The core difference between acrylic boards and PVC boards is material composition, transparency, physical properties and uses. The specific differences are as follows:

1. Materials and basic characteristics

‌Material composition

‌acrylic plate‌ (polymethyl methacrylate/PMMA): Based on plexiglass, the chemical name is methyl methacrylate polymer, with a light transmittance of up to more than 92%. ‌

PVC board‌ (polyvinyl chloride/PVC): The main component is polyvinyl chloride, with low transparency (transparent or opaque), and the surface is prone to yellowing.

‌Physical properties

‌Weight‌: The density of PVC plate (1.38 g/cm³) is higher than that of acrylic plate (1.1 g/cm³), and PVC is heavier under the same specifications. ‌

‌Impact Resistance‌: The impact resistance of PVC plates is more than 8 times that of acrylic.

‌Weather Resistance‌: PVC outdoor service life can reach 10 years, and its UV resistance is 5 times higher than acrylic; acrylic can easily fade after 2 years of outdoor use. ‌

2. Differences in functions and uses

Transparency and aesthetics

Acrylic board: High transparency (similar to glass), suitable for scenes such as lamps, advertising light boxes, display cabinets, etc. that require light/decoration. ‌

‌PVC board: Poor light transmission, mostly used for sound insulation and waterproof building materials (such as pipes and wall decoration).

Processing and cost

Processing difficulty: Acrylic is easy to bend and cut; PVC requires professional equipment to process.

‌Price‌: PVC cost is low (3mm thick about 200 yuan/㎡), and acrylic price is higher (5mm thick about 200 yuan/㎡).

3. Other key differences

‌Environmental protection

Acrylic is recyclable and has better environmental protection; some PVCs contain harmful substances such as lead, and environmentally friendly products are required.

‌Quick identification method

‌combustion test‌: PVC combustion produces white smoke and hydrochloric acid smell, and acrylic emits alcohol smell.

Knocking sound‌: The acrylic sound is crisp and the PVC is dull.

Summarize

‌Select Suggestions‌:

Acrylic is preferred for high light transmission and decoration requirements (such as light boxes and display cabinets);

Choose PVC for low-cost, impact-resistant scenarios (such as sound insulation walls, pipes).