Acrylic bath - lightness, reliability and beauty! Acrylic bathtubs: what and how are they made? How are acrylic bathtubs made?

During the modern renovation in the bathroom, everyone tries to use only modern and practical materials in their work, as well as, if possible, update plumbing equipment. One of the elements of modern plumbing is an acrylic bath. In this article, we will tell you what acrylic is, what types it is, what types of acrylic bathtubs are on the market today, and we will also provide photo materials for clarity.

Modern acrylic bathroom has a huge number of shapes and color solutions, which allows you to choose a product for every taste and color. While going to the store to select the right product, we can observe how at first glance almost the same models can have a huge difference in cost. It is this indicator that can sometimes confuse the buyer, and in pursuit of savings, you can buy the wrong product that you originally wanted. Bathroom acrylic can be made from different acrylic and according to different technology, it is this indicator that affects its value. Before buying the model you like, you need to understand this issue in order not to unknowingly buy a low-quality product that will not last you a long time and will soon require repair or a complete replacement.

Note. When studying the description of the model you like, you may not come across the word "acrylic", but instead the name "polymethyl methacrylate" or the abbreviation PMMA can be used. This is the official technical name for acrylic, which is used to make plumbing fixtures. It is recommended to remember this name, since there can be many varieties of acrylic and not everyone can be used when making plastic bathtubs.

The main types of acrylic for plumbing

So, we answer the question of what an acrylic bath is made of, which arises from almost everyone who wants to purchase this plumbing. Modern composition acrylic baths, in the vast majority of cases it contains sanitary acrylic. But the price of the product depends not so much on the type of acrylic, but on the manufacturing technology of the product itself. Today's production technologies divide sanitary acrylic into three main types according to the method of manufacturing products:

• block;
• extruded;
• cast.

The list is formed in sequence according to the level of popularity of products that were created using the listed technology. This conclusion was made based on numerous reviews of the owners of acrylic bathtubs.

Block products

A plastic bathtub made of block acrylic is a rather strong and wear-resistant product. Such acrylic is made by polymerization at high temperatures. Before making the desired product, first a special glass mold is created, which consists of two parts. Then the form is tightly connected and a powdered compound is poured into the gap between the glasses, which fills all the voids. After that, the form is placed in a special oven, where, under the influence of temperature, the powdered substance is fused into a single product. After holding in the furnace until complete fusion, the mold is cooled and as a result, a ready-made plastic bath is obtained, which, after some refinement, is sent for completion and sale.

extruded product

Extruded are called such acrylic baths that have a multi-layer coating. In this case, the base is made of high-strength ABS plastic, then it upper layer melted and a liquid acrylic mass is applied to it. As a result, both materials are fused together to form a single product. It should be noted that the base of the acrylic bath made of ABS plastic makes it resistant to mechanical damage and deformation. Such bathtubs are expensive and are considered elite models due to their strength and durability. correct mode care and operation.

Cast products

A simple cast-type acrylic bathtub is the most common option, as it has a relatively low cost compared to the analogues listed above. It is worth noting that these models are also inferior to analogues in strength and durability. The production process is as simple and fast as possible. Liquid acrylic is poured onto polished a metal sheet, forming a solid canvas of the desired thickness. Then this canvas is placed under a press, which has a pre-made metal shape of the future product, and a copy of the metal sample is squeezed out of the sheet.

Note. Cast acrylic bathtubs occupy a large part of the modern market and many negligent sellers can sell them at inflated prices, passing them off as extruded plastic. Features of cast-type acrylic baths are that they need a reinforced metal frame that will support the body in the desired position and prevent its deformation.

Varieties of acrylic bathtubs

Modern acrylic bowls can also be divided into four main types according to their geometric shape. The most common are:

• rectangular;
• corner;
• asymmetric;
• oval;

A rectangular plastic bathroom rightfully occupies a leading position, since such models occupy almost 50% of the market. This is due to the fact that more than half of the bathrooms in homes have a rectangular or square shape, into which it is easy to fit such a product. These models have a wide range of sizes, allowing you to choose the product that best suits your needs. standard rooms Soviet sample.

Corner bathrooms have two sides that are in relation to each other at an even angle. Corner acrylic bath in the interior can have only three sides, one of which is made in the form of a semicircle. Such products are often installed in the built-in version and can significantly save space in small rooms.

Asymmetrical bathtubs can have three or four sides. different sizes. They are often made with rounded corners and bevels. Such an acrylic bathtub successfully complements almost any style of interior design and becomes its highlight. Among the shortcomings of this type of model, one can note the high complexity of the lining, if you decide to make the font built-in. But this issue can be solved by special decorative panels PVC or screens.

Oval bathtubs are rightfully classified by designers as a separate subcategory, since the products are smooth in shape and have practically no sharp corners. This type of font allows you to harmoniously fit it into any interior, but it is very difficult to decorate them in the built-in version.

Advantages and disadvantages of acrylic bathtubs

Like any other product, acrylic has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. The disadvantages include:

• Poor tolerance to high temperatures. Real acrylic bathtubs are able to withstand temperatures up to 100 degrees without loss of strength characteristics, and the melting point of acrylic is 140 degrees and above. Models made of low-quality acrylic can begin to deform at a temperature of 70-80 degrees.
• Low mechanical resistance. The vast majority of mid-range cast acrylic models can even buckle under the weight of a large person. Also, if you accidentally drop a heavy object into the bathroom, it can lead to a split in the font. sharp objects able to scratch the surface. A font made of reinforced or extruded acrylic, as well as expensive bathtubs made of acrylic stone, can be especially durable.

It is important to remember that it is necessary to wash such a product only with special cleaning products that do not contain abrasive particles. Otherwise, you can scratch the surface and the gloss will disappear. Also, when choosing a product, pay attention to the thickness of the side. Enlighten it with an ordinary flashlight and if you see light from the back, then it is better not to buy such a product, but to look for a model with a thicker material that is not enlightened.

Of the clear advantages, the following indicators can be noted:

• a high degree of water heat retention in modern acrylic baths, but lower than in cast iron;
• the right acrylic bath with proper care and careful handling can last a very long time;
• ease of care;
• ease of installation;
• a large selection of shapes, sizes and colors.

Many people often ask the question, are acrylic bathtubs harmful? If the product is made of sanitary acrylic in compliance with the technology, then they do not bring any harm to the body. You can safely use the material presented in this article when buying an acrylic bathtub, and to consolidate the material, we suggest watching a video on the production of acrylic bathtubs.

In the past few years, acrylic bathtubs have gained immense popularity among consumers, as their technical characteristics and appearance far exceed the characteristics of analogues from other materials. Their advantages include low weight, the ability to retain heat, ease of care, reasonable cost and much more. But the choice of acrylic baths is still a difficult task for most buyers, since such products are on the market in a huge range.

The rating of foreign and domestic manufacturers, as well as instructions for choosing quality products, will help you understand the features and parameters of bathtubs.

To choose the right acrylic plumbing, you need to know a few important criteria affecting the quality and durability of the product.

Production material

Acrylic is polymer composition, which consists of several compounds (methacryls, polyesters). For the manufacture of sanitary ware, two of its varieties are used: ABS and PMMA. The first type is a two-component polymer, which is essentially an elastic plastic, and the second type is close to organic glass in its characteristics.

ABS is usually used to make the base of products, which is covered with a layer of PMMA on top. The result is a bathtub with a fairly thin layer of acrylic that can withstand about 5 years of operation. In addition, ABS has a high porosity and the ability to absorb water, due to which the baths quickly collapse.

PMMA is a more durable material with good technical specifications. It is durable and aesthetically pleasing, but products made from 100% PMMA are more expensive than others.

It is possible to determine which type of material was used in the manufacture of the bathtub by its appearance.

Attention: a broken bath bowl made of low-quality acrylic can lead to serious consequences in the form of a flood among neighbors, therefore, special attention should be paid to assessing the quality of the material.

Reinforcement

Acrylic itself does not have sufficient strength, therefore, a reinforcing layer is applied to products that will be subjected to mechanical stress. For this, epoxy resins, fiberglass and polyurethane foam are used, which cover the baths with layers in layers. outside(the more layers were applied to the surface, the greater the load the structure can withstand).

Reinforcing sanitary ware with polyurethane resins with the addition of fiberglass is cheaper, but a violation of the technology can cause the bath to emit a sharp chemical smell. Bathtubs reinforced with polyurethane foam are more expensive, but they are absolutely environmentally friendly and safe for humans.

Important: some manufacturers apply the reinforcing composition exclusively on the ends of the product - where the buyer can see them, while neglecting the processing of the rest of the surface.

Wall thickness and coating

The thickness of the walls of the bath is another characteristic on which the reliability and durability of the product depends. Good plumbing has a wall thickness in the range of 2 to 6.5 mm with a coating of at least 0.5-0.6 cm. In order to save money, you can purchase a product with thinner walls, but do not forget that their service life can be significantly reduced.

When pressing on the walls and bottom of the bowl, they should not spring or bend. Most sellers claim that too thin layer material is compensated by the reliability of the frame, but the durability and wear resistance of such products is highly questionable.

Dimensions and shape

The dimensions and shape of the products do not affect the quality, but the ease of use of plumbing depends on these criteria. From the point of view of ergonomics, the main parameters of the bath should look like this.

As for the shape, acrylic bathtubs can be either classic, rectangular, or angular, oval, etc. It should be noted that when buying non-standard products, special attention should be paid to quality, since the risk of deformation and mechanical damage in this case increases.

Video - How to choose an acrylic bath

Overview of manufacturers of acrylic bathtubs

On the modern market acrylic bathtubs are presented in large assortment for every taste and budget, but it is better to give preference to manufacturers who have already managed to gain a good reputation among consumers.

Foreign companies

If speak about foreign manufacturers plumbing, the most popular are companies from the Czech Republic, Poland, Spain and Italy. They meet European quality standards, so they are durable and reliable, but they are more expensive than domestic counterparts.

Ravak

The products of the Czech company Ravak are considered the most popular in Europe. Bathtubs are made from high quality material using modern equipment and technologies. Products have thick layer acrylic, reinforced with fiberglass and covered with polyurethane, which significantly increases their reliability and durability. The company's product range includes bathtubs of different sizes and shapes, and some models are equipped with additional features: hydromassage, lighting, etc.

The disadvantages of Ravak plumbing include a rather large weight (about 20% heavier than products from other manufacturers), as well as the difficulty in selecting components and fasteners.

Vagnerplast

Another brand from the Czech Republic, which was the first in Europe to start producing acrylic sanitary ware. Today, many companies are guided by Vagnerplast products, as they meet all quality standards. Products have an ergonomic shape, special supports for legs and head and adjustable legs. The company produces both classic bathtubs and exclusive models equipped with a massage system and other options.

Vagnerplast Cavallo 190×90

Roca

Roca bathtubs are made in Spain and are among the top three in terms of quality and durability. Products are made by injection molding using the extrusion method from high-quality acrylic. Their wall thickness is 4-5 mm, which is slightly less than that of other European counterparts, but due to high-quality reinforcement and a rigid frame, they are practically not subject to wear and chipping. Buyers claim that immediately after installation, some models creak a little, but after a while the sound disappears.

Cersanit

Cersanit bathtubs are among the best in terms of price and quality. They are made in Poland from sheet acrylic 4 mm thick. Products have good technical and decorative characteristics(double reinforced bottom, rigid frame, smooth surface), and the range of the company is constantly updated, so that any buyer can easily choose a bath to his liking. The disadvantages of Cersanit products include the fact that thinner antibacterial acrylic is used for their manufacture, so the installation of a hydromassage system is excluded in this case.

Acrylic corner bathtub CERSANIT VENUS 140×140

Kolo

The Polish concern Kolo is another leader in the production of acrylic bathtubs in Europe. For the manufacture of sanitary ware, sheets of English acrylic with a thickness of 3-5 mm are used, which have high reliability and durability. The technology of forming products involves the addition of a special pigment to the material, so that the bathtubs can be polished and cleaned without fear of damage or scratches. The Kolo product range includes both classic rectangular and angular and asymmetric models. As is the case with Cersanit products, Kolo bathtubs are made of thin acrylic, so it is not possible to install hydromassage systems in them.

Bathtub acrylic Kolo Relax 150×150cm

Riho

Riho is a Dutch company that offers a wide range of products including corner, round and even hexagonal bathtubs. The thickness of acrylic sheets that are used for the production of bathtubs is 6-8 mm, thanks to which the brand's sanitary ware is durable and wear-resistant. Particular attention in the manufacture of products is paid to their environmental friendliness and safety, so they have an antibacterial coating and a non-slip bottom. The most significant drawback of Riho bathtubs is the high cost, especially when it comes to non-standard products.

NEO 150×150 semicircular acrylic corner bathtub (RIHO)

Video - Choosing an acrylic bathtub of foreign brands

domestic producers

The cost of plumbing fixtures of domestic manufacturers is much lower than the price of their European counterparts, but this does not affect their quality at all. Modern products Russian companies Made from high quality acrylic innovative technologies and equipment, making them a good alternative to more expensive bathtubs.

aquanet

Acrylic bathtub Aquanet Fregate 120×120

Aquanet is a leading manufacturer of sanitary ware, which manufactures products according to recognized standards using equipment from Italy. Among domestic companies, the products of this brand are considered the most expensive, as they have quality certificates and provide a guarantee for all models. Aquanet bathtubs are made from 5 mm thick acrylic sheets, but thanks to a special reinforcement technology, the products are durable and reliable. The disadvantages of the brand include the use of a composite in the production process, which is why the first time after installation, the bath may emit a sharp chemical smell.

Acrylic bathtub Aquanet Graciosa 150×90

Bas

For the production of sanitary ware, the Bas brand also uses European equipment and materials, and in the process the material is processed infrared rays, which allows you to give it any shape. Reinforcement is made both with fiberglass with the addition of polymers, and with safer and more environmentally friendly polyurethane. The Bas range includes a large number of models different design, including bathtubs equipped with air and hydromassage systems. The manufacturer provides a ten-year warranty for all products.

Acrylic corner bath Bas Laguna 170×110 (right)

Aquatek

Aquatek bathtubs are made from 5mm acrylic sheets without any impurities and reinforced with fiberglass with polyester resin. In addition, they are durable aluminum frame which increases the reliability and durability of products. The advantages of the brand's products also include an attractive appearance and a pleasant to the touch surface, which makes hygiene procedures most comfortable. The surface of the baths is easy to clean and is not subject to mechanical damage during operation. The weight of products is from 15 to 25 kg, which greatly facilitates the transportation and installation of plumbing.

Radomir

Radomir is one of the first companies to start producing acrylic bathtubs in Russia. The lineup of the company includes bathtubs of different shapes and sizes, including products designed for people with handicapped. The main attention in the production of sanitary ware is given to its safety and environmental friendliness, so Radomir products can be found in hospitals and sanatoriums. Bathtubs have a special coating that prevents the growth of bacteria, as well as the formation of fungus and mold on the surface of the material. Additionally, brand products can be equipped with hydromassage, lighting, touch screen and other options.

Acrylic bathtub "Estelona" with panel

Hot tub "Sorrento"

1Mark

The 1Marka company has been operating in the domestic market for 15 years, the main production line is located in Kazan. The manufacturer specializes not only in acrylic bathtubs, but also in other sanitary ware. A feature of the enterprise is the presence of its own design office, which allows you to constantly improve products and create new models. 1Marka products are focused exclusively on the domestic consumer, so the company's product range includes many small-sized products that are well suited for small-sized bathrooms. If desired, any consumer can order plumbing according to their own original sketches.

Triton

Bathtubs of the domestic brand Triton are made from Dutch and Austrian materials using advanced technologies and reinforced with high-strength fiberglass. Inserts are used to give products additional strength. special form, and on top of the plumbing is covered with a composition that protects it from bacteria and mechanical damage during operation. The Triton product range includes rectangular and corner baths, models with hydromassage, lighting and chromotherapy lamps.

BellRado

Bathtubs under the BellRado brand are manufactured in the Chelyabinsk region and have already gained popularity not only in Russia, but also in neighboring countries. The company's plumbing belongs to the economy class, but the quality is not inferior to well-known European products. It is developed taking into account consumer requirements and features of the domestic market. The company offers about 30 different models bathtubs, including rectangular and asymmetric products, as well as bathtubs equipped with a hydromassage system.

Bathtub acrylic Bellrado "Gloria"

Acrylic bath "Margot"

Video - Acrylic bathtubs of Russian brands

Popular models of acrylic bathtubs 2017

When buying an acrylic bath, you should pay attention not only to the operational and decorative characteristics of the product, but also to related documents, which contains information about the manufacturer and products. In this case, the consumer will receive really high-quality sanitary ware, which will faithfully last for many years.

Repair in the shower room is a rather costly and difficult task, but after its completion, the room changes beyond recognition. Instead of old, chipped and yellowed analogues, acrylic bathtubs are very attractive products. However, like all materials, acrylic has not only advantages, but also certain disadvantages. More about the strengths and weaknesses today and the conversation will go.

Properties

How are acrylic bathtubs made? The main raw material is a variant of plastic or organic glass. As a rule, materials made from it are distinguished by their short service life, fragility, and limited use. But these are the disadvantages of cast acrylic coating, at the same time reinforced plastic has high performance. The antibacterial properties of the material are created due to special protective components.

Advantages

Acrylic bathtubs have their positive and negative aspects. This raw material can be used in the shower room for more than one year. However, with a long service life, certain conditions must be met to maintain the functions of acrylic. In addition, the advantages of the coating allow it to be used in sufficient difficult room with high humidity. Material advantages:

Negative points

Despite the fact that the coating is rightfully considered universal and has a large number of advantages, however, the disadvantages of acrylic are also characteristic, but not critical. The disadvantages of this coating are primarily associated with poor performance. Weaknesses are common to all baths, therefore, in order to correctly determine final choice, you need to weigh all the pros and cons of the material. Disadvantages:

In order not to make any fatal mistake when choosing a bathroom, you need to correctly approach the process of selecting a product. A high-quality product must meet the required standards for performance, external parameters, and also have specific criteria, for example, individual approach during installation. Professionals in their field recommend paying attention to the following details when examining an acrylic bath.

Along with traditional cast iron and steel baths Acrylic baths account for a significant share of the market for these plumbing fixtures. The advantages and disadvantages of acrylic bathtubs have been repeatedly described, and yet there is no consensus on their account.

Some believe that acrylic bathtubs are the best option of all possible, others that you should install an acrylic bathtub only if no other is suitable.

Replacing an acrylic bath

The truth, as you know, lies somewhere in the middle. And yet, in order to ensure the most objective choice, in this article we will not dwell on the merits, but will analyze the shortcomings of acrylic bathtubs. Maybe not everything is as bad as skeptics say?

But first, what are they?

Acrylic bathtubs: general information

Acrylic bathtubs (as their name implies) are made from a special polymer substance - acrylic.

There are two technologies for the production of acrylic bathtubs, and accordingly, all acrylic bathtubs are divided into:

• extruded
• cast

The plasticity of acrylic allows you to make baths from it yourself. different shapes and size, which is why it is used to make designer models baths.

Acrylic bath

For durability, acrylic bathtubs are coated on the outside epoxy resins and installed on a special metal frame.

The disadvantages and advantages of acrylic bathtubs are widely described on the Internet, and we will try to analyze all these facts as impartially as possible.

Acrylic bathtubs: a critical analysis

Disadvantages of acrylic bathtubs

So, necessary minimum information about what acrylic bathtubs are, we have received. It's time to analyze why, in fact, an acrylic bathtub is bad: are these really disadvantages, or features with which certain conditions can be reconciled.

cracks in acrylic

So, disadvantages:

• Insufficient resistance to high temperatures. As a rule, acrylic, which is used to make bathtubs, has a melting point of up to 160 degrees Celsius.
  Naturally, an acrylic bath will not be subjected to such a temperature load - but there are precedents when filled hot water acrylic bathtubs are deformed.
  Of course, this applies to bathtubs from the economy segment, but if, for example, you have a steel bathtub, you can generally ignore such disadvantages, unlike the situation with an acrylic bathtub.
• Another disadvantage of acrylic bathtubs is their mechanical fragility.. Firstly, under your weight, an acrylic bathtub can bend and “play”, which may well cause some discomfort.
  And secondly, when a sufficiently heavy object falls into an acrylic bath, a crack or hole may form in it. Again, you can fix it - but the situation itself is not pleasant.
• The third disadvantage is the sensitivity of acrylic to household chemicals . If steel or almost any means (excluding very aggressive chemicals and abrasives), then for an acrylic bath you will have to purchase a special cleaning agent.
  And if you try to "walk" on acrylic bath more traditional cleaners, be prepared for scratches, haze, and discoloration of the acrylic.

• The cost of acrylic bathtubs (given their limited service life) cannot be attributed to the advantages either..
  A high-quality acrylic bath is quite expensive, and its service life of 10-20 years makes this financial investment even less justified.

Note!

"By eye" to determine the quality and authenticity of acrylic is quite difficult. Therefore, there is a risk that the bathtub you bought will lose its luster and turn yellow after a few months of operation.

This means that either extremely low-quality acrylic or simple plastic was used in the manufacture of the bathtub.

Advantages of acrylic bathtubs

And yet, despite the impressive list of shortcomings, it is often the advantages of acrylic baths that outweigh:

• Acrylic bathtubs retain heat well, and the water poured into such a bath stays warm much longer.
• Acrylic bathtubs are not afraid of damage- the scourge of steel and cast iron baths.
• Acrylic bathtubs (of course, if they are made of high-quality acrylic) are easy to clean.. In most cases, rinsing the tub is sufficient. warm water and wipe dry.
• And finally - the design of acrylic bathtubs is much more diverse. than the design of bathtubs made of steel and cast iron.

Acrylic bath design

Which bath to choose: acrylic or cast iron? Comparing these two types, it should be noted that acrylic tightly holds the first position due to strength and elasticity, while cast iron is a less durable material and damage is possible during the impact. Paying attention to the properties, plasticity, lightness, a huge selection of shapes, durability and ease of removing scratches are inherent in an acrylic bath.

Cast iron bathtubs have screw feet that allow for height adjustment and excellent heat retention.

Putting it all together, we conclude that, based on the weight of the product, acrylic bathtubs are in the lead, while cast iron bathtubs can withstand maximum temperature conditions.

Thus, the conclusion suggests itself quite obvious: acrylic bathtubs, as well as bathtubs made of any other material, are not ideal. They have a number of shortcomings that will be insignificant for someone, but for someone they will become critical and will serve as a reason for refusing to buy.

In any case, when choosing plumbing, you should not fundamentally ignore acrylic bathtubs: the advantages and disadvantages of these bathtubs very often balance each other, and at least it is still worth evaluating one or another model!