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Author: PLEXIPOL Technical Team
Processing and distribution of plastics in Warsaw since 1995
Processing and distribution of plastics in Warsaw since 1995
What exactly is acrylic?
“Acrylic” (or “Plexiglas”) is the common name for acrylic glass, i.e. PMMA (poly(methyl methacrylate)). It combines glass-like clarity with low weight and shatter resistance, which is why it is used everywhere traditional glass is too heavy, too expensive or too dangerous — from displays and advertising to machine guards and interior décor.
Key properties of PMMA
- Light weight — acrylic weighs about half as much as glass of the same thickness (density approx. 1.19 g/cm³), which greatly simplifies installation and transport.
- Crystal clarity — transmits about 92% of visible light, more than typical soda-lime glass.
- Safety and impact resistance — many times higher strength than glass; on impact it does not shatter into sharp shards.
- UV stability — high-grade PMMA does not yellow or go cloudy under sunlight, making it suitable for outdoor use.
Types of acrylic: cast vs extruded
Depending on the production technology, there are two main types:
- Cast acrylic (Cast / GS) — ideal for CO2 laser cutting (produces a crystal-clear, glossy edge), CNC milling and diamond polishing.
- Extruded acrylic (Extruded / XT) — economical, with very uniform thickness, excellent for hot bending and gluing.
Choosing thickness for your application
| Sheet thickness | Typical application |
|---|---|
| 2–3 mm | Frames, anti-glare frames, light covers, leaflet holders |
| 4–6 mm | Shop shelves, glazing, office partitions, POS displays |
| 8–15 mm and more | Table tops, commemorative statuettes, load-bearing structural elements |
Need acrylic sheets cut to size?
At our workshop at ul. Puławska 48 in Warsaw we cut acrylic with a CO2 laser and panel saw, ready while you wait.