1. Different Manufacturing Processes
Cast acrylic sheets are formed in a single casting process, while extruded sheets are formed through continuous high-temperature extrusion.
2. Different Tolerances
The main reason for the difference in tolerances is the different manufacturing processes.
During casting, settlement inevitably occurs in the center of the mold, resulting in cast sheets having smaller tolerances at the edges and larger tolerances in the center.
Sheets produced using continuous extrusion have better thickness control than those produced by casting. Continuous extrusion reduces the actual tolerances across the sheet, making the overall thickness as uniform as possible.
3. Different Material Processing Properties
Cast acrylic sheets have high processing performance, suitable for various processes (including engraving, vacuum forming, hot bending, etc.), with no crystalline points on the surface and higher transparency.
Extruded sheets tend to yellow at the edges (more noticeable if excessive recycled material is used), are prone to developing crystalline points on the surface (this can be addressed in a cleanroom), have weaker processing performance, and a narrower processing range compared to cast acrylic sheets.
4. Price Difference
The market price of cast acrylic sheets is higher than that of extruded sheets.
This is because the raw materials and processes used in casting are more demanding than those for extruded sheets, making cast acrylic sheets relatively more expensive.
5. Production Cycle Difference
Cast acrylic sheets have a longer production time and are suitable for small-batch production; extruded sheets have a high degree of automation and can be produced in large quantities, but colors and specifications are less adjustable, thus limiting product variety.
