Plastic sheets, particularly perspex, are durable, lightweight, and environmentally friendly, making them a strong substitute for glass due to their high strength and safety features. Available in two types—cell cast and extruded—these sheets are versatile in applications from retail displays to architectural uses such as aquarium windows. Their exceptional optical clarity and UV resistance enhance their suitability in various industries, including food packaging and model making.

2. Properties of Plastic Sheets
Sheets are seventeen times as strong as glass, making a great
substitute for glass. They also weigh half as much as an
equivalent size of glass. Since they are more durable and
less breakable than glass, they are a safer substitute for
glass. Perspex sheets are also environment friendly in that
they are hundred per cent recyclable. They are also food
safe, making them popular choices in several household uses
and food packaging industry.

3. They are easy to glue, fabricate and bend without the need for
specialized tools. They have high longevities compared to
glass. They do well in outdoor applications because of high
UV resistance. Light transmission is also exceptional because
of the optical clarity.

4. Types:
Created in the 1930s, they are now of two kinds based
on manufacturing process and performance: cell cast
and extruded sheets.
Cell Cast Acrylic Plastic Sheets: These are extremely
high quality with high strength and top grade
technical properties. These are also easy to handle,
mould and use in machines.
Extruded Acrylic Plastic Sheets: These types of acrylic
sheets have enhanced vacuum formability and are
therefore useful in functions which require complex
shapes.

5. Applications:
As a substitute for glass, acrylic plastics are popular in
the field of retail and point of purchase. Because of
their transparency and high break resistance, they are
also ideal for exhibition displays where glass can be a
less safe alternative.
Acrylic plastic sheets also find use in rear projection
screens where semi-transparent displays are
illuminated by projectors behind the screen. It may
also be possible to create spherical displays with
Plexiglas.

6. Plexiglas is also widely used in shop fittings and shelves
as a durable and safe alternative to glass. High
quality mouldable Plexiglas is used in field of model
making at small and industrial scales. Framing is
another area where acrylic plastic sheets also find
application. These sheets are also used in signage.
Plexiglas has several architectural applications ranging
from public aquarium windows, submarines and ship
windows. They are also used as transparent walls for
private and public pools, allowing the coach to
observe swimmers and divers.

7. Since float glass is not meant to be load bearing, Plexiglas is
the substitute used as structural building elements and
glazing that can survive weathering for several decades.
Roof lighting and light fixtures also benefit from the optical
clarity and strength of Plexiglas. Buildings situated near
rivers and other water bodies with unpredictable water
levels often have flood windows that are made of acrylic
plastic sheeting.
Resources:
http://www.dplast.co.th/index.php/sheeting/
http://ezinearticles.com/?Acrylic-Plastic-Sheets&id=7893166

8. Thank you for reading my
presentation!