You may have seen acrylic sheet used in various applications, but you may not know how it is made.
You may think that the process must be complicated and dangerous, but that’s not the case at all.
Don’t worry, we are experts in custom acrylic sheets.
In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of using acrylic sheet and how it is made.
We will also provide tips on how to choose the right type of acrylic for your needs and how to cut acrylic sheets.
So if you’re ready to learn how to make acrylic sheet like a pro, read on!
Why Do We Make Acrylic Sheets?
- Acrylic sheeting is an excellent alternative to glass, offering the clarity of crystal at only half its weight and being 10x more impact resistant.
- The acrylic sheet can be easily fabricated and is excellent for protecting against weathering or UV degradation because it’s durable!
How Is Acrylic Sheet Made?
There are two main types of acrylic sheeting: cast and extruded.
How Are Cast Acrylic Sheets Made？
- Put the monomer into catalysts to make polymers.
- Create a disposable mold to fit customs-specific needs.
- Pour the molten plastic into this mold. When it becomes semi-solid， remove it from its mold.
- Take the semi-solid plastic to an autoclave, where it will be forced with high pressure and heated. This process forces any air bubbles out of their composition, giving way to a solid piece with great clarity!
- Remove the acrylic sheet from the autoclave and sand it down several times to ensure it’s smooth.
How Are Extruded Acrylic Sheets Made？
- Put the monome in water, adding the catalyst to create pellets.
- Heat the pellets until they have become molten.
- Put the molten plastic pellets into a metal dye, which flattens on the surface to create an even sheet.
- Sheets are fed into cooling rows, which makes the acrylic sheet solid. Different thicknesses of sheets can be produced depending on the space between the dying processes.
How To Choose The Right Type Of Acrylic Sheets?
Combined with the above, cast acrylic is made by pouring molten acrylic into a mold, giving it more detail and clarity.
Extruded acrylic is made by forcing molten acrylic through a die, which makes it less precise but cheaper to produce.
When choosing an acrylic sheet for your project, it’s essential to consider the level of detail you need.
Cast acrylic is the way to go if precise details and clarity are key.
However, extruded acrylic may be a better option if you’re working on a budget.
Ultimately, the right choice will depend on your specific needs and goals.
Ways To Cut Acrylic Sheets
There are Five different ways to cut acrylic sheets:
- Cutting with a hand saw. It produces less friction and heat than power saws, which can melt or distort the material. Using a hand saw, use a fine-toothed blade to minimize chipping and cracking.
- Cutting with a scoring knife. First, it creates a cleaner cut than using a power saw. Second, it produces less dust and debri.
- Cutting with a jigsaw. First, it is an exact tool to get clean, straight cuts with little effort. Second, it is very easy to use, so even beginners can get great results. Third, it is relatively quiet, so you won’t disturb your neighbors while working. Finally, it is very versatile and can be used to create various shapes and sizes.
- Cutting with a band saw. Band saws are much faster than other methods, meaning that you can complete your project in a fraction of the time.
- Laser cutting acrylic. The laser beam’s heat also helps seal the cut edge, preventing it from cracking or splintering.
Acrylic is a durable plastic material that has been around for more than seventy years.
Acrylic is a type of plastic that shares many of the same qualities as glass.
Unlike glass, acrylic is a transparent thermoplastic that can be easily molded and shaped.
This material is ideal for many applications with resistance to breakage and shatter.
Conclusion
If you are looking for an affordable and durable plastic, acrylic sheet is a great option.
No matter which method of production is used, we can manufacture the acrylic sheet you need.
And our team can help you select the correct sheet for your project and advise on cutting, bending, and welding.
Weacrylic is an expert in all things acrylic sheet. We offer acrylic sheets in a variety of colors, both cast and extruded.
Visit our homepage to learn more about our products and services, or contact us today to get started!
