Acrylic Display Cases Vs Glass: Which Is Better?

If you’re weighing the choice between acrylic or glass for your display cases, you may be wondering about the benefits and drawbacks of each. Although both have merits, acrylic, or plexiglass, outperforms glass in most instances. SmartGuard takes a closer look at what makes this plastic material the go-to choice for display cases and protective boxes.

  • Safety
  • Clarity
  • Transport
  • Cost
  • Durability

1. Improved Safety Of People & Merchandise

Acrylic and glass are both durable materials, but accidents happen, especially with display cases. When they do, plexiglass is far less likely to shatter. Shattered glass not only damages merchandise but it puts people around the display case at risk. Plexiglass isn’t completely damage-proof, but it’s hard to break, and when it does, it tends to crack, not shatter—these properties make it a far safer choice.

2. Increased Clarity For Your Cases

Many people are surprised that acrylic offers more visual clarity, especially if you shine lights through the display. There are several reasons for this, including:

  • Most glass formulations have a slight greenish tint.
  • Plexiglass doesn’t reflect light as easily as glass.
  • In general, plexiglass is slightly more transparent.
  • The customer won’t be able to tell the difference.

3. Peace Of Mind With Easy Transport

Acrylic is less fragile, and manufacturers can ship display cases more easily. You’re not likely to have a shattered display case on your hands when you choose plexiglass.

4. Acrylic Is The Cost-Effective Choice

Glass displays usually cost more than plexiglass. The material costs are high, and shipping costs can add to those expenses. In addition, you may have to repair a broken glass case, which adds to its overall cost. Repairing damaged glass is far more labor-intensive than repairing cracked or scratched acrylic.

5. Increased Durability To Stand The Test Of Time

Both glass and plexiglass are durable materials, but plexiglass has shock-absorbing properties, making it less prone to cracking. Both materials can scratch, and plexiglass is actually more prone to scratching than glass, but repairing scratches is much easier with acrylic.

Order Display Cases That Last

Acrylic clearly outshines glass based on a number of factors. When you’re ready to order new cases, SmartGuard has acrylic display cases and protective boxes to beautifully display your items in the safest, most durable way. We also offer the option of creating a custom design that fits your needs. Contact our team today for more information or to get a free quote for your custom design for new display cases for your business.