Acrylic bath: what and how to make an acrylic bath

Not so long ago, a person was deprived of a choice of what material a bathtub would be made of. During the renovation, one cast-iron bathtub was simply replaced with another. But with the development of technology, they began to be made from various materials.

Meanwhile, such plumbing is a rather expensive purchase. Therefore, the question of choice must be approached responsibly.

An important role here is played by the material from which the bathtub is made. So, recently, acrylic products are gaining popularity.

What and how an acrylic bath is made

To make the bowl, polymethyl acrylate is used. In everyday life it is called "plumbing acrylic". It is plumbing because bathtubs and shower cubicles are made from it. Such products are lightweight but durable.

The material itself can be technical and industrial. For plumbing products, it is the technical option that is used. This is due to the fact that it contains elements that can protect the surface of the product from the appearance of pathogenic bacteria.

The casting procedure itself is as follows:

1. Forming. The sheet of material is heated and stretched to the required size.
2. Gain. The inner surface of the acrylic sheet is coated with a composite compound.
3. Pruning. Excess material is removed. The necessary holes are also made.
4. Assembly. The final stage - the prepared form is installed on the frame, after which it is carefully polished.

An acrylic bowl made in this way can last over 10 years.

Inexpensive tanks are produced by extrusion. A two-component plastic is used for it. Plumbing made in this way is not of high quality and long service life.

Reference! When choosing a bathtub, pay attention to its price. A quality product cannot have too low a cost.

Which material for an acrylic bathtub is better

When choosing a plumbing product, you should know what material it was made of. So, you may be offered a bowl made of the following materials:

1. Acrylonetrile butadiene styrene (ABS). It is a material consisting of two components: plastic and organic glass. The disadvantage of ABS / PMMA is a short period of use. On average, such plumbing will last no more than 5 years. This is due to the porous structure of the plastic. Because of this, the coating absorbs moisture, which leads to its gradual destruction. With frequent use, the surface of the plumbing begins to wear off. Therefore, such bowls are of low cost.
2. Polymethyl acrylate. This is ordinary organic glass. There is no plastic impurity in it, so the products are strong and durable. They are also resistant to mechanical stress. With careful use, such a bathtub will last more than ten years. Quality bathtubs are made only from this material.

Attention! A bathtub made of acrylonetrile butadiene styrene has thin walls. Therefore, the product is fragile and cannot withstand mechanical stress.

Advantages and disadvantages of acrylic baths

So, now we know what and how an acrylic bathtub is made. This means that you can begin to identify the advantages and disadvantages.

First, we will consider what advantages the product has. These include:

1. Light weight. Acrylic is plastic, so the bowl is lightweight. This greatly simplifies the transportation and installation of the tank.
2. Easy installation. Bathtubs made of steel or cast iron are placed on special legs. The acrylic bowl is mounted in the frame that comes with the kit.
3. Variety of shapes. Due to the fact that plastic has excellent flexibility, manufacturers produce bathtubs in a variety of shapes: round, oval, rectangular and even asymmetrical. This will allow you to choose a stylish tank that will become the highlight of the room.
4. Maintainability. In case of chips or scratches, the surface can be restored by yourself. To do this, use ordinary sandpaper or a special repair kit.
5. Easy to operate. Cleaning the surface can be easily handled with ordinary dishwashing detergents, shower gel, liquid soap. In addition, there are special products for the care of acrylic coating on sale.
6. Heat capacity. The bowl perfectly keeps the water temperature. Those who like to soak in the bath will appreciate it.
7. Safety. Although the surface of the tank is smooth, it does not slip. Therefore, there is no risk of falling. This is especially important for young children and the elderly.
8. Hygiene. It is not susceptible to the formation of rust, fungus, and the growth of bacteria. Therefore, acrylic is completely safe for human health.
9. Noise suppression. Water, falling on the surface, does not "ring".
10. Multifunctionality. For plumbing, you can additionally order various accessories: items for massage, various nozzles, and more.

The disadvantages include:

1. Poor resistance to high temperatures. If you leave behind surfaces, for example, a curling iron, you run the risk of burning the bowl.
2. Fragility. Although the product is durable, the coating may crack if a heavy object is dropped.
3. The need for gentle care. Acrylic does not tolerate abrasive particles. Therefore, it is recommended to take care of the bowl only with mild detergents: gels, creams, pastes.
4. The price. The cost of such plumbing is higher than that of options from other materials.

When choosing plumbing, evaluate all its advantages, disadvantages and other important characteristics. So you can get the perfect bath for yourself.