The difference between Crystal Awards and Acrylic Awards

Employee appreciation or student recognition are some of the best ways to praise someone’s outstanding performance. Today there are so many options to do so, such as acrylic awards or crystal awards. But which one to choose?

There is a wide debate between these two materials, because at first glance they can seem to be the same, but this is not the case. Each has its unique characteristics that are very consequential in making your decision.

Crystal awards and acrylic awards: differences

When you design an award, it is important to think about the recipient of the award is and the context. It is also important to think about the message, size, font style, overall design of the award and, most importantly, the feeling you want to convey.

Acrylic and crystal are two super materials for trophy design. The result of working with either of these materials can be quite elegant and allows for total customization. However, it is important to note that there are differences between the two, which you should consider before making the final decision.

The differences

These “material” differences will influence the choice of one material over another:

Appearance

The most noticeable contrast between acrylic and crystal awards are their weight, clarity and acuity. From a distance they might appear similar, but upon closer inspection it is “clear” which is which.

Light passes through both materials, rendering a clear appearance. However, gazing through acrylic at an object shows the object in a softer, slightly out of focus, way. In the case of crystal, the object would appear more sharply defined and with less color distortion. 

When viewed from farther away, light shining through crystal appears to be directed in a “path” which gives it a more lustrous and elegant appearance, often casting a rainbow spectrum. Crystal also tolerates sharply cut edges and can sparkle, almost like the facets of a diamond!

Weight & Texture

Here is the most obvious difference. Having passed your visual review, when you hold an acrylic trophy or award in your hands you will notice that it is lighter than a crystal or glass award of the same design and dimensions.  

As a general rule, crystal awards are generally smaller, so as not to overload the winner with the weight of the crystal. Crystal is also heavier than a glass award of the same dimension due to the higher lead content of crystal.

The texture of crystal is telling. Although both are smooth, in the case of crystal, a hard, cool and more resistant surface can be felt to the touch, making scratches unlikely.

Prices & Lead Times

Acrylic tends to be cheaper than crystal, as it is a thermoplastic and easier to mold, work and assemble. Crystal, for its part, requires more time to make, mold, cut and engrave. This makes for a more time-consuming process when assembling a crystal award, raising the final cost.

Remember that you must also consider the time factor, not only as it impacts labor hours, but also delivery times. While most crystal awards can be had within our normal delivery times, the larger and fancier ones can take a bit longer.

Impact resistance

With regard to impact resistance, the undisputed winner is acrylic. Acrylic is seventeen times more resistant to impacts compared to crystal.

Because of their increased hardness, sharp edges and brittleness, crystal awards can break easily due to a careless tap or by knocking one over. For this reason acrylic an ideal material for children’s prizes or those requiring more durability.

Acrylic is a highly durable material that is less likely to break if dropped. Crystal awards are more delicate. If you decide to purchase a crystal award, you will need to take good care of it before the award ceremony. After that, the responsibility rests with the winner!

The good news is that crystal awards usually arrive in their own individual boxes with ample protective packaging.

 

Find the best crystal awards and acrylic awards at The Trophy & Plaque Shack. Visit our website and online catalogs to find the ideal trophy for your event. We have a wide variety of shapes and materials. Ask one of our knowledgeable and creative awards specialists to help you pick out the perfect item.  Contact us for more information.