As per our Shipping and Returns Policy, custom cuts and fabricated parts are non-returnable. If you need an over- or undersized item, note it under "Comments" during Checkout. Cut-to-size orders have an acceptable cut tolerance of 1/8" (0.125"), so clarify if the adjustment is to be made on the (+) or (-) side of the saw blade.Please review our full return and shipping policy here.
Measure Twice, Cut Once
Since custom cuts and fabricated parts are non-refundable, be very careful while measuring your dimensions. As each cut is nominal, even the slightest miscalculation could be costly.
How to Use a Measuring Tape
Extend your tape measure several inches to find the 1 and 2 inch markers. In between the inch markers you’ll find 16 equally spaced tick marks.
Measure by counting the increments beyond the nearest inch. As the increments decrease, so does the length of the mark. For example, 1/2" has a bigger mark than 1/4" which has a bigger mark than 1/8". The smallest mark follows at 1/16". Please be aware that some measuring tapes may have even smaller increments.
Features of a Measuring Tape: Sliding End Hook
The sliding end hook is designed for two different types of measurements. An outside measurement (where the hook of the tape hangs over an edge), requires the hook to slide out a bit to account for the thickness of the material. When making an inside measurement (where the hook will push up against a surface), the clip slides in, again, accounting for its thickness. The measuring tape self-adjusts to guarantee an accurate measurement (as far as the tape is concerned).
Sanitizing Acrylic and Polycarbonate Sheet [X]
Acrylic and Polycarbonate Sneeze Guards and like products require special care while cleaning and disinfecting. To maintain the optical clarity of sneeze guards and other acrylic or polycarbonate items, use an acrylic or polycarbonate safe cleaner like Novus Plastic Polish #1, Brillianize Plastic Cleaner, or a mild soap solution.
Please reference the following compatible cleaners when DISINFECTING acrylic and polycarbonate items. The use of commonly available commercial alcohol or ammonia-based disinfectants may cause crazing and damage.
Clear Acrylic extruded sheets are an economical alternative to polycarbonate (PC) when extreme strength is not necessary. It is often preferred because of its moderate properties, easy handling and processing, and low cost, but behaves in a brittle manner when loaded, especially under an impact force. Transmits up to 92% of visible light (3 mm thickness), and gives a reflection of about 4% from each of its surfaces on account of its refractive index. It has a density of 1.17-1.20 g/cm3, which is less than half that of glass. It also has good impact strength, higher than both glass and polystyrene.
Acrylics have outstanding resistance to long-term exposure to sunlight and weathering. Acrylic has excellent optical properties and is more resistant to impact than glass. In addition, acrylic has low water absorption, good electrical resistivity, and fair tensile strength. Applications are infinite, including art installations, outdoor signs, glazing, aircraft canopies, skylights, automotive taillights, dials, buttons, lighting applications, knobs, and machine covers.
Acrylic sheet is 17 times stronger than glass, has excellent clarity, durability, is lightweight and weatherable. Acrylic can be sawed, routed, drilled, formed, line bent, cemented and painted.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Ethyl acrylate, CAS 140-88-5, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Warning: This product may have sharp edges and points. Contact may result in injury. Handle with care.
Disclaimer: Interstate Plastics makes no representations about any of its products that are modified in any way after they leave its possession, nor do its representations apply when any of its products are improperly used or stored.
Each customer of Interstate Plastics bears full responsibility for making its own determination as to the suitability of each material, product, recommendation or advice provided by Interstate Plastics. Each customer of Interstate Plastics must identify and perform all tests and analyses necessary to assure that its finished parts incorporating materials from Interstate Plastics will be safe and suitable for use under end-use conditions.
Cast Acrylic vs. Extruded Acrylic: Acrylic is produced in two basic variations, cast and extruded. Casting and extruding acrylic produce slightly different properties. Cast acrylic is more difficult to bend and shape versus extruded. In heat bending and thermoforming, extruded acrylic may behave differently depending on the bending direction relative to the extrusion direction. This is not an issue with cast acrylic. When colored cast acrylic is heated for thermoforming or heat bending, the color may change. Matte-colored surfaces can become clear and clear surfaces can become matte or opaque. In addition, the shade of color may change. Laser engraving should only be done on cast acrylic to produce a clear engraved image. In laser cutting, extruded acrylic will have a rougher edge, whereas cast is generally smooth. Cast is more difficult to flame polish versus extruded. Extruded acrylic tends to be more consistent in sheet thickness, while cast can vary as much as +/- 15% in thinner sizes. Cast acrylic is more resistant to the same solvents, as well more resistant to scratching versus extruded.
Acrylic applications are infinitely broad. Here are a few common examples:
Glass Substitute: aquariums, viewing ports for submersibles, automobile light lenses, hockey rink guards, riot protection, bullet-resistant glass applications (i.e. banks, gas stations, vehicles transporting valuables)
Came with a big scratch that penetrated the protective mask. They replaced the material and didn't ask for this back, but the process was a headache. I'm not sure if that was UPS of Interstate. The replacement material was fine.
2014-09-29
Strong but scratches easy. Very easy. Good for the shop, wouldn't use it for anything that gets handled a lot and needs to look good. For example we use it for warehouse windows, but I wouldn't put them in my house. Overall a good shopping experience on the Interstate Plastic website.
2014-05-02
I really like the online ordering system so it is frustrating when I see the call for pricing warning, but I do have to say they pick up right away, no on hold line and they are friendly and smart about acrylic and acrylic uses.
2014-02-28
On time delivery. Great customer service. They made everything very easy for me. Thank you. Great prices in bulk, but I can see what the other review meant in low qty.
2014-02-19
The uses are endless and for most applications the extruded works just as well as the cast at a much lower price. Try this before cast.
2013-06-12
The order arrived today in perfect condition. Everything was to specs as ordered. Thank you very much.
2013-04-18
These guys are way too overpriced. Buying from them is like paying 6 dollars for a glass of water next to a public water fountain.
2013-02-06
Just received my custom order of acrylic panels yesterday for an upcoming art installation piece I'll be creating. Thanks for the great work and the advice on handling/drilling (drill bit) the plastic! Kudos!