NEWS & INSIGHTS

Acrylic is a synthetic plastic material made from a polymerised methyl methacrylate (PMMA). Acrylic sheet can be extruded or cast between two surfaces and due to the chemical and mechanical properties of the material is used in a  in a variety of applications including signs, displays and even as a substitute for glass.

An acrylic bath is made from cell cast acrylic which is cross links the polymer chains. This process enhances the chemical resistance, mechanical strength and thermal stability of the material.  The sheets of acrylic  are heated to make them playable. Once at the correct temperature they are transferred and clamped to an aluminium bath tool. A high pressure vacuum is applied and the acrylic is drawn down into the tool and a bath shaping is formed. – The malleable nature of acrylic makes it perfect for manufacturing baths in a variety of shapes and sizes. .

Enamel steel  is steel that has been coated with a layer of silica (sand) before being fired in a kiln at high temperature.  The result is a durable, non-reactive and corrosion resistance material . It is used in applications from cookware to washing machines and from oudoor signs to baths.  

A steel bath is made from a sheet of steel that is cleaned and then pressed into shape and before being given an enamel coating for reinforcement and aesthetic. The bath is then fired at high temperatures, much like toilets or basins are, to make a strong chemical bond between steel and enamel..

Cell cast, sanitary-grade acrylic offers several compelling advantages over steel in bath manufacturing, and this is why it remains our preferred material, both from a manufacturing point of view, and for the end user. Here are the top four reasons why we use acrylic to produce higher quality, more durable acrylic baths:

1. Superior thermal properties

Acrylic retains heat significantly better than steel, keeping bathwater warmer for longer periods. This thermal efficiency creates a more comfortable bathing experience while potentially reducing energy costs for reheating water. Unlike steel, which feels cold to the touch and acts as a conductor, allowing heat to dissipate and cool the water faster, acrylic maintains a warm surface temperature that’s pleasant against the skin.

2. Enhanced durability and maintenance 

While steel is prone to chipping, rusting, and showing water spots, cell cast acrylic maintains its appearance over time with minimal maintenance. Its non-porous surface resists staining and bacterial growth, requiring only simple cleaning with standard household products. Any minor scratches or damage can often be polished out, whereas steel damage typically requires professional repair or replacement.

3. Design flexibility and weight advantages

Acrylic’s mouldability allows for more complex shapes, integrated features, and ergonomic designs that would be costly or impossible to achieve with steel. The material is significantly lighter, reducing structural requirements and installation complexity. This weight advantage also makes transportation and handling more economical throughout the supply chain.

4. Comfort and acoustics

The material provides better slip resistance and superior sound dampening compared to steel, creating a quieter, more luxurious bathing environment. Combined with its naturally warm feel and smooth finish, acrylic delivers an overall more premium user experience that steel struggles to match.

These advantages make cell cast acrylic an increasingly preferred choice for bath manufacturers like Trojan seeking to balance performance, cost-effectiveness, and customer satisfaction in bath production. 

If you’re a distributor searching for a new supply of baths, with many variations available on the market, which do you choose?

Acrylic baths are the perfect options if you’re after a wide range of baths in different designs and sizes. Acrylic is also around 90% of sales outside London. Interestingly steel baths are popular in the capital.. They Acrylic is also designed with longevity in mind, which means Trojan can offer all our baths with a standard 25-year guarantee. Acrylic baths are ideal for those spaces where enhanced durability and low maintenance are a must.

Steel may be seen as the luxury choice – it’s heavier meaning it’s harder to transport and often pricier, but most steel baths can be recycled making them more eco-friendly.

Our range of acrylic baths is manufactured with sustainability in mind. As a leading British acrylic bath manufacturer, we have developed and patented an innovative recycling process that reduces landfill and supports a circular economy.

Thanks to our partnership with Future Polymers, any waste acrylic is processed, separated and cleaned of any contamination without using any chemicals. These facilities allow us to process both clean and polluted plastic waste, ensuring that as little material as possible is sent to landfill.  

From sheet to showroom, every acrylic bath we create is a testament to our commitment to quality and the craftsmanship of loyal employees who care. While manufacturing techniques may evolve, as a quality UK bath manufacturer, our dedication to creating acrylic bathing products that enhance our customers’ homes for decades remains unchanged.

Want to learn more about Trojan’s range of acrylic baths? Get in touch today