Display cases are critical in many settings—retail, museums, corporate lobbies, galleries, and trade shows. Plastic display cases are great for showcasing products, protecting valuable items, or enhancing visual appeal. But what’s more important is the material since it can impact both function and appearance.
Two common choices stand out: acrylic and glass. While both offer transparency and structure, their performance, durability, and application suitability vary. Understanding the differences helps in making an informed decision that aligns with specific project needs.
Material Transparency
- Glass: Naturally clear and resistant to yellowing over time. It provides a classic, premium feel that works well in luxury environments.
- Acrylic: Offers excellent optical clarity and light transmittance, often higher than glass. It’s also available in custom finishes and tints for specific aesthetic requirements.
Best fit for: Retail settings or exhibits that demand visual impact and design flexibility.
Weight and Logistics
- Glass: Heavier and more fragile. Requires careful handling and professional installation to avoid breakage.
- Acrylic: Up to 50% lighter than glass, making it easier to move, mount, and transport. Ideal for large displays or frequent installations.
Best fit for: Portable displays, trade shows, and modular showcases.
Impact Resistance and Safety Compliance
- Glass: While strong in compression, glass custom display cases can shatter under impact, posing safety concerns.
- Acrylic: Impact-resistant and shatterproof. Even when damaged, it does not create sharp shards like glass.
Best fit for: Public spaces, schools, or applications where safety is a concern.
Long-Term Durability
- Glass: More resistant to surface scratching and less likely to warp over time. Suitable for long-term, stationary installations.
- Acrylic: Though more prone to scratching, it resists weathering and UV exposure with the right coating.
Best fit for: Indoor and outdoor displays with proper surface protection.
Customization Potential
- Glass: Difficult to cut and shape post-manufacturing. Limited in terms of fabrication and modifications.
- Acrylic: Easily machined, laser-cut, polished, bent, or thermoformed. Clear acrylic display cases are compatible with various adhesives and fabrication techniques.
Best fit for: Projects requiring custom shapes, engraving, branding, or integrated lighting.
Maintenance and Cleaning
- Glass: Tolerates common cleaners and provides a hard surface that resists smudging.
- Acrylic: Requires specific cleaners to avoid clouding or scratching. A soft microfiber cloth can work well for maintenance.
Best fit for: Controlled environments with minimal dust and fingerprint exposure.
Making the Final Decision
Choosing between acrylic and glass for display cases depends on multiple factors: location, usage, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Each material has advantages that make it suitable for specific applications.
For lightweight, high-impact environments that require custom design flexibility, acrylic plastic display cases are often the go-to option. For luxury or permanent fixtures where surface hardness and traditional aesthetics are more valued, glass may serve better.
Need Help Deciding? Connect with Johnston Industrial Plastics to identify the right material and fabrication solution for display case projects. Reach out today!
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