Whether it’s for monthly recognition or a major annual ceremony, if you’re eager to present your employees with award plaques, you’re probably wondering what material to use. For many corporate organizations, acrylic and crystal are some of the most popular choices. At first glance, they share similar clarity and versatility, but these two materials have their own advantages and disadvantages. If you’re wondering which one you should use, take note of the following. 

Acrylic vs. Crystal Award Plaques

Acrylic

A thermoplastic synthetic, acrylic is a popular material. It’s used in a wide variety of applications, such as windows, signs, and lenses. As you may have gleaned from these examples, acrylic can possess a high visual clarity, sharper than that of glass, at just a fraction of the weight. It’s also durable and impact-resistant.

Furthermore, because it’s a thermoplastic, it’s easy to mold, shape, and customize. It can even be tinted in a variety of colors. When you want to give someone a large and unique award plaque, acrylic gives you the most design opportunities. 

Crystal

Made primarily from silica, sodium carbonate, and lead oxide, crystal has a chemical composition similar to glass. However, it’s heavier. Like acrylic, it’s very customizable—it can be carved and engraved in a multitude of shapes and styles. Yet, unlike acrylic, crystal has a dazzling, vibrant quality to it.

Although it depends on how it was cut, when the light hits a piece of crystal in a certain way, it will refract and create rainbows in the room. This, plus the extra heft of the material, gives crystal awards a sense of elegance that others don’t have. Because of this, it’s much more suitable for major milestone achievements. If you want an award plaque that stands out from the rest for years to come, crystal is the way to go. 

Whatever the occasion, when you need award plaques for your employees, head to Trophy Outlet for their large selection of achievement awards, personalized gifts, and promotional items. Family-owned and -operated, they’ve served the Wentzville, MO, and Keokuk, IA, areas for more than 30 years. They offer both acrylic and crystal options, which you can see on their website. If you have any questions, feel free to call them at (636) 283-6167.