PMMA, or Poly(methyl methacrylate), is a clear thermoplastic that falls under the group of “engineering plastics.” PMMA is also known as acrylic, acrylic glass. Plexiglass, Lucite, Crylux, Acrylite, Astariglas, Perclax, and Perspex are brand names for PMMA.
PMMA is molded at extremely high temperatures, and after cooling, it solidifies. PMMA is most typically utilized as sheets and is stronger, lighter, and more shatter-resistant than glass.
First Uses of PMMA?
PMMA was first used for commercial purposes when Plexiglass and Lucite were developed in 1937. Jewelry, purses, and cosmetic packaging were the main uses for lucite in manufacturing. Aquariums, lighthouse lenses, and aircraft windows have all been made from plexiglass.
The military also employed PMMA during World War 2, when the majority of resources were devoted to fighting the war. During the war, PMMA was used to make submarine periscopes and airplane windshields. Furniture makers started utilizing PMMA even during this time. In 1939, Helena Rubinstein, a successful Polish-American entrepreneur who specialized in cosmetics and art collecting, had a PMMA suite constructed for her New York City apartment. The PMMA-made bed and chairs in Rubinstein’s apartment were created by Ladislas Medgyes.
In the 1960s and 1970s, PMMA use in furniture reached its peak as additional designers, including John Mascheroni and Charle Hollis Jones, began to employ the material.
Why PMMA?
PMMA is widely used because of the following properties of the material.
- Its great resistance to impact
- Its natural weather resistance and UV protection
- Its exceptional dimensional stability
- Its lightweight characteristics
- Its superior chemical resistance
- Its toughness
- Its excellent optical clarity
The following can be produced using PMMA.
- Frames and display products
- Signages
- Lenses
- Skylights and architectural glaze
- Light paneling
- Aquariums and terrariums
- Fashion accessories
- Protective barriers
- Shelves and retail fixtures
