Acrylic

Signage and Display Boards – illuminated signs, advertising boards, shop displays Retail Fixtures – product stands, shelves, showcases Windows and Glazing – skylights, protective barriers, window panels Automotive Parts – light covers, dashboards, instrument panels Lighting Applications – diffusers, light guides, lamp covers Medical Devices – incubators, dental equipment panels Aquarium Panels – large transparent sheets with high clarity Furniture and Interior Design – tabletops, partitions, décor components Protective Barriers – sneeze guards, machine guards, safety shields Art and Craft – custom shapes, trophies, awards Electronics – screens, enclosures, optical components Household Items – containers, trays, cosmetic organizers

Acrylic exhibits good surface hardness compared to most common plastics. Its hardness typically falls in the following ranges: Rockwell Hardness (M Scale): 90–100 HRM Rockwell Hardness (R Scale): 115–125 HRR Acrylic maintains a rigid, scratch-resistant surface, though it is still softer than glass and can scratch under abrasive contact. Its hardness contributes to good wear resistance and durability for display, glazing, and protective applications.

Acrylic does not undergo conventional heat treatment like metals, but it can be thermally processed to improve stability and remove stresses: 1. Annealing (Stress Relief) Acrylic is commonly annealed to reduce internal stress caused by machining, cutting, or forming. Typical annealing temperature: 70–80°C The part is heated gradually, held for several hours, then cooled slowly. Prevents cracking, crazing, and warping during service. 2. Thermoforming Acrylic can be softened and shaped at temperatures around 140–170°C. After forming, the part is cooled to retain the new shape. 3. No Hardening Capability Acrylic cannot be hardened via quenching or heat treatment. Its mechanical properties are inherent to the polymer and cannot be increased with heat. Overall, heat treatment of acrylic focuses on stress relief and forming, not strengthening.

Acrylic cannot be hardened through any thermal or chemical process. Its hardness is determined entirely by its polymer structure, and no heat treatment, quenching, or chemical hardening can increase its surface or core hardness. However, certain methods can improve surface durability: 1. Hard-Coating (Surface Treatment) Acrylic sheets can be coated with scratch-resistant hard coatings such as: Silicone-based coatings UV-cured hard coats Anti-abrasion coatings These coatings significantly improve scratch resistance, UV stability, and chemical resistance. 2. Hard-Coated Acrylic Grades Some manufacturers offer pre-hard-coated acrylic sheets used for automotive lenses, displays, and instrument covers. 3. Not Possible: Heat hardening – ineffective Chemical hardening – no applicable process Work hardening – does not occur in acrylic In summary, acrylic’s hardness cannot be increased internally, but surface coatings can greatly improve its scratch resistance.

Acrylic can be welded, but it requires specialized plastic-welding techniques since it has a narrow softening range and can crack if overheated. Suitable Welding Methods Solvent Welding (Most Common) Uses solvents like dichloromethane (DCM) or chloroform to soften the surfaces, which then fuse together as the solvent evaporates. Produces clean, transparent joints if done correctly. Hot Gas (Air) Welding Uses heated air and a PMMA filler rod. Requires skill to prevent bubbles and crazing. Ultrasonic Welding Creates strong bonds for small precision parts. Common in electronics and medical components. Laser Welding Works when one part is laser-transparent and the other is laser-absorbent. Used for precise, clean joints. Limitations Acrylic is sensitive to overheating, which can cause: Crazing (micro-cracks) Discoloration Surface bubbling Bonds are usually not as strong as the solid sheet unless performed perfectly. Not Recommended Methods Heat fusion welding like for polyethylene (PMMA will burn or char before fusing properly).

Acrylic has good machinability and can be shaped with standard woodworking and metalworking tools, though it requires proper technique to prevent cracking or chipping. Key Machining Characteristics Cuts Easily Works well with saws, routers, CNC mills, and drills. Brittle Compared to Other Plastics Can chip or crack if feed rates are too high or tools are dull. Generates Heat Overheating can cause melting or “gumming,” so sharp tools and moderate speeds are essential. Excellent Polishing Ability Can be polished to optical clarity using buffing, flame polishing, or vapor polishing. Best Practices Use sharp carbide tools to avoid cracking. Maintain moderate cutting speeds with light feed rates. Use coolants or air blasts to reduce heat buildup. Drill with special acrylic drill bits for clean holes. Deburr carefully to prevent stress cracking. Machinability Rating Acrylic has a machinability rating of around 60–70% (relative to free-cutting brass = 100%). Acrylic is widely used in CNC machining and fabrication due to its ability to achieve very high clarity and smooth edges after finishing.

We supply high-grade Acrylic (PMMA) sheets, rods, tubes, and custom-molded parts in a variety of grades (clear, UV-stabilized, impact-resistant, flame-retardant). Material is sourced from reliable global manufacturers and is available in both standard sheet sizes and cut-to-order formats. Product Forms Sheets / Plates: 1 mm to 50 mm (or more) Rods / Bars: 5 mm to 200 mm diameter Tubes: Custom O.D. / I.D. as required Custom Fabrication: CNC-cut parts, laser-engraved signage, thermoformed components