DOCAPLEXI AST: PMMA sheets coated with nano-metal particles. Surface Esd. Available versions: thermoformable and non-formable sheets.
Plexiglas (PMMA, polymethyl methacrylate, acrylic or acrylic) is also widely used in industry. It has the particular advantage of being available in various degrees of translucency, from water clear to opaque, with a wide range of associated colours. Another advantage is that it is UV resistant as standard. Due to its mechanical properties, it is characterised by brittleness and poor impact resistance, which must be taken into account in its application.
In terms of manufacturing process, there are extruded and cast versions, with minor differences in certain properties and machinability (e.g. cast sheets typically have lower stresses and are more homogeneous). Extruded sheets are available up to 25 mm thick, cast sheets typically up to 50 mm.
Also available in plate, rod and tube formats in a wide range of sizes.
Some important features
Instrumentation machinery components subject to minor mechanical stress, enclosures, instrument housings, safety glazing, advertising enclosures, boxes, light boxes, etc.
When considering its applicability, it should be noted that it is not vapour resistant, burns with a glowing flame when ignited (UL flammability rating HB), is susceptible to stress corrosion cracking in the presence of many solvents, and is brittle compared to PC materials, sensitive to machining stress locations, and can crack easily.
Chipping (turning, milling, drilling, sawing): traditional metalworking tools, in some cases woodworking tools - carbon steel, high-speed steel, carbide, diamond - can be used with a sharp finish. Cooling is recommended to allow high cutting speeds, e.g. v = 200-400 m/min for turning and milling, v = 50-100 m/min for drilling. Sharp corners, punctures to be avoided, minimum radii and chamfers min. 1-2 mm. Care must be taken that holes and grooves are not too tight or narrow.
Heat and vacuum forming, bonding, welding, laser cutting: feasible.
(*) legend:
A - applicable
B - limited application
C - not applicable
