Acrylic Transparent Extruded (XT)
Extruded (XT) Transparent acrylic (PMMA), also known under the brand names Plexiglas and Perspex, is a hard, transparent plastic. The material distinguishes itself from regular acrylic by the precise thickness tolerance obtained through the production process, namely the rolling of the sheet material. This process makes this type of acrylic very suitable for dimensionally stable applications. A disadvantage of extruded acrylic is that there is more tension on the material, which can cause small (hairline) cracks on the edge due to gluing or incorrect cleaning agents. Additionally, the material is not suitable for flat engravings due to this extra tension. The material is UV resistant and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Applications
Transparent acrylic has many applications, mainly in decorative industries.This acrylic is mainly found in applications that require high dimensional stability, such as model building, construction kits, and (small) mechanization.
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 sharp, clean, and the same color as the material. Engraved areas have a slightly whiter color compared to the material.
If there are only cutting and engraving lines in the design, we leave the foil on both sides. If there are engraving areas in the design, we need to remove the foil from the top side, which in some cases may result in a small amount of smoke residue on the material.
Cutting Width | 0.2mm (±0.05mm) |
Smallest Supplied Shape | 6x6mm |
Smallest Detail (Engraving) | 1mm |
Maximum Size |
120x60cm (up to 250x130cm possible on request) |
Additional Options | Double-sided Adhesive Film |
Post-processing
In principle, acrylic does not need post-processing, and for extruded acrylic, it is also discouraged due to the extra stress on the material. It cannot be glued, sawn, or bent.
To give line and surface engravings greater contrast, they can be filled with paint (color fill). If the excess paint is then removed, the paint remains in the grooves.
Appearance
The material has protective film on both the front and back sides. The material is scratch-sensitive without the protective film.
Acrylic has a slight surface gloss, and engraving lines are clearly visible up close. All parts are securely packed in a box and, if necessary, supported with wood.
Technical Information
Property |
Value |
Density | 1.2 grams / cm3 |
Thickness Tolerance | <3% |
UV Resistant | Yes |
Type of Acrylic | Extruded |
Delivery Time: Delivery possible from 1-2 business days