Are there different types or grades of acrylic used for photo frame sheets?

Update:08-12-2023
There are different types and grades of acrylic used for photo frame sheets. Acrylic, also known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or plexiglass, comes in various formulations to meet different needs in terms of clarity, durability, and cost. Here are some common types of acrylic photo frame sheets:
Extruded Acrylic:
Extruded acrylic is produced by pushing acrylic polymer through a machine, resulting in sheets with a lower molecular weight.
It is typically more affordable but may have lower optical quality compared to cast acrylic.
Extruded acrylic sheets are suitable for applications where the highest clarity is not a critical factor.
Cast Acrylic:
Cast acrylic is manufactured by pouring liquid acrylic resin into molds and allowing it to harden.
It tends to have higher optical quality, better clarity, and fewer impurities than extruded acrylic.
Cast acrylic is often preferred for photo frames and other applications where optical clarity is crucial.
Impact-Modified Acrylic:
Impact-modified acrylic includes additives that enhance its impact resistance.
This type of acrylic is suitable for applications where there is a higher risk of breakage, making it more durable and less prone to shattering.
UV-Filtering Acrylic:
UV-filtering acrylic is designed to block harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from reaching and damaging the enclosed photos.
It is commonly used in photo frames to protect artwork or photographs from fading due to prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Anti-Reflective Acrylic:
Anti-reflective acrylic is coated to reduce glare and reflections, providing better visibility of the enclosed photos.
This type of acrylic is ideal for framing artworks or photos in environments with significant lighting or where glare is a concern.
Optical Grade Acrylic:
Optical grade acrylic is manufactured with strict quality control measures to ensure the highest level of optical clarity.
It is free from distortions, bubbles, or other visual imperfections, making it suitable for applications where image clarity is of utmost importance.