Acrylic Metallic

Metallic acrylic (PMMA), also known under the brand names Plexiglas and Perspex, is a hard, opaque plastic. The sheets have a fine metallic finish with a glossy surface. 

Applications

Metallic acrylic is primarily used for optical applications such as displays, interiors, or statement pieces. The material is also used as a replacement for metal (where it is obviously not needed for structural applications). 

Design considerations

There are few restrictions when cutting acrylic. For finger joints, it is important to consider the thickness tolerances of acrylic to prevent internal stresses and thus cracking or breaking. Additionally, acrylic in thin or long strips is relatively brittle and sensitive to warping due to the heat released during cutting, so keep this in mind in the design.

Laser Cutting

Acrylic has protective film on both sides, ensuring the sheets are fully protected before, during, and after cutting. The cut is precise, clean, and matches the color of the material. Engraved areas have a slightly whiter color compared to the material. 

If the design only contains cutting and engraving lines, we leave the film on both sides. If there are engraved areas in the design, we need to remove the film from the top side, and in some cases, a small amount of smoke may deposit on the material. 

Post-processing

In principle acrylic does not need post-processing due to the high quality of the material. The material can be glued, printed, sawn, sanded, milled, and bent afterwards. With each processing, it is important to consider that the cutting process puts pressure on the cutting edge, and if the acrylic is then processed, small cracks may occur in some cases. 

To give line and surface engravings greater contrast, they can be filled with paint (color fill). When the excess paint is removed, the paint remains in the grooves. 

Appearance

Depending on whether there are engraving surfaces in the design the material has protective film on both the front and back or only on the back. The material is prone to scratches without protective film.

Satin acrylic has a matte/satin finish on both sides of the material. Surface engravings have a matte white appearance. All parts are securely packed in a box and, if necessary, supported with wood. 

Technical Information

Delivery Time: Delivery possible from 1-2 working days