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Cast Acrylic is a form of
Cast Acrylic is a form of poly(methyl methacrylate)
Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is a synthetic polymer derived from methyl methacrylate. It is a transparent thermoplastic, used as an engineering plastic. PMMA is also known as acrylic, acrylic glass, as well as by the trade names and bran ...
(PMMA). It is formed by casting the monomer
A monomer ( ; ''mono-'', "one" + '' -mer'', "part") is a molecule that can react together with other monomer molecules to form a larger polymer chain or two- or three-dimensional network in a process called polymerization.
Classification
Chemis ...
, methyl methacrylate
Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is an organic compound with the formula . This colorless liquid, the methyl ester of methacrylic acid (MAA), is a monomer produced on a large scale for the production of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA).
History
MMA ...
, mixed with initiators and possibly other additives into a form or mold. Sheet and rod stock are generated by casting into static forms, while tubing is done in rotational molds.
Advantages
It has better thermal stability, higher resistance to crazing when exposed to solvents, wider thermoforming range than extruded acrylic. Cast acrylic has a better ability to be reworked hot and it is known for its superior surface finish and optical properties. Also cast acrylic is more scratch resistant than extruded acrylic. Cast acrylic is also preferred over extruded in applications that require machinings, such as turning on Engine Lathe or milling/drilling. Extruded acrylic, with far less thermal stability, tends to melt and clog cutting tools. Even with slow speeds and much coolant, extruded acrylic does not produce the surface finish and tight tolerances achievable with cast acrylic.Properties
Advantages of Acrylic (PMMA): *Excellent optical clarity and transparency *Highly resistant to variations in temperature *Up to 17 times the impact resistance of ordinary glass *Half the weight of glass and ideal for precision machining *Highly resistant to many different chemicals *Has certain properties making it an ideal material for use in a wide range of applications, including medical, life sciences and food/beverage testing. PMMA – PolyMethyl MethAcrylate. Crylux, Plexiglas, Walcast, Acrylite, Lucite, and Perspex are trade names for Acrylic.Technical specification
General Properties: *Relative Density 1.19 g/cm3 *Rockwell Hardness M 102 *Water Absorption 0.2% *Flammability Class 3 (BS 476 pt 7), UL94 HB Mechanical: *Tensile Strength 75 MPa *Flexural Strength 115 MPa Thermal Properties: *Minimum Service Temperature -40°C *Maximum Service Temperature 80°C *Softening Point >110°C *Linear Expansion 7.7×10-5 Optical Properties: *Light Transmission >92% *Refractive Index 1.49Usage
This type of acrylic is often used for aquariums, awards, financial tombstones, trophies, corporate gifts, and other products that require shaping or machining. It tends to be more clear and made to a higher quality standard, but in doing so makes it more expensive than extruded acrylic.References
{{reflistSee also
* Financial tombstone * Acrylic embedment Plastics industry