Cast Acrylic

Uses & Characteristics

Widely used for:

Performance Characteristics:

Easy To Bond
Easy To Fabricate
Easy To Machine
Easy To Thermoform
Chemical Resistant

Regulations

UL-94 Flame Class
FDA
ASTM/Mil-Spec
USP Class VI
FAR 25.853 Flammability
FAR 25.853 Smoke
Boeing/Airbus Toxicity
D635 Self Extinguishing
FAR 25.853 Heat Release (OSU 65/65)
RoHS Compliant
REACH Compliant

Physical Properties

Density 0.9g/cm³
Water Absorption 0.01%
Moisture Absorption at Equilibrium 0.03%
Linear Mold Shrinkage 0.005mm/mm
Melt Flow 10g/10 min

Electrical Properties

Dielectric Strength 450V/mil
Dielectric Constant 2.55 - 3.40none
Dissipation Factor 0.02none
Volume Resistivity 1.00E+15ohm-cm
Surface Resistivity 10^14ohms
Arc Resistance 125s
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600V
Thermal Coefficient of Dielectric Constant NAnone
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Sensitivity NAnone
Breakdown Voltage 20kV/mm

Mechanical Properties

Hardness, Rockwell R 115
Tensile Strength, Ultimate 70MPa
Tensile Strength, Yield 60MPa
Elongation at Break 5%
Elongation at Yield 5%
Modulus of Elasticity 3000MPa
Flexural Yield Strength 100MPa
Flexural Modulus 3200MPa
Compressive Yield Strength 100MPa
Bearing Yield Strength 55MPa
Shear Strength 45MPa
Izod Impact, Notched 0.3J/cm
Izod Impact, Unnotched 1.2J/cm
Gardner Impact 3J
Falling Dart Impact 3.5J
Instrumented Impact Total Energy 4J

Thermal Properties

CTE, linear 7.010^-5 in/in/°F
CTE, linear, Transverse to Flow 7.010^-5 in/in/°F
Deflection Temperature at 0.46 MPa (66 psi) 225°F
Deflection Temperature at 1.8 MPa (264 psi) 203°F
Vicat Softening Point 221°F
Flammability, UL94 HB
Max Continuous Operating Temperature 160°F
Minimum Operating Temperature - 40°F
Thermal Conductivity 0.2W/m/K

Common Properties

Common Brand Names Plexiglas, Acrylite, Lucite
Typical Thickness Size 0.06, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1 in
Typical Lengths 48, 72, 96 in
Typical Widths 24, 36, 48 in
Friendly Names Acrylic Glass, Perspex
Common Profiles Sheets, Rods, Tubes

Cast Acrylic at Piedmont Plastics

Cast acrylic, commonly referred to as plexiglass, is an extremely versatile material that can be found in a variety of applications. Cast acrylic is a synthetic plastic created by a chemical reaction between a catalyst and a monomer, resulting in a lightweight and transparent plastic product.

Our clear cast acrylic is transparent, strong, lightweight, and is available in a wide range of sizes, thicknesses, and colors. You can also request to have your acrylic sheet cut-to-size or machined into fabricated parts to meet the exact specifications of your application. Submit a request for more information!

Key Features and Benefits of Cast Acrylic

Cast acrylic is the premier plastic choice for those looking for superior clarity and strength in their applications. Our clear cast acrylic is transparent, impact resistant, moisture resistant, and half the weight of glass, yet 17 times stronger. In addition, cast acrylic boasts a higher optical clarity than glass, but it is also 10 times more shatter resistant. We also offer non-glare P99 acrylic, which helps maximize clarity and reduce light reflection at different angles.

Cast acrylic is extremely versatile, and can be easily shaped, machined, or laser cut to your exact specifications. It is available in many sizes, thicknesses, finishes, and is easily thermoformed to meet your needs. Lastly, cast acrylic possesses a higher molecular weight than its extruded acrylic counterpart, resulting in a better resistance to crazing when exposed to solvents and a harder surface.

Common Applications of Cast Acrylic

Cast acrylic is commonly used for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications. Thanks to the versatility and durability of this material, it is also utilized in a large variety of industries. Cast acrylic is commonly used for signage, advertising and POP displays, architectural glazing, safety partitions and barriers, framing, and many more applications.

Cast Acrylic Standard Sizes, Thicknesses, and Colors

Cast Acrylic Sheet Sizes	24” x 36”, 24” x 48”, 48” x 96”, 48” x 120”, 50” x 72”, 50” x 100”, 51” x 100”, 54” x 100”, 60” x 96”, 72” x 96”, 72” x 100”, 80” x 120", 100” x 126”
Cast Acrylic Thicknesses	1/8”, 3/16”, 1/4”, 3/8”, 1/2”, 3/4”
Cast Acrylic Color Options	Red (2283), Yellow (2037), Blue (2050), Grey (2064), Green (2108), Orange (2119), Bronze (2370), and many more color options available upon request.

Cast Acrylic Product Options

OPTIX® - Known as a standout continually processed, high-quality acrylic sheet, this product by Plaskolite is ideal for almost any fabrication or glazing application. OPTIX acrylic sheet exceeds many industry standards for quality and safety. Its impact resistance UV stabilization and crystal clear or colored options make it the ideal choice for indoor and outdoor applications.

Plexiglas® - Not to be confused with the generic plexiglass term, this brand name for cast acrylic is easily recognized as a clear material solution for numerous projects. Plexiglas satisfies the requirements of nearly all high-performance applications and is versatile enough to be used in many residential, commercial, industrial, and professional environments.

ACRYLITE® - A material manufactured to fit a wide range of applications, ACRYLITE acrylic panels offer great design flexibility and versatility for any market. This acrylic sheet provides several functionalities and is known to be durable and environmentally compatible. We also cary several frame grade ACRYLITE materials.

Lucite® - A high-quality acrylic sheet known best for its industrial look, Lucite is ideal for a variety of interior and exterior projects. Available in numerous eye-catching colors, this acrylic sheet lasts longer than many other materials with its resistance to yellowing and fading.

How to Cut Acrylic Sheet

Cutting cast acrylic sheet is simple, and in many cases, can be done with household tools. A plastic cutter, tape measurer, clamps, a straight edge, a sharp tip permanent marker, and proper safety equipment is all you will need for the score and break method.

For more complex modifications, Piedmont Plastics offers a variety of value-added services including cut-to-size and CNC routing capabilities.

Have Questions About Cast Acrylic?

At Piedmont Plastics, clear materials like acrylic are our specialty. Our team of dedicated plastics experts are fully prepared to provide the solutions you need for your application. In addition, we have dedicated teams of market specialists across numerous industries including marine, industrial, specialty vehicle, sign and graphics, and more to help identify the right material for you.

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