Laser Cutting Acrylic, polishing, welding and CNC machining Canada

Acrylic, also known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), is a transparent thermoplastic often used as a lightweight, shatter-resistant alternative to glass. It is available in two main types: cast and extruded. Cast acrylic is made by pouring liquid acrylic into molds where it polymerizes, resulting in a material with greater chemical resistance, optical clarity, and thickness variation. Extruded acrylic is manufactured by pushing melted acrylic through a die, producing sheets with consistent thickness and lower production costs. Common applications for acrylic include windows, display cases, signage, aquariums, and protective barriers, as well as automotive lighting and medical devices.

The advantages of acrylic include excellent optical clarity (up to 92% light transmission), weather resistance, and ease of machining, thermoforming, and bonding. Cast acrylic is more durable and better suited for fabrication, while extruded acrylic is more economical and easier to laser cut. However, acrylic has some disadvantages: it is more prone to scratching than glass and can crack under high impact unless specially treated. It is also flammable and requires careful handling around heat sources. Nevertheless, because of its clarity, light weight, and versatility, acrylic remains a highly popular material in architecture, retail, and industrial design.