Formulations of Plexiglas acrylics

Remember, when acrylic sheet is heated to forming temperature (325 F), it will shrink 2.2 percent!

Extruded and Melt Calendered - the commodity sheet that is sold in most plastics companies is extruded material. This process involves heating the molding compounds until a clear viscous material can be forced between large, polished rollers that can precisely control the thickness of the material that is extruded. Thickness from .060" to .375" are made in this process in sheets up to 108" wide. By changing the rollers, different surface textures can be applied, such as non-glare, or patio table top textures. This grade is suitable for most applications - except skylights, aircraft, and fish tanks due to a lower molecular composition. Use solvent cements such as Weld On #3, #4 and #16. For special application a polymerizable 2 component cement, Weld On #40 can be used.

Continuous Casting - ICI Acrylics has a unique process in the manufacture of Lucite L acrylic sheet. They employ a pair of highly polished steel belts that allow the sheet to form on a continuous basis, hence the name, and allow for a higher molecular weight. This material carries a small price premium and will work well in skylights and fish tanks. Available in .125 - .250 thickness only. Use solvent cements such as Weld On #3, #4 and #16. For special application a polymerizable 2 component cement, Weld On #40 can be used.

Cell Casting - Plexiglas G is the general purpose grade material used for most applications except those requiring a special combination of physical properties. Use solvent cements such as Weld On #3, #4 and #16 with Plexiglas G for a high quality bond. For special application a polymerizable 2 component cement, Weld On #40 can be used.

Cell Casting - Preshrunk/UVA - Plexiglas II UVA (ultra-violet absorbing) sheets have the same excellent weathering characteristics and the same physical properties as Plexiglas G, but are manufactured to military specifications and is used primarily for aircraft glazing, plotting boards and other scientific equipment.

Reflective Acrylic - Plexiglas mirror is transparent acrylic plastic sheet for indoor use, vacuum metallized with aluminum on its back surface. A tough opaque back-coat protects the metallized surface. The image reflecting sheet, available in various sizes up to 48" x 96" , is unique in comparison with glass mirror and other reflecting materials in flexibility of design, installation and assembly. It is light weight, breakage resistant and can be installed more easily and safely than glass mirrors. Plexiglas mirror can be cut with conventional saws and routers, and can be drilled and machined. It can also be formed by strip heating and bending, and can be surface decorated by silk-screening, spray painting or other artist's techniques. Plexiglas mirror requires slightly different fabrication techniques. To bond Plexiglas mirror to another surface, an acrylic contact cement, white silicone cement, or double faced foam tape should be used. Solvent cements will dissolve the backing of the mirror.