Plexiglass. This transparent plastic is often referred to as Acrylite, Plexiglas, Lucite and Polycast, that happen to be specific brand names of Plexiglass. It’s also known as Acrylic or PMMA which come from it’s chemical name Poly(methyl methacrylate). This material was principally created and introduced to the market in the early 1900′s, and because of its unique properties has become an ideal substitute for glass. Plexiglass is lighter in weight than glass as well as having a much higher impact resistance. Plexiglass is also much easier to handle, cut and fabricate.