Acrylic is a transparent thermoplastic that is often used as a lightweight shatter-resistant alternative to glass. It is also an economic alternative plastic to Polycarbonate (PC) where extreme strength is not required.
Acrylic is often preferred to PC plastic because of its moderate properties, easy handling and processing, and its affinity for welding and glueing. Acrylic can be modified via additives to gain impact and scratch resistance. It handles light very well, can be easily colored, and can be shaped and formed under heat. Therefore it sees many uses and applications ranging from technical to the artistic.
Acrylics under the trade names of Plexiglass®, Acrylite® and Lucite® are often processed at CANUS at our Ottawa Ontario facility using:
- Injection Moulding
- ThermoForming
- CNC Machining
- General Machining
- Welding
- Adhesives
Applications that use Acrylic include windows, construction, lighting lenses, aquariums, protective shields and barriers, sculptures, cabinets, enclosures, podiums, frames, retail displays and furniture.