Description
PMMA stands for Polymethyl Methacrylate and is commonly known under the brand name Plexiglas. Due to its crystal-clear appearance, PMMA thermoformed parts are often used as glass substitutes in various applications. While PMMA shares similar properties with polycarbonate (PC), it is more brittle and has lower impact resistance. However, thanks to its weather resistance, PMMA thermoformed parts are widely used in outdoor applications.
Processing and Thermoformability
PMMA is a very stiff and hard thermoplastic, making it challenging to thermoform and process. To successfully thermoform PMMA plastic, it must be pre-blown with compressed air after heating before being shaped in the forming tool (stretch-forming process). Since PMMA is highly rigid, the primary challenge in thermoforming is preventing stress cracks from forming during the process.
Material Options
Antistatic
PrintableESD
Flocked
Regenerate
Sterilizable
Adhesive
WeldableFacts
Price
Colors
Features
- High impact resistance
- High hardness
- High transparency
- Very good scratch resistance
- Temperature resistant up to 90°C
- Weather and UV resistant
Weaknesses
- No alcohols
- No solvents
- Very brittle
- Very sensitive to stress cracking
Common Industries and Applications:
Automotive
- Vehicle glazing
- Motorcycle covers
- Windshields
Electronics
- Lamp housings
- Lampshades
- Light covers
- Display panels
- Camera covers
Medical Technology
- Washbasins
- Reagent holders
- Covers for medical equipment
Consumer Goods
- Shower trays
- Roof glazing
- Protective hoods
Mechanical Engineering
- Machine part covers
- Equipment enclosures
- Protective housings for glass processing machines
- Machine covers
- PMMA-formed components
- Casings
Facts and Figures:
| Group | Technical Thermoplastics |
| Structure | Amorphous |
| Density | 1.18 |
| Continuous Use Temperature Min. (in °C) | -40 |
| Continuous Use Temperature Max. (in °C) | 70 |
| Thermal Expansion Transverse/Longitudinal to Flow Direction (10^-6 *K) | 80 |
| Melting Temperature (°C) | 110 |
| Max. Temp. Short-Term (°C) | 100 |
| Max. Temp. Long-Term (°C) | 90 |
| Impact Strength (KJ/m^2) | 20 |
| Tensile Strength (N/mm²) | 80 |
| Tensile Modulus of Elasticity (N/mm²) | 3300 |
| Elongation at Break (%) | 3 |
| Flexural Strength (N/mm²) | 130 |
| Ball Indentation Hardness (N/mm²) | 195 |
| Volume Resistivity (Ω · m) | 1E15 |
| Surface Resistivity (Ω) | 1E14 |
| Tracking Resistance CTI | 600 |