Acrylic
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Acrylic (Polymethyl-Methacrylate or PMMA) is an amorphous thermoplastic
which is optically transparent, unaffected by moisture, and offers a high
strength-to-weight ratio. Common trade names of acrylic include
Plexiglas®, Lucite®, and Acrylite®.
GENERAL PROPERTIES
Acrylics offer high light transmittance with a Refractive Index of 1.49 and
can be easily heat-formed without loss of optical clarity. Prolonged exposure
to moisture, or even total immersion in water, does not significantly effect
the mechanical or optical properties of acrylic. Most commercial acrylics
have been UV stabilized for good weatherability and resistance prolonged
sunlight exposure.
Acrylics are unaffected by aqueous solutions of most laboratory chemicals,
by detergents, cleaners, dilute inorganic acids, alkalies, and aliphatic
hydrocarbons -- however, acrylics are NOT recommended for use with
chlorinated or aromatic hydrocarbons, esters, or ketones.
Acrylics are easily sawed, drilled, milled, engraved, and finished with
sharp carbide-tipped tools. Cut surfaces may be readily sanded and polished. They can also be readily bent or thermoformed at low temperatures. Solvent bonding of properly fitting parts produces a strong, invisible joint.
Acrylics are available in colorless clear, as well as a wide variety of
colors and tints. They are available in extruded and/or cast material
in sheet, rod and tube forms as well as custom profiles.
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
Acrylic is an economical, general purpose material used in a wide variety of
applications, including:
• store fixtures and displays
• lenses and lighting fixtures
• light pipes
• windows and skylights
• sight gauges
• furniture
• outdoor signs
• sculpture