Acrylic Sheet

INTRODUCTION

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.


Specification

Acrylic sheets are generally manufactured using the following two processes:

  1. Extrusion: In this process, the raw acrylic resin is melted and pushed through a die, resulting in continuous sheets of uniform thickness.
  2. Cell Casting: This involves pouring liquid acrylic into molds, yielding higher-quality sheets suitable for specialized applications.
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

Advantages

  • Optical Clarity: They have excellent transparency, making them an ideal substitute for traditional glass.

  • Impact Resistance: They are significantly stronger than glass, making them highly resistant to impact and less likely to shatter or break.

  • Lightweight: They are lightweight, making them easier to handle and install compared to glass or other materials.

  • Chemical Resistance: They are resistant to many chemicals, making them suitable for use in laboratories and chemical environments.

  • Scratch and Stain Resistance: They have a hard surface that resists scratches, maintaining their appearance over time.

  • Hygienic: They are easy to clean and maintain, making them a hygienic choice for applications in kitchen furniture and bathroom cabinets.

  • Recyclable: They are recyclable, contributing to sustainability and environmental conservation.

  • Durability: They are tough and resist scratches & scraping, making them a long-lasting solution. With UV-resistance, they do not crack or yellow when exposed to sunlight, maintaining their clarity and colour.

  • Easy Maintenance: They resist stains and do not absorb moisture. Their high water-resistance makes them ideal for applications in moist environments such as bathrooms and kitchens. The non-porous surface prevents water damage and facilitates easy cleaning.

  • Variety of Finishes: They come in a wide variety of patterns, colours, and textures that make them a popular choice.

  • Versatility: They can be used on a variety of surfaces, including countertops, cabinets, walls, and furniture.

Applications

  • 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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