Acrylic glass GS

Description

Acrylic glass GS is cast: liquid PMMA polymerises between two sheets of glass. The result is a material with outstanding properties — fracture-resistant (compared to glass), weather-resistant, crystal clear in the transparent grades, and easy to shape and machine.

Typical uses: lightweight constructions in model making and display cases, picture frames and glazing, signs and light objects.

Acrylic glass does not yellow in sunlight, so it is well suited to outdoor use. It expands with heat — always mount it with a little play so the sheet is never under stress.

Tolerances

Expect thickness tolerances of ±(0.4 + 0.1 × thickness) mm — up to ±0.7 mm on a 3 mm sheet. The exception is Acrylic GS Precision, which is made to ±0.1 mm.

Cleaning

No glass cleaners — they roughen and dull the surface. Use warm water with washing-up liquid or a dedicated plastic cleaner. Stubborn dirt comes off with white spirit or isopropyl alcohol (2-propanol, available at any pharmacy).

Further processing

Acrylic glass GS can be milled, drilled and sawn, bonded with dichloromethane and, being a thermoplastic, formed at 160–180 °C.

Protective film

Acrylic glass always ships with a peelable protective film. Detach small parts from the film carefully — delicate pieces can break otherwise.

Bridges

For small parts under 15 × 15 mm, plan small bridges: interrupt the cut contour by at least 0.5–0.8 mm. All parts then stay safely in the sheet until they reach you — push them out by hand or free them carefully with a craft knife.