Similar to other plastic bathtubs, acrylic tubs are created by heating petrochemicals. The resulting product is mixed with fillers, dyes, resins, and stabilizers to create a reaction that will turn the polymer composition into acrylic sheets. For acrylic bathtubs, glass is incorporated into the material to make it more durable. Small lengths of glass are cut and combined into a resin-paste bed on top of the sheet of acrylic before an additional layer of filler is added to cover the glass. This reinforced acrylic sheet is processed through a series of rollers to ensure an even compression of the materials.
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Once the sheet thickens, it will be cut into sections depending on the mold that will be used. The soft acrylic sheet is placed into a giant vacuum with thousands of small holes to suction the material into the shape required.
During the production of acrylic, it does not contain or release BPA, a synthetic compound used to make plastic stronger. Some studies show that BPA has negative effects on the body, mainly by causing infertility in both men and women although it’s now debated if BPA is really that toxic. Either way, Acrylic is BPA-free and does not pose a health risk from this compound.