About Acrylic Tubes

Emco Plastics offers high-quality acrylic tubes suitable for a wide range of applications. Known for their clarity, durability, and chemical resistance, our acrylic tubes are ideal for industrial, architectural, and DIY projects. We provide both cast and extruded options to meet your specific needs.

Cast vs. Extruded Acrylic Tubes

Cast Acrylic Tube
Cast acrylic tubes are produced by pouring liquid acrylic into molds. This process results in excellent optical clarity, superior chemical resistance, and higher impact strength. Cast tubes are ideal for applications requiring tight tolerances and complex shapes.

Key benefits:

• Outstanding clarity and light transmission
• Excellent chemical and scratch resistance
• Preferred for machining and precision projects

Extruded Acrylic Tube
Extruded acrylic tubes are formed by pushing acrylic through a die. This method is cost-effective for high-volume production and provides consistent dimensions. While slightly less impact-resistant than cast acrylic, extruded tubes are perfect for general-purpose applications and large-scale projects.

Key benefits:

• Uniform wall thickness and dimensions
• Cost-effective for large orders
• Lightweight and easy to fabricate

 

Side-by-Side Comparison Chart

Feature	Extruded Acrylic Tubing	Cast Acrylic Tubing
Cost	More economical	Higher cost than extruded
Machining	Not recommended	Can be machined & glued
Optical Clarity	Good clarity	Glass-like clarity (mold cast & polished)
Strength	Standard strength	Significantly stronger
Chemical Resistance	Moderate	Superior chemical resistance
Lab Applications	Not recommended	Ideal for laboratory use
Impact Resistance	Good	More impact resistant than glass
Max Temperature	Lower heat tolerance	Up to 200°F
Dimensional Stability	Moderate	Excellent stability
UV Resistance	UV stabilized	UV stabilized; weather resistant
Flammability Rating	UL 94 HB	UL 94 HB
FDA Compliance	Meets FDA standards; BPA free	Meets FDA standards
Size Availability	Up to 24” dia, ½” wall	Available in multiple wall thicknesses
Sold As	Priced per foot; sold in 6' intervals	Priced per foot; sold in 5' lengths
Best For	Displays, aquariums, decorative use	Machining, labs, structural & optical applications

 

 

Acrylic Tube Applications

Acrylic Tube for Every Industry and Project
Emco Plastics offers high-quality cast and extruded acrylic tubes suitable for industrial, commercial, and creative uses. Explore the many ways our tubes can help your project shine.

1. Industrial & Laboratory

• Protective tubing for chemical and fluid handling
• Transparent sight tubes for process monitoring
• Custom housings for sensors, instruments, and gauges
• Laboratory enclosures and sample containment

2. Architectural & Display

• Retail displays and point-of-sale stands
• Museum exhibit cases and protective barriers
• Decorative columns, railings, and balustrades
• Lighting diffusers, lamp covers, and architectural accents

3. Medical & Scientific

• Medical device housings and laboratory enclosures
• Transparent safety barriers for hygiene protection
• Sample storage or containment tubes

4. Lighting & Electronics

• LED tube covers and light diffusers
• Optical guides and protective covers for electronics
• Enclosures for delicate components

5. DIY, Creative & Makers

• Custom aquariums, terrariums, and water features
• Hobby and model-making projects
• Cosplay props and art installations
• Sculptures or decorative pieces requiring clear, durable tubing

6. Safety & Protective Solutions

• Guards, shields, and transparent machine enclosures
• Protective covers for equipment or instruments
• Barriers for public safety (e.g., sneeze guards)

7. Manufacturing & Fabrication

• Precision components requiring machining or bending
• Prototyping and product development
• Large-scale assemblies for mechanical or architectural systems