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As
an international provider of custom plastic parts and
components, Aline Components features plastic injection
molding and manufacturing of acrylic thermoplastic materials
for customers in various markets throughout Pennsylvania,
New Jersey, and Delaware, as well as throughout the nation
and the world at large. For applications that demand the
tough, durable properties of glass, acrylic plastic may
be considered another, perhaps more viable, option.
What
is Acrylic Thermoplastic Material?
Acrylic is the common term for the synthetic polymer,
polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Since it’s inception
to the market, acrylic has significantly increased in
both use and benefit. This transparent thermoplastic material
is now sold under various trade names including but not
limited to Plexiglass, Perspex, Acrylite, Acrylplast,
and Lucite.
Methyl methacrylate is the basic monomer
from which acrylic is produced and can be formed in several
different ways depending on the chemical reaction of the
acrylic formulation. Utilizing different methods and controlling
elasticity proportions can adjust the properties of acrylic
for compliance with most application requirements. Aline
maintains close working relationships with referred acrylic
suppliers to obtain the precise formulation that will
result in the highest level of performance for your product
or system.
Acrylic Plastic
Properties
When heated to 100°C, acrylic can be easily formed
and manufactured in sheets, rods, and tubes or injection
molded as powder, cast, or sheets. Colorless and highly
transparent, acrylic resins will not discolor or fade
when exposed to light over time. Acrylic plastic can transmit
both ultraviolet and white light, which makes it highly
resistant to ultraviolet radiation and weathering. Although
acrylic is one of the few plastics that cannot be easily
recycled, it can be reused if manufactured as a large
piece and does not show signs of crazing or cracking.
Advantages of Acrylic Plastic Include:
• Ease of plastic injection molding and manufacturing
• Lightweight
• Impact resistant
• Weather and heat resistant
• Tough, durable
• Dimensional stability
• Excellent clarity
A tough plastic, acrylic does not shatter even under
high impact. Its resistance to oxidizing agents enables
acrylic to perform well in water. With a tensile strength
of 8,000 pounds per square inch and a compressive and
flexural strength of 15,000 pounds per square inch,
acrylic can be used as a great substitute for glass.
Rigidity, durability, and stability all make acrylic
an excellent choice for a variety of applications, but
perhaps its most distinct feature is its optical clarity.
Although acrylic is inherently more scratch resistant
than other thermoplastic materials, it is softer and
more easily scratched than glass. Also, acrylic plastic
has a low resistance to abrasion and subsequently is
subjected to crazing when used in replace of glass.
Aline can help avoid potential scratches and abrasion
by coating the surface for superior finish qualities.
Whether you need a custom plastic part or component
for outdoor applications where transparent materials
are required or you need a lightweight material for
applications where glass was traditionally used, custom
plastic injection molded and manufactured acrylic plastic
for Aline Components provides a long, high performance
service life.
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