Material · Engineering Plastics
Acrylic (PMMA)
The optical plastic: 92% light transmission, scratch-resistant, polishes to a glass-clear finish.
Price index: $
Material properties
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 70 MPa |
| Yield strength | ~70 MPa |
| Hardness | M93 (Rockwell) |
| Density | 1.19 g/cm³ |
Choose it when
Optics and appearance govern: PMMA transmits 92% of light (vs 88% for PC), resists scratching far better, and machine- or flame-polishes to true transparency at lower cost.
Look elsewhere when
The part can be struck or dropped: PMMA is brittle and shatters where polycarbonate bends. For guards and impact covers, machine PC and accept the polishing premium.
Compatible finishes
As-Machined
The baseline finish: straight off the machine, fastest and cheapest.
Polishing
Progressive abrasives down to mirror: the finish for optics, molds and show surfaces.
Silk Screening
The multi-color marking: inked legends and logos where laser’s single tone is not enough.
Laser Marking
Permanent identification with zero dimensional change: serials, logos and codes burned in, not stuck on.
Typical applications
- Optical viewports and instrument windows
- Light pipes and laser-path components
- Display stands and demonstration covers
- Microfluidic and lab device prototypes
Compared with similar grades
| Property | Acrylic (PMMA) | ABS | Polycarbonate (PC) | Nylon PA6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 70 MPa | 40 MPa | 66 MPa | 79 MPa (dry) |
| Yield strength | ~70 MPa | ~40 MPa | ~62 MPa | ~79 MPa (dry) |
| Hardness | M93 (Rockwell) | R105 (Rockwell) | R118 (Rockwell) | R119 (Rockwell, dry) |
| Density | 1.19 g/cm³ | 1.05 g/cm³ | 1.20 g/cm³ | 1.14 g/cm³ |
| Price index | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| Machinability | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
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