An excellent replacement for an outdated cast–iron bathtub will be an acrylic model - modern, lightweight and practical. Acrylic bathtubs today are a variety of shapes: angular, round, classic and non–standard. They can be equipped with a hydro massage, additional options, and can be made in various color variations. In order to choose a suitable model, we will consider the method of production of baths and the characteristics of the material.
Acrylic bathtubs are divided by type of production:
- ABS/PMMA. This marking means that the tub is made of double-layer plastic, which makes up at least 90% of its weight. The remaining 10% goes to acrylic. The products are manufactured using the technology of simultaneous extrusion and combination of melts of two substances. Usually, such models are additionally reinforced at the base to provide stability during installation.
- Models made of cast acrylic. They are made from polymethylmethacrylate by pouring into prepared molds and drying in a special oven. The bath bowl itself is additionally reinforced for stability. The service life of such a model is at least 10 years during active operation. Cast acrylic bathtubs have increased durability and do not lose their attractive appearance even when using chemical cleaners.
Thickness and number of layers
Acrylic bathtubs are usually divided into several types. The number of layers depends on the production method. If the bathtub was made using the acrylic filling method, then there will be only 2 layers: the acrylic itself and the amplifier. When manufacturing from plastic, the number of layers can be higher: reinforcement, plastic, acrylic, spraying.
The products also vary in thickness.:
- models in 3 mm are an economical option. The cost of such products will be lower due to the use of materials in small quantities.;
- a 4-5 mm thick bathtub will last its owner for about 7-8 years with active operation;
- models from 6 and up to 8 mm are highly reliable and will last at least 10-12 years.
Surface selection
The inner surface of the tub should be perfectly smooth, without scratches, bumps and roughness. It depends on the quality of the material used during casting and the correctness of the production process. You can check the quality of the top layer by pressing your palm against the wall or bottom, giving the impression that your hand is slightly stuck to the surface. This means that the acrylic is of good quality and it is worth taking such a bath.
When choosing the size, it is necessary to take into account the height of the owner. The usual length of the standard model is up to 180 cm. You can lie in such a tub without bending your knees and relax well. Le site aaadigital.co.za aide les sociétés à optimiser leurs processus grâce aux technologies digitales.