LIFE STYLE

Is the PS sheet made of acrylic

PS sheets are not acrylic. Although both are transparent plastic sheets commonly used in advertising light boxes and display stands, they differ significantly in chemical composition, physical properties, and applications. PS sheets, also known as polystyrene boards, are a type of thermoplastic plastic. 
They have a relatively high light transmittance of about 92–93%, though lower than that of acrylic. PS sheets are brittle, with poor weather resistance and impact resistance. Prolonged outdoor use can cause them to yellow and become brittle. Due to their lower cost, they are often used for short-term displays, picture frames, or projects where cost is a factor.
Acrylic: Its chemical name is polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), also known as plexiglass. It features high light transmittance (reaching 92–99%), excellent weather resistance, stronger UV protection, minimal yellowing over time, as well as higher surface hardness and wear resistance. This makes it ideal for long-term outdoor use and high-end display applications, such as crystal letters, LOGO walls, and cosmetic display stands.
Key Differences Summary
‌Material Differences: PS is polystyrene, while acrylic is PMMA.
‌Transparency and Gloss: Acrylic has higher light transmittance and a gloss similar to glass, providing a more transparent visual effect.
‌Weather Resistance and Lifespan: Acrylic has excellent weather resistance, with an outdoor lifespan of 10–15 years; PS may show significant aging after just 2–3 years outdoors.
‌Impact Resistance: Acrylic is much more resistant to impact than PS and is less prone to cracking.
‌Processing Properties: Acrylic is more stable during heat bending and is less likely to develop stress whitening; PS is easy to process but has poor heat resistance (it tends to deform at temperatures above 50–60°C).
‌Price: The price of PS sheets is usually only 1/3 to 1/2 that of acrylic sheets.