Key Questions to Ask When Ordering lgp acrylic sheet

What are Acrylic Panels?

Acrylic, also known as specially treated plexiglass, is a replacement product of plexiglass.

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Acrylic sheets are thermoplastics, often purchased in sheets as a lightweight or shatter-resistant alternative to glass.

Acrylic is a transparent plastic material with outstanding strength, stiffness, and optical clarity.

Are there different colors for acrylic sheets?

Yes, acrylic sheets can be clear and colored, custom colors are available.

Is an Acrylic Sheet Flexible?

Acrylic sheet is a very common type of plastic. It has good flexibility. You can use its flexibility to bend it, but please be sure to confirm the angle you want to bend, the amount of heat you want to use, and other factors, So as to be foolproof, you can refer to how to bend the acrylic sheet to get detailed operation steps.

Is an Acrylic Sheet Waterproof?

Acrylic has very good weather resistance, which means that it is completely waterproof. You can use acrylic to protect your products from moisture and keep them dry. This is why acrylic can be widely used as a display box.

Does acrylic sheet break easily?

Acrylic sheet exhibits glass-like qualities&#;clarity, brilliance, and transparency&#;but at half the weight and many times the impact resistance of glass.

Acrylic sheet has high strength and impact resistance. This strength is almost 17 times that of glass. Glass may be easily damaged, but acrylic is not. And if the acrylic is really damaged, it will only be broken into a few large pieces, and the glass will be broken more thoroughly, almost all of which are fine slags, which is very dangerous.

Does acrylic sheet fade in sunlight?

Acrylic products are not afraid of the sun, so acrylic products are very suitable for outdoor use. You may also worry about ultraviolet rays. Ultraviolet radiation may indeed have a negative effect on most plastics, but not on acrylic. Some acrylics can even be made UV-resistant directly. Acrylic itself is not only not afraid of light, it will not fade.

Can Acrylic Sheets Withstand Heat?

Acrylic does soften at higher temperatures, but it is not completely melted. It is precise because of the plasticity brought by this softening that we can bend the acrylic. Acrylic acid can be used at a temperature of up to 80 degrees Celsius, so there is almost no high temperature in the general household environment. But for the sake of safety, please remember not to put acrylic next to an open flame. If it is placed in an open flame, the acrylic will burn, which is likely to cause great harm to your personal and property safety.

How is the strength of the acrylic board&#;

Acrylic is 50% lighter than glass, but its strength is many times higher and it is more impact resistant. The impact resistance of acrylic resin with a thickness of .125 inches is 2 to 3 times that of dual-strength window glass and 4 to 5 times that of wire glass or other glass. The impact resistance of acrylic resin with a thickness of .250 inches is 9 to 10 times that of wire or other glass.

Can acrylic sheets be cut?

Acrylic itself can be cut, so if you have some discarded acrylic materials that can also be used to do some DIY handwork, please be sure to choose a good saw during the cutting process, you can read this article to learn more about how to cut acrylic sheet.

Can acrylic plates be punched?

Acrylic can be punched, but the same as a saw for cutting acrylic, a good drill must be selected for punching. Otherwise, the improper tool may cause the acrylic to break, and the drilling speed is too fast or the acrylic is removed during the operation. When the hole on the underside of the board, the pressure on the drill bit is too large, and the material may also break. We can use another piece of acrylic or plywood to back up the work area so that the drill bit can continue to penetrate the solid material, which can effectively avoid breakage. If you want to know more details about the drilling steps, you can check this blog.

What is an acrylic sheet used for?

Acrylic sheet has many practical applications. Because of its rich applicability, it can be used not only for decoration, but also for protection and perfect display of objects. It can be used to make windows, furniture, mirrors, signs, lamps, and fish tanks. , Bathtubs, display racks and other office supplies, I believe you can see its existence everywhere.

How to Care and Clean Acrylic Sheets?

In order to extend the service life of acrylic, we can clean and maintain acrylic. During the cleaning process, sometimes there are some stains on the surface. We can moisten a soft cloth with water and wipe the dirty areas evenly. If the dirt is serious, you need to use a cleaning agent. How to better clean and maintain acrylic? You can click to view this blog.

Conclusion

As a kind of plastic product, acrylic has very rich and high-quality characteristics, so it can be widely used by people. UVACRYLIC is a leading manufacturer of acrylic sheets, rods, and tubes, and provides custom acrylic to global clients.

Perhaps you still have some questions in your mind that we have not answered. You can check out more blogs on our website, which may be helpful to you. If you need more professional advice, please send us an .

How does acrylic (strength-wise) compare to glass?

A .125&#; thickness of acrylic is 2 to 3 times more impact resistant than double strength window glass, 4 to 5 times more impact resistant than wire glass or other glasses. A .250&#; thickness of acrylic is 9 to 10 times more impact resistant than wire or other glasses.

How does acrylic compare to other plastics in strength?

Polycarbonate is strongest, followed by PETG/PET, impact modified acrylic sheet, then general-purpose acrylic sheet.

What are the benefits of acrylic over glass?

Acrylic is stronger, more impact resistant, lighter in weight, won&#;t shatter, is easier to fabricate, and can be easily formed.

Is standard acrylic non-conductive?

No, standard acrylic is a conductive material. A spray coating is available if non-conductivity is needed.

I'm worried that Plexiglas® sheet is going to yellow on me after a few years. Also, should I be concerned about scratching?

All of the acrylic sheet Emco Plastics sells is manufactured with plenty of Ultra-violet stabilizer (UV) protection. This means that with proper maintenance of the Plexiglas® acrylic sheet, it should last 10 years or more before it ever yellows. Of course, you&#;ll need to wash the Plexiglas® with the proper cleaning solutions like our Novus® brand polish or Brillianze®, and to also be careful to never use such products as commercial brand &#;glass cleaning&#; sprays. Glass cleaning spray and other such products contain ammonia that will cause hazing or fine scratching and eventual yellowing of the Plexiglas® sheet. If you need an acrylic product that resists scratching, then ask us about our Lucite® SAR® abrasion-resistant acrylic sheet.

Does acrylic (Plexiglas® and Lucite®) yellow in the sun?

Since the beginning of the creation of plastics, many myths have been perpetuated about the longevity of plastics, especially outside in the elements. All plastics come from petroleum and natural gas. Sunlight, especially ultraviolet radiation, has a disastrous effect on most plastics. Some plastics, like polyethylene (PE) milk jugs, degrade quickly in the sun &#; in a matter of months. PE can easily be recycled. Many children&#;s toys are made from PE and get brittle and crack when left outside. Acrylic (Plexiglas®, Lucite®, and Acrylite®) comes from natural gas and is completely inert when in solid form. American-made acrylic does NOT yellow in the sunlight. Witness the protective canopies and bubbles in the World War II bombers- they are still clear after 50 years in the sun! There are three other clear plastics that do yellow in the sun and get confused with acrylic- Styrene, PETG, and Polycarbonate. They have their respective qualities that make this an acceptable trade-off. Ask your Emco Plastics salesperson for information on all of these plastic solutions.

What about Thermal Expansion & Contraction of Plexiglas®?

All materials expand and contract to a greater or lesser degree due to changes in temperature and humidity. Allowances must be made for these changes in the construction and fabrication of products; for example, the expansion joints in cement sidewalks and on steel bridges. Acrylic sheet is subject to greater dimensional change, due to thermal expansion and contraction, than other materials with which it is used in construction. Acrylic Sheet vs. Other Materials Inches/Inch/F Acrylic Sheet . Aluminum . Plate Glass . For indoor applications where temperatures normally remain the same (+/- 20 degrees F), acrylic sheet does not generally require special considerations for expansion and contraction other than providing for a snug rather than tight fit since its movement is approximately .&#; per foot length for each 20 degrees of temperature change.

Degree of Size of Temperature Change for Plexiglas 10 15 20 30 40 50 60 12&#; 1/16 1/16 1/16 1/16 1/16 1/8 1/8 24&#; 1/16 1/16 1/16 1/16 1/8 1/8 1/8 36&#; 1/16 1/16 1/16 3/8 1/8 3/16 1/4 48&#; 1/16 1/16 1/8 1/8 3/16 1/4 1/4 60&#; 1/16 1/16 1/8 1/8 1/4 1/4 3/8 72&#; 1/16 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/4 5/16 3/8 84&#; 1/8 1/8 3/16 3/16 5/16 5/16 1/2 96&#; 1/8 1/8 3/16 1/4 5/16 3/8 1/2

What type of saw blade is used to cut acrylic sheet?

A 10&#; carbide tipped circular saw with 80 teeth.

I'd like you to build a display case with special features, but I only need to purchase one - can you do this?

Absolutely! In fact, Emco Plastics can build you any size or style of custom-designed Plexiglas® acrylic case, to your exact requirements in no time at all. And that same care and quality is extended to your individual display case as well. Just give us an idea of what you are looking for and our designers will do the rest.

Can you cement acrylic shapes?

Yes. You can cement them to many different materials using the appropriate adhesive. Please refer to our adhesives chart for specific information.

Help! My plastic is scratched!

When your beautiful piece of Lucite® acrylic scratches, you can fix it quickly! If you can&#;t feel the scratch with your fingernail, then Novus® #2 or #3 should restore the finish. Otherwise, you will need to sand and buff the area that is scratched to return the shine (see the Solution in the next paragraph). It&#;s the same way we polish the edges of thick pieces of acrylic here at Emco Plastics &#; it works! This procedure ONLY works on acrylic. It does not work on styrene (like the colored boxes we sell) or on polycarbonate (Lexan®, Tuffak®, Hyzod®). They both look clear, but they cannot be restored. Ask about our Abrasion Resistant coatings.

Are acrylic shapes available in different colors?

Yes they are available in different colors - however, minimum order requirements may apply.

What if I have a deep scratch in my plastic?

Sand the scratch with a #400 grit sand paper. Once the scratch is removed, wet sand with a #600 grit sand paper. Buff out using 3M® super duty rubbing compound and a high speed bonnet buffer. Buff out with a fine polish such as 3M® finess-it-II or Mequiars® #17 clear plastic polish and a high speed bonnet buffer.

How can you drill a hole in acrylic sheet without cracking the material around the hole?

The material cracks because the drill speed is too fast or there is too much pressure on the drill when exiting the hole at the underside of the acrylic sheet. Back up the work area with another piece of acrylic or plywood so then the drill can continue through into solid material. If using a commercially available twist drill, make sure it is ground to a proper angle of 60-90 degrees.

There&#;s a crack in my plastics! What do I do?

There is nothing more frustrating than a crack in a piece of Plexiglas® or Lexan®. Both of these materials are &#;notch sensitive&#;. By the way, so is glass! That&#;s why you can scribe and break glass (and Plexiglas®) along the scribe. These materials have no grain and therefore cracks can travel as they please. However, cracks can be stopped with a simple procedure. Using a very small drill bit, (1/16&#; or so) drill a hole through the material at the end of the crack. That&#;s it. If it is a long crack, you might be able to inject some IPS WeldOn® #3 (Methylene Chloride) into the crack to partially seal it. If the plastic is on a sign, and therefore most likely opaque, you should glue a 1&#; strip of 3/16&#; Plexiglas® to the back side to reinforce the cracked area.

How can you cut or scribe one piece of acrylic sheet properly?

Use a Fletcher Terry Knife or a plastic cutting tool when cutting the sheet. This method can be used for sheet thicknesses of .250&#; and thinner. Scribing the sheet should be done at least 7 to 12 times for .250&#; material and 5 to 7 times for .187&#; materials and under. It is best to support the bottom of the sheet on both sides of the score line. After the part is scribed and broken, the edges should be finished.

Can I get cast acrylic in colors?

Yes, cast acrylic sheet, tube and rod are available in a variety of colors. Please call for availability and pricing.

What masking is used for laser cutting acrylic and mirror?

3mil polyfilm or papermask.

Hey - This sticker won't come off my plastic!

Don&#;t you just hate it when those price tags don&#;t come off a plastic item? The problem is that the adhesive either dries out or the wrong kind of adhesive was used on the price tag. In any case, you need to find a way to get the darn thing off your plastic.

Solution: The simple way to take a &#;stuck&#; sticker off of plastic is by moistening the price tag with Lighter Fluid &#; which is actually a very refined grade of kerosene! This will not bother Acrylic, Styrene or Polycarbonate plastics which will be 90% of the types you will be dealing with. If in doubt, test the fluid on small part of the plastic. Look at it in 24 hours. Remember that you could scratch the plastic when rubbing the price tag loose. Easy does it.

Goto XISHUN Acrylic to know more.

Are the edges of your Plexiglas® too sharp?

Our saws and routers leave nice chip-free edges on the pieces of Plexiglas® we cut. On edges that will be exposed to the touch, beware. While this edge is not sharp like glass, if you run your hand down the edge quickly, and with pressure, you may get a &#;paper-cut&#; type of injury.

Solution: Use #100 grit sandpaper and a sanding block. Just pass the sandpaper over the edges at a 45 degree angle a few times. Use your fingers to test the edge. When it feels good, stop!

Will acrylic and Polystyrene burn if a flame is pressed against them?

Acrylic will ignite and burn if placed in an open flame. Polystyrene will smoke.

What film coverage is best when routing acrylic sheet?

Papermask, 2mil film & 3mil laser films are preferred.

How do you clean acrylic sheet?

Use a mild soap & water mixture with a gentle cleaning cloth. Do not use ammonia based cleaning solutions on the acrylic as it will eat into the sheet and cause it to craze.

How do you remove solvent cement from acrylic sheet?

Once applied, you will not be able to remove solvent cement from the acrylic. Solvent cement eats into acrylic; any excess would evaporate, leaving a slight outline where the solvent was located. You might try buffing to smooth the surface.

How do I remove the papermask from acrylic sheet when it is adhered too firmly?

Use water to wet the papermasking and then peel back, or add a mixture of a small of rubbing alcohol to water and spray onto the papermask. After the solution is applied, gently pull back from acrylic sheet.

How can I finish pieces cut from acrylic rod stock to match the clarity of the uncut surface?

Sand with successively finer grades of sandpaper and finish polish with buffing wheel and plastic polish or jeweler&#;s rouge.

Can I glue plastic?

One of the really great properties of some plastics is their resistance to chemicals. Plastics that can be dissolved by a chemical are generally glueable, while those that are not dissolved cannot be glued. A quick test you can do at home &#; find some nail-polish remover (acetone) and test a very small area on the plastic you would like to glue. If it gets sticky, then Emco Plastics has a solvent adhesive that will work! If the acetone simply dries up, you have a problem. Your choices will be; mechanically fasten the plastic, ultra-sonic welding, or hot-air welding. Most chemical tanks are made of polypropylene or polyethylene and will not glue. PVC and ABS will glue (like your sprinkler pipes). Engineering plastics for the most part cannot be glued with adhesive, unless a contact adhesive is acceptable for your application. Please talk to our sales people about our Adhesive Cross-Reference chart that will help you select the right adhesive for your application.

What is the correct glue to use when gluing 2 edges of acrylic sheet together?

WELDON® 3.

Can you glue edges of flame polished acrylic sheet?

No, the parts will craze (generate small cracks) due to the heat used to flame the edges.

Can you tell me what the difference is between cast acrylic rod, sheet and tube vs. extruded types?

Sheet, rod and tube in acrylic materials are available in both extruded and cast grades, the selection of which should be determined by the quality level desired when compared to cost considerations. When cast acrylic materials are manufactured they are manufactured from raw monomer which is cast or poured into molds. Once cured, the material is often ground and then repolished to finished dimensions. Casting is the more expensive of the two processes, but yields a better quality product. Extruded acrylic materials, on the other hand, are manufactured by pushing acrylic pellets through a highly polished extrusion die to produce a finished product. Die marks and other slight imperfections may make extruded sheet, rod, and tube somewhat less desirable for critical applications. The process is less expensive however, and the quality is perfectly acceptable for most applications.

Is acrylic tubing affected by water over a long period of time?

No, neither prolonged exposure to moisture nor total immersion will cause warping, swelling or loss of clarity.

In how large of an outside diameter is available cast acrylic tubing available?

You can get up to a 96&#; diameter in cast acrylic tubing.

What are some of the mechanical properties of acrylic tube?

Acrylic tube is less than half the weight of glass and only 43% the weight of aluminum. Acrylics are unaffected by aqueous solutions of detergents, cleaners, alkalis and aliphatic hydrocarbons.

What are some methods of fabricating acrylic tube?

In order to achieve clean cuts and easy finishing, cut acrylic tube with carbide tools. The cut surfaces can be wet or dry sanded to smooth saw cuts then buffed and polished for clear finish.

Is Lucite® SAR scratchproof?

No material, including glass, is considered scratchproof. However the siloxane hard coat on SAR significantly improves the surface hardness of Lucite® sheet for exceptional performance in demanding glazing applications.

Can hardcoated sheet be glued?

No, the hardcoat will resist adhesive chemicals.

Are there any special fabrication techniques for Lucite® SAR?

No, Lucite® SAR fabricates identically to standard acrylic with power woodworking tools and blades. The protective masking should be left on during fabrication and transportation of the product, and removed upon installation.

How does the impact strength of SAR compare to the impact strength of polycarbonate (LEXAN®) sheet material?

Acrylic offers approximately 25 times and polycarbonate offers approximately 200 times the impact strength of float glass. In many cases, the impact strength of Lucite® SAR is satisfactory.

Can Lucite® SAR be formed into domed skylights and other formed shapes?

No, because of the hardness of Lucite® SAR&#;s surface coat, neither thermoforming nor cold bending is recommended.

Is Lucite® SAR coated sheet weatherable?

No, abrasion resistance will be lost.

Can hardcoated sheet be screen-printed?

No, standard inks will not adhere to the coating. Contact your ink supplier for possible ink alternatives.

Can you flame polish an AR coated sheet?

No, flame polishing an AR coated acrylic sheet will cause it to blush or whiten.

Can acrylic mirror be die cut?

No, only PETG and polycarbonate mirrors (up to .080&#; in thickness) can be die cut.

What about polishing mirror edges?

Sanding the edges of acrylic mirror with successively finer grades of sandpaper and then buffing them with polishing compound works well.

How can scratches in the paint backing be prevented from showing thru the front?

Minor scratches can be repaired on the backside by applying a small amount of argent (silver metallic) paint over the scratch.

What is the reflectivity of Fabback® acrylic mirror?

Approximately 85-90%.

Is Fabback® acrylic mirror thermoformable?

It is not recommended. The acrylic will stretch and the backing will fail. Shallow depths may work. Plastic sheet should be formed then plated.

I've noticed different colors on the backs of mirror. Is there any significance to this?

Manufacturers sometimes use different color backings to differentiate and identify their products. Regardless of the color, the backing serves to protect the mirror from scratches in transportation and fabrication.

How can you mount Fabback® acrylic mirror?

Mount to a smooth, rigid flat backing such as 5/8&#; or 3/4&#; plywood. The surface should be coated with a high quality paint or sealant to cover pockets and seal out moisture. Next, cover the surface with mastic or adhesive.

Can Fabback® acrylic mirror be heat bent?

Yes, however, the mirror may blush at the bend especially when exposed to prolonged heat. Try samples for testing. Please refer to the Fabback® User&#;s Manual for instructions.

What fire ratings does Fabback® acrylic mirror meet?

The acrylic for Fabback® mirror sheet meets a C2 fire rating by ICBO. Polycarbonate meets C1.

How can scratches on the front side of a mirror be repaired?

Minor scratches can be subdued by polishing with wax. Larger scratches can be treated with a lamb&#;s wool pad and buffing with a light abrasive rubbing compound.

Can mirroring be used for outdoor applications?

Outdoor use is not recommended due to expansion, contraction and moisture. If outside use is desired, seal the perimeter with silicon sealant and protect paint backing.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of lgp acrylic sheet. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

What adhesives are recommended for outdoor mirror applications?