Why is acrylic so expensive?

Acrylic is a type of plastic that has similar properties to glass.  It is acquired from acrylic acid or a similar compound. Technically, an acrylic is actually a polymethyl methacrylate or PMMA glass.  With its glass-like appearance, many people refer to acrylic as high-quality glass. Acrylics are usually used when people don’t like glass and/or plastic, but they are considered so much more expensive.  As in the case of aquariums, tanks that are made from acrylic typically cost more than those that are made of glass or plastic.  Aside from fish tanks, acrylic is also widely used in making windows, clear ceilings, and bathroom doors, among many others.

Acrylics are expensive because they are much stronger and more durable than any type of glass or plastic.  In the case of aquariums, for example, bigger tanks are usually made with acrylic because they can hold much more water.  Hundreds of gallons of water would be too much for the highest-quality glass available, but when it comes to strength, an acrylic tank is the best choice.

Acrylic items are also lighter despite being able to withstand more pressure and weight from other objects. This makes acrylic-made products more flexible in terms of usage.  Some people would prefer using acrylics as it is easier to handle them because of their lighter weight. Unlike glass, acrylics may also be bent during the production process.  This means that they can be made into different shapes without much problem.  With these properties, acrylics are considered very useful and versatile which elevates the price tag.

Overall, acrylic-made products provide more durability and quality making them more expensive than other items made from other materials.  Acrylic-made products may be more expensive, but in the long term, these items can provide their worth as they are durable enough to stand the test of time.