Materials > Plastic

Acrylic

A strong transparent thermoplastic known for its clarity
Also known as
Methyl Methacrylate, PMMA

What is Acrylic?

Acrylic is a clear, amorphous plastic. It's commonly used as a lightweight, non-fragile alternative to glass. It's a thermoplastic which means it melts when heated to a certain temperature. This makes it a viable option for injection molding.

Acrylic is known for its optical clarity, so it's most commonly used in transparent applications. It can be colored or uncolored. Acrylic is commonly referred to as Plexiglass, which is actually a branded type of acrylic.

Why choose it?

  • Excellent optical clarity
  • Does not release BPA (Bisphenol A)
  • Relatively high tensile strength
  • Resistant to UV rays
  • Resistant to water

Why not choose it?

  • Resin code #7, not likely to be recycled
  • Often more expensive than glass, or other plastics
  • Not resistant to heat
  • More prone to scratching than glass
  • Moderate impact resistance
  • Derived from fossil fuels