Engineering Plastic
Acrylic (Cast, PMMA)
Optical-grade clarity at low cost: rigid, weather-resistant, and easy to polish. More rigid than polycarbonate but brittle by comparison.
Last verified: 2026-07-10
| PolymerChemistry / common trade name. | Poly(methyl methacrylate) |
|---|---|
| Density(g/cm³)Typical specific gravity. | 1.19 |
| Tensile(MPa)Typical tensile strength (unfilled grade). | 72 |
| Max service(°C)Typical continuous service temperature. | 80 |
| Water abs.(%)Typical 24 h water absorption. | 0.3 |
| Machinability | Good |
| Known forThe property it's usually chosen for. | Optical clarity |
- Typical uses: sight glasses, displays and light pipes, covers, machined optical fixtures.
- Excellent optical clarity and weatherability; polishes to a high finish.
- Brittle relative to polycarbonate — chips and cracks; machine with sharp tools and light feeds.
Other engineering plastics
Sources
- Manufacturer datasheets (typical properties for common unfilled grades)
- ASM International — Engineering Plastics (Engineered Materials Handbook)