- Characteristics of Organic Glass (PMMA, Acrylic)
- Source： Hits：8 Date：2026-06-08
The chemical name of organic glass is polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which is divided into poured board, extruded board, frosted, transparent, and impact resistant modified versions. Compared with ordinary glass and PC plastic, there are obvious differences, which are explained in four parts: advantages, disadvantages, processing characteristics, and usage scenario characteristics.
1、 Core advantages and characteristics
1. Top transparency performance
Visible light transmittance is 92%~93%, higher than ordinary float glass (85%~90%);
Almost impermeable to ultraviolet rays, with built-in UV barrier, it is not easy to yellow after long-term exposure to sunlight (high-quality pouring board);
Excellent light guidance, suitable for light guide plates, light boxes, and luminous characters, with uniform light without black shadows.
2. Lightweight and impact resistant, far superior to ordinary glass
The density is only half that of glass, and the weight is 50% lighter with the same thickness, making handling and installation effortless;
The impact resistance strength is 10-20 times that of ordinary glass, and there are no sharp or sharp fragments after breakage. It is a blunt particle that is not easy to cut and has a high safety factor;
It is preferred for children's guardrails, fish tanks, shop windows, and traffic signs.
3. Easy to process and shape, with strong plasticity
Hot bending: Heating at 70-100 ℃ allows for arbitrary bending, arc-shaped, and spherical shapes, while cooling and shaping without deformation;
Cutting: Laser, saw blade, milling cutter, and art knife can all be used for cutting, with simple hole opening;
Adhesive: Seamless splicing with specialized chloroform adhesive, suitable for large-sized integrated display cabinets;
Surface treatment: Suitable for polishing, sanding, silk screen printing, painting, electroplating, and relief carving.
4. Weather resistant and durable for outdoor use
Resistant to sunlight, rain, and high/low temperatures (stable use at -40 ℃ to 90 ℃);
High quality poured boards have undergone slight yellowing for over 10 years outdoors, while ordinary glass is prone to water spots and aging due to long-term sun exposure;
Resistant to corrosion from weak acids, weak bases, rainwater, and cleaning agents, commonly used in outdoor billboards and lighting covers.
5. Rich colors and strong decorative value
Transparent, milky white, black, red, blue, green, semi transparent frosted, pearl, and marble patterns are complete;
The same board can be layered and colored to create decorative partitions and display props.
6. Good insulation performance
High insulation, non-conductive, suitable for instrument panels, electrical protective covers, and charging station windows.
2、 Obvious drawbacks (using restrictive features)
1. Low surface hardness, easily scratched
The Mohs hardness is only level 2, and scratches can be left by friction with nails, tissues, and dust;
Cannot be cleaned with steel wire balls or hard brushes, as polishing and repairing costs are high.
2. Not resistant to organic solvents
Acetone, banana water, high concentrations of alcohol, and thinner can corrode the surface and cause whitening and cracking;
Cleaning can only be done with clean water and neutral detergent.
3. Moderate heat resistance, easily deformed at high temperatures
If the continuous temperature exceeds 80 ℃, it will soften and bend, and cannot be used near the stove or high-temperature lamps;
Open flames are flammable, with a slight pungent odor when burned, and have no self extinguishing properties (except for flame-retardant models).
4. High coefficient of thermal expansion
When there is a large temperature difference between hot and cold, the expansion and contraction are obvious. Expansion joints must be left for large-scale installation, otherwise arching and cracking will occur.
5. The toughness is not as good as PC (polycarbonate)
Ordinary acrylic will crack under severe impact; High altitude protection and explosion-proof scenarios require the selection of impact resistant modified acrylic or PC boards.
3、 Comparison of key characteristics with ordinary glass and PC board
Compared to ordinary glass
Lightweight, drop resistant, heat bendable, and better transparency; But it is prone to scratches and not resistant to high temperatures.
Compare PC endurance board
PMMA has higher transparency, better polished mirror effect, and lower price; PC is more impact resistant, high temperature resistant, and scratch resistant, but slightly less transparent and difficult to mirror polish.
4、 Performance characteristics corresponding to practical applications
Advertising luminous characters and light boxes: high transparency, easy to carve and bend, outdoor weather resistance without yellowing;
Fish tank and aquarium display: safe and non explosive, transparent and clear, seamless bonding;
Showcase and isolation barrier: lightweight, collision resistant and safe;
Light guide plate, lighting cover: uniform light, non UV transparent;
Bathroom partitions and decorative screens: can be curved, colored frosted, moisture-proof and rust free;
Instrument window and label: Insulation, rain and water corrosion resistance, strong silk screen adhesion.
5、 Quickly summarize the key points of selection
Want high transparency, beautiful mirror finish, and diverse shapes → Organic glass;
The scene is prone to friction and frequent cleaning → ordinary acrylic is not recommended;
High temperature, explosion-proof, strong impact → replace with PC endurance board;
Low cost outdoor transparent decoration → Acrylic has high cost-effectiveness.
