PMMA (Acrylic) is one of the most widely used transparent thermoplastics in precision manufacturing. At MYT Machining, we offer top-tier CNC machining services tailored to meet diverse industrial requirements in automotive, medical, electronics, and consumer goods.
No matter if you’re interested in the longevity of acrylic or asking whether acrylic is better than glass, you will find the answer here. So, get your instant quote today!
A Deep Understanding of PMMA (Acrylic) & Its Role
Polymethyl Methacrylate or acrylic is a lightweight transparent plastic that is often used as a replacement for glass. PMMA is renowned for having high optical clarity as well as weather resistance, making it suitable to be used both indoors and outdoors.
Key Features of PMMA (Acrylic)
- High-Dimensional stability
- Aspects of good UV and weather resistance
- CNC machining and polishing performed well
- It is obtainable in cast and extruded forms
PMMA Physical Properties Table
| Property | Value (Typical) | Unit | Notes |
| General | | | |
| Density | 1.18 – 1.20 | g/cm³ | Relatively lightweight compared to glass. |
| Refractive Index | 1.49 | (dimensionless) | Contributes to its optical clarity. |
| Water Absorption (24 hrs) | 0.2 – 0.4 | % | Low water absorption, good for dimensional stability. |
| Transparency (Visible Light) | 92 – 93 | % | Excellent optical clarity, higher than many other plastics and some glass. |
| Mechanical | | | |
| Tensile Strength | 50 – 77 | MPa (or N/mm²) | Good strength for its weight. |
| Flexural Strength | 80 – 110 | MPa | Good resistance to bending. |
| Modulus of Elasticity (Tensile) | 2.5 – 3.3 | GPa | Measure of stiffness. |
| Hardness (Rockwell M) | M 85 – M 105 | (Scale) | Relatively hard surface, but can scratch more easily than glass. |
| Impact Strength (Notched Izod) | 1.0 – 2.0 | kJ/m² (or ft-lb/in for US units) | Brittle compared to some other plastics, like polycarbonate. |
| Thermal | | | |
| Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) | 100 – 105 | °C | The temperature at which it softens significantly. |
| Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) | 85 – 100 (at 1.8 MPa) | °C | Indicates short-term heat resistance under load. |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.17 – 0.25 | W/(m·K) | Low thermal conductivity, good insulator. |
| Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion | 5−9×10−5 | 1/°C | Expands and contracts more than metals with temperature changes. |
| Max. Continuous Use Temperature | 65 – 80 | °C | Long-term service temperature. |
| Electrical | | | |
| Dielectric Strength | 20 – 40 | kV/mm | Excellent electrical insulator. |
| Volume Resistivity | 1014−1016 | Ohm·cm | Very high electrical resistance. |
PMMA Uses in Medical and Automotive Industries
PMMA, namely its clarity, resistance to chemicals, and machinability, makes it ideal in various industries:
Automotive Applications
- Light lenses and covers of LEDs
- Instrument panels
- Sub interior trims and display covers
Medical Applications
- Housing of diagnostic equipment
- Orthopedic and dental instruments
- Transparent lab equipment
Discover all our capabilities of machining any materials used in medical and automotive applications.
Cast PMMA Vs Extruded Acrylic: What is Right For You?
Cast PMMA vs extruded acrylic: it is a critical decision regarding quality and performance:
Cast PMMA
- Better optical quality and clarity;
- Improved chemical resistance
- Thickness tolerance according to the greater thickness.
Extruded Acrylic:
- Cost-effective
- More easier to thermoform
- More uniform thickness
MYT Machining assists you in choosing the type according to your requirements, and cuts and finishes are optimized.
CNC Machining PMMA Feed Rate Spindle Speed – Guide
Acrylic CNC machining requires precision. PMMA does not act like metals or even other plastics. The important points to note are:
Spindle Speed: 15-20 thousand RPM- optimum results.
Feed Rate: 300 to 500 mm/min (depending upon geometry)
This will prevent melting or chipping, so use sharp tools. And it required clamping and applying coolant properly
Get to Know About the PMMA Sustainability Recycling Circular Economy
As the demand for eco-conscious manufacturing grows, PMMA (Acrylic) is making strides in sustainability. Recycling PMMA may be reprocessed into new PMMA or other acrylic-based products. When responsible processing is done, low environmental impact. It’s also in favor of the circular economy model of plastics manufacturing
MYT Machining is a company that encourages the sustainability of sourcing and recycling of PMMA scrap materials.
Production vs. Extruded PMMA in Manufacturing
Understanding of this concept helps in selecting the right material for your project. Cast techniques PMMA are generally regarded as production PMMA, and tend to have a higher optical clarity, whereas extruded PMMA is fast and uniform.
Cast PMMA vs Extruded Acrylic Comparison
| Cast PMMA | Extruded Acrylic |
| Optical machining | Cost-effective |
| Stress resistant | Standard tolerances & best suited |
Why Choose MYT Machining for Acrylic CNC Machining?
- Years of experience in acrylic CNC machining
- Working with the latest CNC systems that are specifically optimized to work with thermoplastics
- Medical, automotive, aerospace, etc., custom applications.
- Close-tolerance, high-polish, and clear-edge finishes
- Quick lead times and ISO-quality standards.
Ready to Take Your PMMA Projects to the Next Level?
Whether you’re prototyping or moving into full production, MYT Machining is your trusted partner for precision PMMA (Acrylic) CNC machining. We possess technical mastery, material understanding, and state-of-the-art tools, which we bring together to face each challenge with clarity.
Get a Quote Now or find out more about other machining materials we provide!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is acrylic better than glass?
Acrylic weighs less, is shatter-resistant, and machines more easily than glass, and is ideal in any application where safety and weight are a concern.
Is PMMA liable to melt during a cut?
Yes, when there are wrong CNC settings. MYT applies correct spindle speeds and feeds to prevent the accumulation of heat as well as to produce clean cuts.
What is the difference between cast and extruded PMMA?
Cast PMMA is optically better and more resistant to chemicals. Extruded PMMA is cost-effective and consistent in thickness.
Is PMMA processed the same or recycled?
Absolutely! With appropriate processing, PMMA can be recycled and contributes to a sustainable circular economy.
What are the PMMA most commonly used industries?
PMMA applications (automotive/medical) are popular in automotive lights, medical equipment housings, consumer products, etc.
Can PMMA melt during cutting?
The answer is yes, PMMA may overheat and melt down in case it is not properly set. This is the reason why MYT employs the latest CNC methods and tooling to provide a burr-free finish.
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