Plastics For Framing & Displays

Durable and impact-resistant plastics for framing, frame backing, display cases, and other display applications. (NAICS 453920, 339950)

Plastics work alongside traditional framing materials for displays and frames. Materials such as acrylic and polycarbonate offer transparency, clarity, durability, and versatility, acting as a lightweight and more durable alternative to glass for picture frames and displays. Plastics may be shaped, molded, and cut to serve as custom framing components, display cases, and signage. They provide additional long-term protection for works displayed behind them, enhance display aesthetics, and can provide additional creative design choices for custom frames.

Properties

Strong and durable
Impact resistant
Lightweight
Clear materials provide clarity similar to glass
Machinable

Applications

Photo frames
Frame backings
Mounting and backing boards
Display cases
Glazing
Signage

Industries

Framing
Art
Photography
Event Management
Advertising

Displays & Framing Materials Overview

What types of plastic are used for picture frames and displays?

There are several types of plastics used in picture frames and displays:

Acrylic provides impact resistance, clarity, UV resistance, and is an alternative to glass for display cases, signage, picture frames, and protective glazing.

Polycarbonte is nearly unbreakable and is a good choice for applications that require protection such as display cases, safety shields, and protective covers. It is not as clear as acrylic.

Polyethylene (PE) features great moisture and chemical resistance along with great durability. It sees use in applications like picture frame molding.

PETG is another clear plastic used for display cases, product displays, and protective coverings. It is transparent, impact resistant, and has excellent clarity.

Expanded PVC provides the rigidity and light weight necessary for frame backings and mounting boards.

Styrene is a lightweight and cost-effective material with good impact resistance. It is used for temporary displays and signage as well as lighter framing components and backing boards.

Plastics for framing and display applications fall under NAICS code #453920 and 339950.

Displays & Framing Materials Resources & PDFs

Customers Also Asked:

What plastic is best for displays?

Acrylic, also known as Plexiglas or PMMA, is considered one of the best plastics for displays due to its impact resistance, transparency, and overall clarity. Acrylic won't distort items behind it and offers great protection against UV rays.

Which is better acrylic or polycarbonate picture frames?

Acrylic and polycarbonate both have advantages when it comes to picture frames. Acrylic has better clarity, UV resistance, and weight, but is easier to shatter under impact. Polycarbonate is nearly unbreakable, but weighs more than acrylic, is slightly less clear, and offers less overall UV protection compared to acrylic.

Which is cheaper plexiglass or polycarbonate?

Plexiglas, also known as acrylic, is traditionally cheaper than polycarbonate.

WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Antimony trioxide, CAS 1309-64-4, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.

WARNING: The products on this page 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: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including 1,3-Butadiene, CAS 106-99-0, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.

WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Styrene, CAS 100-42-5, which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.

WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Polyvinyl Chloride, CAS 9002-86-2, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.

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