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ENGINEERING MATERIAL

PMMA / Acrylic (Perspex®)

The premier transparent plastic for clarity and aesthetics. Acrylic, known by various trade names like Plexiglass® and Perspex®, is a rigid, glass-like thermoplastic offering exceptional optical properties and weather resistance.

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A highly polished, optically clear lamp cover, showcasing the clarity of Acrylic

Clarity, UV Stability, and a Glass-like Aesthetic

Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) is an amorphous thermoplastic polymer often used as a lighter, more impact-resistant alternative to traditional glass. Its key advantages stem from its molecular structure, which allows it to remain clear even when thick.

Exceptional Optical Clarity

Acrylic transmits up to 92% of visible light, making it clearer than most glass. It has very low haze, resulting in a crystal-clear appearance after polishing.

High Scratch Resistance

Among transparent plastics, PMMA has the highest surface hardness and is most resistant to scratching, making it suitable for display panels and protective covers.

Excellent UV & Weather Resistance

Acrylic is inherently stable against UV radiation. It will not yellow or become brittle over time with prolonged sun exposure, making it ideal for outdoor applications.

Fabricating Acrylic Components

We primarily use CNC machining and laser cutting to produce high-quality PMMA parts. Achieving optical clarity on machined parts requires specialized post-processing.

  • CNC Machining: Ideal for creating precise 3D shapes, thick lenses, light pipes, and complex display panels. Machined surfaces initially appear translucent and require polishing for transparency.
  • Laser Cutting: Excellent for rapidly and accurately cutting intricate 2D shapes from acrylic sheets. Laser cutting produces a clean, flame-polished edge directly from the machine, eliminating the need for secondary polishing on the cut edges.
  • Bonding: Acrylic parts can be solvent-welded to create strong, optically clear joints for display cases, prototypes, and enclosures.
A transparent acrylic panel being precisely CNC milled

PMMA Plastic FAQ

What is the difference between Acrylic and Polycarbonate (PC)?

Acrylic has better optical clarity and scratch resistance. Polycarbonate is significantly stronger, virtually unbreakable, and has higher temperature resistance. Choose Acrylic for aesthetic, optical applications where impact is not severe; choose PC for toughness and durability.

Can PMMA be 3D printed?

While some 3D printing technologies (like SLA) can use clear resins that offer clarity, they do not match the inherent optical quality or scratch resistance of machined and polished PMMA. FDM printing with PMMA filament is notoriously difficult due to warping.

Can you vapor polish Acrylic parts?

Yes, vapor polishing is highly effective for machined acrylic (and polycarbonate) parts. It uses a chemical vapor to reflow the surface, effectively removing microscopic tool marks and restoring optical clarity, especially on internal features.