Thermoplastic
Materials
Acrylic Thermoplastic Materials for Aline Components Plastic Injection Molding and Manufacturing
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.
- 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.