Artificial Stone and Acrylic Differ in Their Definitions, and Advantages

Artificial stone and acrylic differ in their definitions, advantages, and disadvantages, as detailed below:

Definition of difference

Artificial stone is a new type of eco-friendly composite material primarily composed of resin, aluminum powder, pigments, and curing agents. It includes various types such as solid artificial stone surfaces, quartz stone, and granite, widely used in the architectural decoration industry. Acrylic, with the chemical name PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), is a highly plastic polymer material processed from granules, sheets, or resin, commonly producing transparent sheets, decorative products, and other items.

Strengths Comparison

The advantages of artificial stone are reflected in functionality and practicality:

It features a rich and customizable color palette, supports seamless splicing, and offers high flexibility in design. The material is non-toxic and non-radioactive, with properties such as flame retardancy, antibacterial and mold-resistant capabilities, as well as wear and impact resistance, making it easy to maintain. For instance, using artificial stone for kitchen countertops prevents dirt accumulation in seams, significantly improving cleaning efficiency.

The core advantages of acrylic its optical performance and processing adaptability:

With a light transmittance exceeding 92%, the light penetrates softly and is not glaring, creating a visual effect akin to crystal. The surface exhibits high hardness and strong weather resistance, enduring prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays. It supports surface treatments such as printing and spraying, offering diverse decorative effects. For instance, using acrylic panels in commercial display cabinets enhances the product presentation.

Drawbacks in Comparison

The limitations of artificial stone are primarily reflected in physical properties and machining precision:

The material lacks sufficient elasticity, making it prone to cracks upon impact and difficult to repair. The design is constrained by the mold, requiring high-precision processing for complex structures; otherwise, visible seams will result. For instance, curved countertops must be segmented and assembled, which may compromise overall aesthetics.

The drawbacks of acrylic lie primarily in cost and stability

High-quality acrylic has high production costs, and the market is flooded with inferior substitutes. These products exhibit low hardness, poor color fastness, and subpar polishing results after grinding. Additionally, the material has a relatively high thermal expansion coefficient, which may lead to delamination due to uneven contraction under drastic temperature changes. For instance, outdoor signage made from low-quality acrylic is prone to cracking after prolonged exposure to sunlight.