Here at Engineered Labs, we insist on using the finest quality materials for our museum quality specimens, mineral cubes, and art pieces. And for us, that means using Lucite! But what is Lucite? While it is a type of resin, the differences between Lucite and typical acrylic resin are night and day. Lucite is a premium form of acrylic that maintains its transparency over time, preventing yellowing and degradation even under prolonged exposure to light. This makes it an ideal material for preserving the pristine condition of valuable artifacts and specimens.
Additionally, Lucite's superior hardness and scratch resistance ensure that displays remain flawless, providing a protective barrier that is both strong and visually appealing. Its versatility accommodates the unique needs of our diverse catalog. With these properties, Lucite stands out as the ultimate choice for showcasing and protecting our finest pieces. Let’s take a closer look at this incredible polymer and see why we use it for our archival-level specimen protection.
Lucite: A History
Lucite was developed in the 1930s by the American chemical company DuPont. The invention came about during a period of significant innovation in synthetic materials. Lucite was initially marketed under two brand names. “Plexiglas” was meant to be a glass replacement for large applications, and “Lucite” was the name used for commercial products. Its introduction revolutionized various industries, providing a clear, durable alternative to glass.
During World War II, Lucite found extensive use in military applications, particularly in aircraft canopies, submarine periscopes, and gun turrets, due to its excellent optical clarity and impact resistance. Post-war, Lucite transitioned into commercial use, becoming popular in consumer goods, fashion accessories, and home decor. Famously, it was used to create a suite of furniture for cosmetics entrepreneur Helena Rubinstein, including a full bedroom set, living room, and kitchen furniture.
The versatility and aesthetic appeal of Lucite made it a favorite material for designers and artists in the mid-20th century, cementing its status as a symbol of modernity and innovation. Today, Lucite remains a premium choice for applications requiring high clarity, durability,
What Is Lucite Made Of?
Lucite is a type of acrylic resin, specifically a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), renowned for its clarity, durability, and versatility. Lucite can transmit light virtually as well as glass, making it an excellent substitute. For example, it’s often used in the aerospace industry to replace glass in viewing windows and canopies, because it’s less fragile and can withstand impacts better than glass.
Lucite’s high durability and resistance to impact, weathering, and UV radiation make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It can be easily molded, cast, or extruded into various shapes and sizes, which makes it highly versatile. It is also simple to clean and maintain, and it can be polished to restore its clarity and remove scratches.
What Is Lucite Used For?
Lucite is used for many different things, both practical and decorative. Perhaps you’ve seen it in one of these applications?
- Jewelry and fashion accessories
- Furniture, home decor, and art
- Display cases and store fixtures
- Aquariums and terrariums
- Medical devices and equipment
- Aircraft windows and canopies
What Is The Difference Between Lucite vs. Acrylic?
So if Lucite is a type of acrylic, what sets it apart? Both Lucite and acrylic are derived from PMMA, but Lucite is a brand name for a specific type of acrylic. Acrylic, on the other hand, is a generic term that can refer to any type of PMMA-based plastic. And that’s not the only difference!
Clarity and Purity
Lucite is renowned for its exceptional clarity and purity. It has glass-like optical properties, making it ideal when you need true transparency. While high-quality acrylic can also be clear, it does not always match the level of clarity that Lucite offers.
Durability and Strength
Both Lucite and acrylic are durable and resistant to impact, weathering, and UV radiation. However, Lucite is often considered more robust and scratch-resistant compared to standard acrylic. This makes Lucite a preferred choice for high-traffic areas and treasured items that require long-lasting durability.
Manufacturing and Availability
Acrylic is more widely available and can be produced by various manufacturers. This creates a broad range of quality. Lucite has more controlled manufacturing processes, ensuring consistent quality.
Cost
Lucite is generally more expensive than standard acrylic due to its superior quality, clarity, and durability. The higher cost is often justified in applications where the material’s premium properties are required. For example, if you’re investing in acrylic art, you want Lucite– standard acrylic yellows with time, changing the look of the piece.
Chemical Resistance
Lucite tends to have slightly better chemical resistance compared to standard acrylic. This makes it a preferred choice in environments where exposure to chemicals or solvents is a concern, such as in laboratory settings.
Weight
Both Lucite and acrylic are lightweight compared to glass, but Lucite is typically a bit heavier than standard acrylic due to its denser structure. This added weight can contribute to its durability and stability in various applications.
Thermal Properties
Lucite has superior thermal properties, making it more resistant to temperature fluctuations. It can withstand higher temperatures without deforming compared to standard acrylic, which can be an important factor in certain industrial applications.
Why You Should Know What Lucite Is
Lucite is a material that combines beauty with practicality, making it an essential choice for various display needs. Its unique properties set it apart from other types of acrylic, offering unmatched clarity and durability. With all of Lucite’s incredible characteristics, it was an easy choice for us to pick it for our acrylic element cubes. For us, the answer to the what is Lucite question is “the perfect display option.” Lucite cubes are the ideal housing for museum-quality artifacts, and guarantee that you’ll have a beautiful display that remains crystal-clear for years to come.
Whether you’re buying a display for your home, your classroom, your business, as a gift, or for any other reason, you should insist on Lucite. Shop our catalog for the display of your dreams, and know that it’s safely protected in the ultimate acrylic solution.
