Acrylic

What is Acrylic?

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a transparent and rigid thermoplastic material used in various applications. Acrylic is clear with high light transmission. PMMA grades allow 92% of light to pass through it, which is more than glass or other plastics! Acrylics can also be easily thermoformed without any loss in optical clarity. 

Acrylic is tough and durable with density ranging between 1.17-1.20 g/cm^3. PMMA has excellent scratch resistance when compared to other transparent polymers like Polycarbonate. Acrylics in their pure form, meaning without any additives, are unaffected by aqueous solutions of most laboratory chemicals, by detergents, cleaners, dilute inorganic acids, alkalies, and aliphatic hydrocarbons. However, pure acrylics are not recommended for use with chlorinated or aromatic hydrocarbons, esters, or ketones.

Co-monomers, additives, or fillers can be used to further enhance PMMA properties such as impact resistance, chemical resistance, flame retardancy, light diffusion, UV light filtering, or optical effects.

 Strengths

  • High resistance to UV light and weathering
  • High light transmission
  • Unlimited coloring options. 
  • 10 times the impact resistance of glass at half the weight. 
  • Less risk of damage than many other clear materials. 
  • Non-toxic in solid form 
  • BPA-Free (bisphenol A) 
  • Naturally compatible with human tissue

Types of Acrylic

There are two basic types of acrylic: extruded and cell cast. Extruded or “continuous cast” acrylic is softer and may contain impurities. Cell cast acrylic is a higher quality acrylic.

Reschcor works with extruded acrylic only. 

Popular brands of acrylic:

Plexiglas®, ACRYLITE®, PARAPET®, Diakon®, Colacryl ®, Elvacite ®, Perspex®, ALTUGLAS®, Optix®, DELPET™, and SUMIPEX®.

Applications

Acrylic is used in a variety of industries such as architecture and construction, lighting, automotive and transportation, electronics, medical and healthcare, and furniture.

Examples using Acrylic (PMMA)

  • LCD/LED tv screens
  • Electronic displays
  • Car windows
  • Storage cabinets
  • LED light casing
  • Light fixtures and lenses.
  • Window and door profiles, canopies, panels, and façade design

Reschcor’s Capabilities

Reschcor is the industry’s leading supplier for quality, custom-engineered plastic extrusion manufacturing. We pride ourselves on our ability to create a custom solution for even the most challenging of problems. Reschcor’s capabilities utilize 23 production lines covering a wide output range operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have extensive experience processing both pellet and powder formulations. Our state-of-the-art downstream equipment and advanced air, water and vacuum systems allow us to succeed with profiles of any shape or size. Contact Reschcor today so we can learn more about your company and understand how we can help your business succeed.