Cast PMMA (Cast acrylic)
Frequently asked questions
Can Cast PMMA (Cast acrylic) be laser cut?
Yes: Cast PMMA (Cast acrylic) can be laser cut. Adequate extraction/ventilation is required.
Can Cast PMMA (Cast acrylic) be CNC machined?
Yes: Cast PMMA (Cast acrylic) can be CNC machined.
Is Cast PMMA (Cast acrylic) food safe?
No, Cast PMMA (Cast acrylic) is not considered food safe.
Physical properties
| Density | 1170.0–1200.0 kg/m³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 70.0 MPa |
| Glass transition (Tg) | 105.0 °C |
| Thermal expansion | 70.0 µm/m·K |
| Moisture absorption | Low |
Laser processing
Releases MMA (methyl methacrylate), an irritant. Extraction mandatory.
CO₂: Excellent. 40W for clean 3mm; 80W+ for 8–10mm. Compressed air to reduce flaming.
Diode: Only NON-transparent PMMA (coloured/opaque). Blue diodes pass through transparent cast acrylic.
Fiber: Not applicable for marking/cutting.
CNC / milling processing
Single-flute bits for chip evacuation; chipload 0.05–0.10mm; high RPM.
Plotter and thermoforming
Post-processing
Sanding: Wet sanding with 240 → 400 → 800 → 1200 grit; then polish to restore transparency.
Gluing: Acrifix 1S or dichloromethane (solvent welding). Standard cyanoacrylate causes stress-cracking.
Over time: UV-stable for years; may yellow slightly after 10+ years of direct exposure.
Common defects
- Black burn mark on the laser edge with excessive power
- Stress cracking with aggressive solvents
- Micro-fractures during drilling without a pilot hole
Safety
Recommended PPE: mask_p3, eye_protection
Burns with a blue-yellow flame, drips. Do not confuse with PVC (never laser PVC).
Availability and formats
Commercial formats: sheets 2–25mm, round bars, tubes, bars
Related materials
Sources
- https://www.matweb.com/search/DataSheet.aspx?MatGUID=...
- Datasheet Evonik Plexiglas GS, rev. 2024
- ISO 7823-1:2003 — Cast PMMA sheet
Information on compatibility, processing parameters and safety is purely indicative. MakerSpecs accepts no liability for damage to persons or property arising from the use of this data. Always check the safety rules and the manufacturer's official manuals before carrying out any processing.