What is it?
Acrylic (PMMA), commonly called plexiglass, is a rigid plastic sheet with high clarity and gloss. It is far lighter than glass and impact-resistant; because it transmits light very well, it is especially favoured in illuminated applications.
- Cast acrylic: High optical quality, suitable for laser cutting and forming.
- Extruded acrylic: Economical, with precise thickness tolerance; suitable for bending and thermoforming.
- Clear / coloured / opal: Clear, coloured or light-diffusing opal (frosted) options.
Types & varieties
Surface & optics
- Clear: Glass-like clarity for displays and protective surfaces.
- Opal (light-transmitting): Diffuses light evenly; ideal for light boxes and letters.
- Coloured / mirrored: Decorative detail, wayfinding and advertising.
Processing methods
It is shaped by laser cutting (glossy edge), CNC milling, heat bending (thermoforming), bonding and polishing.
Technical properties
| Transparency | Light transmission up to 92% |
|---|---|
| Weight | About half that of glass |
| Impact resistance | Markedly higher than glass |
| Thicknesses | 2 – 25 mm and above |
| Processing | Laser, CNC, thermoform, bonding |
| Use | Mostly indoor; UV-resistant grades for outdoors |
Use cases
It stands out wherever light and transparency are needed:
- Illuminated box letters, logos and signage
- Displays, product stands and protective barriers
- Menu/price boards and wayfinding
- Decorative shelves, partitions and lighting diffusers
- Display cases and showcase units
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages
- Lighter than glass and impact-resistant
- Transmits light perfectly — ideal for illuminated work
- Clean, glossy edge with laser; easy to shape
- Wide choice of clear, coloured and opal
Points to consider
- Its surface scratches more easily than glass
- Expands with heat; allowance must be left during installation
- The standard grade can yellow under UV (use the UV grade outdoors)
Care & cleaning
Dust is removed with a soft damp cloth or an antistatic acrylic cleaner; paper towels and abrasive cleaners cause scratches. Light scratches can be removed with acrylic polishing paste. Harsh chemicals containing alcohol/acetone should be avoided.
How we apply it at Standchi
With laser cutting and CNC we produce acrylic letters, boards, displays and decorative pieces with precise, glossy edges. We build back- and edge-lit solutions with LED integration, combining coloured, opal and clear options to suit the project's concept.