Rohm & Haas Company. Since then, its popularity has soared due to its versatility and unique properties. Acrylic boasts exceptional clarity, impact resistance, and weatherability, making it an ideal alternative to glass in many applications.

The Birth of Plexiglas: Plexiglas is not an independent material but rather a trademarked brand name by Roehm for a type of acrylic. It was introduced by Roehm & Haas Company in 1933 as a registered trademark, combining "plexi-" from polymethyl methacrylate and "-glas" to highlight its glass-like appearance. Plexiglas quickly found its place in various industries, including aviation, automotive, and architecture, due to its lightweight nature and excellent optical clarity.

Trademarked Names and Acrylic Manufacturers: Several other brand names are used interchangeably with Plexiglas, leading to confusion among consumers. These names are all related to acrylic and are associated with different manufacturers who produce acrylic sheets.

1. Lucite: This is another well-known brand name for acrylic, introduced by DuPont in the late 1930s. Just like Plexiglass, Lucite is a transparent and durable acrylic material used in various applications.

2. Perspex: Originally a British trademark, Perspex is also a type of acrylic sheet. It was registered by Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) in 1934. The term "Perspex" is commonly used in the United Kingdom and is similar to Plexiglass and Lucite in properties and applications.

3. Acrylite: Acrylite is a registered trademark of Roehm America LLC. It is yet another brand of acrylic known for its optical clarity and resistance to outdoor conditions.

4. Altuglas: Produced by Arkema, Altuglas is another brand of acrylic that shares similar properties with other acrylic materials.

Conclusion: In summary, Plexiglas, Lucite, Perspex, Acrylite, and Altuglas are all brand names of acrylic. While Plexiglas is perhaps the most well-known and widely used of these, each brand offers unique manufacturing processes and variations in properties that suit diverse applications. The next time you encounter these trademarked names, you can confidently refer to them as different brands of acrylic and understand the versatile nature of this remarkable material.