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PMMA (Acrylic) CNC Machining Material
PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate), widely known as Acrylic or by trade names like Plexiglass® and Lucite®, is a transparent thermoplastic used as a lightweight, shatter-resistant alternative to glass. It offers exceptional optical clarity, weather resistance, and ease of machining. At JUCHENG, we are experts in Acrylic CNC machining, transforming raw PMMA sheets and blocks into crystal-clear components. Our post-processing capabilities—including vapor polishing and hand buffing—ensure that your machined prototypes achieve the same level of transparency as molded or extruded parts.

JUCHENG's PMMA Machining Capabilities

Machining clear plastic requires more than just cutting; it requires mastering the finish. JUCHENG offers:
  • Optical Perfection: We utilize diamond tooling and optimized cutting paths to minimize tool marks, followed by specialized polishing to restore 92% light transmission.
  • Complex Geometries: Unlike simple laser cutting, our 5-axis CNC mills can create complex 3D shapes, pockets, and undercuts in Acrylic blocks.
  • Material Variety: We stock clear, tinted (smoked/colored), and frosted Acrylic in various thicknesses to suit display and functional needs.
  • Post-Processing: We offer a full suite of finishing services including Vapor Polishing (for internal features), Hand Buffing (for high gloss), and Sandblasting (for diffusion).
PMMA (Acrylic) part

Advantages of CNC Machining PMMA (Acrylic)

 
Advantage Detailed Description Key Benefit
Excellent Optical Clarity Transmits up to 92% of visible light (clearer than standard glass). Perfect for lenses, light guides, and display screens requiring high visibility.
UV & Weather Resistance Highly resistant to UV radiation and weathering. Does not yellow or brittle easily. Ideal for outdoor signage, automotive taillights, and external enclosures.
Surface Hardness Harder and more scratch-resistant than Polycarbonate (though more brittle). Maintains a high-gloss aesthetic finish over time.
Easy to Polish Machining marks can be easily removed to restore transparency. Allows for rapid prototyping of high-fidelity clear parts.
Cost-Effective Generally less expensive than Polycarbonate. An economical choice for visual models and display components.

Technical Parameters & Material Properties

We offer two main types of Acrylic stock for machining:
Grade Category Characteristics Ideal Applications
Cast Acrylic Higher molecular weight. Machines better (chips nicely) and polishes to a higher clarity. More chemical resistant.Finish: Best for optical prototypes. High-quality display cases, optical lenses, trophies, medical devices.
Extruded Acrylic Lower molecular weight. More consistent thickness tolerances but can "gum up" during machining due to lower melting point.Cost: Lower cost. Signage, light panels, simple enclosures.
Tinted / Smoked Acrylic Transparent but colored (e.g., Smoked Grey, Red, Blue).Uses: aesthetic parts. Automotive taillight prototypes, sunglasses, decorative panels.

CNC Machining Guidelines for PMMA

  • Stress Cracking: Acrylic is brittle and sensitive to stress. We avoid using alcohol or solvent-based fluids during machining, as they can cause immediate crazing.
  • Tooling: We use diamond-polished tools. This produces a transparent chip and a semi-clear surface right off the machine, reducing polishing time.
  • Clamping: PMMA can crack under high clamping force. We use vacuum tables or double-sided tape fixtures for flat parts to distribute pressure evenly.
  • Polishing: After machining, parts are sanded with progressively finer grit (up to 2000), then buffed or vapor polished for final clarity.

Application Scenarios

  • Automotive: Taillight lenses, instrument cluster covers, interior ambient lighting.
  • Lighting: Light guides, diffusers, LED covers, chandeliers.
  • Medical: Diagnostic testing trays, microfluidic devices (clear for observation).
  • Consumer: Point-of-purchase displays, cosmetic containers, trophies, watch crystals.
  • Architecture: Scale models, transparent roofing prototypes, glazing.

Physical Properties Table

Property Cast Acrylic (PMMA) Extruded Acrylic Unit
Density 1.18 1.18 g/cm³
Tensile Strength 70 - 80 60 - 70 MPa
Flexural Modulus 3,000 2800 MPa
Light Transmission 92 92 %
Impact Strength (Izod) 16 16 J/m
Heat Deflection Temp 95 - 105 95 - 105 °C
Hardness (Rockwell) M95 M90 -
(Note: The values above are typical property values for reference purposes only. Actual values may vary depending on the specific grade and supplier.)
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    Factory Address :
    Shenzhen: Fourth Industrial Zone, Xisha Road, Shajing Street, Baoan District, Shenzhen.
    Dongguan: Building 5 and 4, No. 198, Chang'an Section, Guanchang Road, Chang'an Town, Dongguan.
     
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    +86 - 186 - 8005 - 3076
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