Acrylic is very scratch resistant compared to other clear plastics. Acrylic sheet is a lighter alternative to glass and an economic substitute for polycarbonate in applications where strength is not a crucial factor.Acrylic is an incredibly useful plastic for applications requiring transparency where high impact resistance is not an issue. It can be cut into extremely fine shapes using laser cutting technology because the material vaporizes upon impact with the concentrated laser energy.Standard grades are rated as slow burning, but a special self-extinguishing grade of sheet is available. Although acrylic plastic weighs less than half as much as glass, it has many times greater impact resistance. As a thermal insulator, it is approximately 20% better than glass. It is tasteless and odourless.
Acrylic sheets are generally manufactured using the following two processes:
Property | Value |
---|---|
Technical Name | Acrylic (PMMA) |
Chemical Formula | (C5H8O2)n |
Melt Temperature | 130°C (266°F) |
Typical Injection Mold Temperature | 79-107°C (175-225°F) |
Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) | 95°C (203°F) at 0.46 MPa (66 PSI) |
Tensile Strength | 65 MPa (9400 PSI) |
Flexural Strength | 90 MPa (13000 PSI) |
Specific Gravity | 1.18 |
Shrink Rate | 0.2 – 1% (.002 – .01 in/in) |
Light Transmission | > 92% |
Refractive Index | 1.49 |
Relative Density | 1.19 g/cm3 |
Rockwell Hardness | M 102 |
Water Absorption | -.2% |
Flammability Class | 3, (BS 476 pt 7) UL94 HB |
Tanks
Industrial window glazing
Safety shields
Inspection windows
Machine covers
Enclosures around exhibits
Security barriers
Counter dividers
Display fixtures and cases
Signage and partition
Bedroom and living room furniture
Bathroom and Kitchen cabinets
Tabletops and counter-tops
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