Acrylic – PMMA
Acrylic – polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) – is an amorphous thermoplastic which is optically transparent, acrylic is unaffected by moisture, and offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Acrylic is sold under various brand names including: Perspex, Plexiglas, Lucite and Crystallite. Acrylic also offers excellent resistance to ultraviolet radiation and weathering. It can be coloured, moulded, cut, drilled, and formed.
Acrylic plastic can be supplied in standard stock shapes for machining and fabricating. Its optical clarity means it is often used as a substitute for glass, PMMA acrylic is more flexible, lighter and stronger than glass whilst still having good chemical resistance and weathering properties.
Extruded acrylic is the material choice for sign and display applications due to its ease of working. Cast acrylic, with greater mechanical properties is preferred for machining.
It should be noted that acrylic has poor resistance to solvents and can be subject to stress cracking
Applications
- Signage and display
- Window glazing
- Point of sale displays
- Lighting
- Furniture
Benefits of acrylics:
- High hardness
- Good weather resistance
- Excellent optical clarity
- Good chemical resistance
- Good impact resistance
- High heat resistance
- Good UV resistance
Forms:
- Acrylic rod
- Acrylic square bar
- Acrylic sheet (extruded or cast)
- Acrylic tube