Both cast and extruded acrylic look almost the same at first glance—they’re strong plastic sheets that feel like glass but are lighter and won’t shatter. But depending on what you're making, one might be better than the other.
✨ Cast Acrylic – Think Boutique, Artisan Vibes
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How it’s made: Liquid acrylic is poured into molds, kind of like pouring resin into silicone molds.
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Texture & Feel: Slightly more variation in thickness, like handmade paper—it’s got character!
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Best for:
- Laser cutting (cuts beautifully, polished edges)
- Engraving (gives crisp, frosty white detail)
- Jewelry and décor where clarity and finish matter
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Perks:
- Better optical clarity (looks super clear)
- Polishes up like a gem
- Doesn’t melt as easily during cutting
- Downsides: A little pricier, and slightly more brittle
💡 Imagine it like handmade soap—each piece has its own charm, and it's perfect for detailed, quality work.
⚙️ Extruded Acrylic – Think Factory-Made, Efficient and Consistent
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How it’s made: Melted acrylic is pushed (extruded) through rollers to form sheets—like cookie dough through a press.
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Texture & Feel: Very uniform in thickness and appearance
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Best for:
- Projects with lots of straight cuts (like shelving, basic signs)
- Budget-friendly crafting
- Heat bending or thermoforming (it molds more easily)
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Perks:
- Usually cheaper
- Cuts cleaner with saws
- Great for high-volume or simple work
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Downsides:
- Doesn’t engrave as nicely (edges can be melty or less frosty)
- Not quite as clear or polished
🛠️ Think of it like store-bought soap—same every time, great for bulk crafting or simple shapes.