PMMA (Acrylic)
Transparent thermoplastic with 92% light transmittance and excellent UV resistance. Acrylic is a lightweight, shatter-resistant alternative to glass for displays and signage.
About PMMA (Acrylic)
PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate), commonly known as acrylic, delivers 92% light transmission — the highest optical clarity of any thermoplastic and comparable to optical glass. Unlike glass, it is shatter-resistant, half the weight, and easily machined into complex optical shapes.
FabRapid CNC machines acrylic for display panels, light guides, optical lenses, protective windows, and point-of-sale displays. Machined acrylic can achieve optical-grade surfaces with proper toolpath strategies, diamond polishing, and flame polishing.
Acrylic is available in cast (better optical quality, easier to machine) and extruded (lower cost, better thickness uniformity) forms. Cast acrylic is preferred for machined parts due to its superior stress-crack resistance and more consistent properties.
Material Properties
Compatible Manufacturing Processes
PMMA (Acrylic) can be processed using these manufacturing methods.
Available Surface Finishes
Surface treatments compatible with PMMA (Acrylic).
Common Applications
Design Guidelines for PMMA (Acrylic)
Use cast acrylic for CNC machining — extruded acrylic is more prone to stress cracking
Flame polishing restores optical clarity on machined edges quickly and cost-effectively
Avoid coolant contact during machining — some coolants cause stress cracking; use air blast instead
Minimum bend radius for thermoforming: 2× material thickness
PMMA (Acrylic) FAQ
Acrylic: better optical clarity (92% vs 88%), better scratch resistance, better UV resistance, lower cost. Polycarbonate: 250× better impact resistance, higher temperature tolerance, better for safety-critical applications. Choose acrylic for displays and optical parts; polycarbonate for protective shields and impact-prone applications.
Yes. Acrylic is one of the best materials for CO2 laser cutting, producing flame-polished edges that require no secondary finishing. It vaporizes cleanly without melting, resulting in crisp, smooth cuts. Both cast and extruded acrylic laser cut well.
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