What is PLEXIGLAS®?
PLEXIGLAS® - our trademark for the world's first acrylic - was invented by us and manufactured for the first time in 1933 by the casting method. Today, this material is available in the form of cast PLEXIGLAS® GS sheets, blocks and rods as well as extruded PLEXIGLAS® XT sheets, multi-skin sheets, corrugated sheets and rods.
What is PLEXIGLAS® used for?
PLEXIGLAS® is employed for many different applications:
- in private and industrial buildings (for greenhouses, conservatories, carport roofs, parapets, stairs, hall glazing, in skylights, in noise barriers and for aquarium glazing)
- in illuminated signs, shop fittings and fair booths (for signage and advertising displays)
- in interior design (for furniture)
- for protection and safety (in workplace and machine guards, as safety glazing)
- for solar applications (for tanning equipment, for solar modules in photovoltaic applications)
Where can I obtain PLEXIGLAS®?
You can obtain PLEXIGLAS® worldwide from our distributors.
We deliver our material direct to fabricators for industrial applications and manufacturers of ready-made components.
Where can I have PLEXIGLAS® fabricated or obtain ready-made parts?
If you would like to have a finished part manufactured from PLEXIGLAS® or obtain ready-made parts, please contact a specialized PLEXIGLAS® fabricator.
Can I process PLEXIGLAS® myself?
PLEXIGLAS® GS and PLEXIGLAS® XT can be machined, cold-curved and thermoformed with ease, given the correct tools.
PLEXIGLAS® can be bonded to PLEXIGLAS® and some other materials using ACRIFIX® adhesives. Moreover, it can be further upgraded by surface treatment such as screening, painting, embossing etc.
Do you have specific processing hints?
Yes, see Downloads
PLEXIGLAS® – Cleaning and Care
Dirt can hardly cling to the smooth surfaces of PLEXIGLAS®. Dust is removed with water and some dishwashing liquid, using a soft, non-linting cloth or sponge. More
Where can I obtain cleaning, care and polishing agents?
Agents for polishing, cleaning and antistatic treatment of PLEXIGLAS® can be obtained from
Products:
Antistatic Cleaning Agent for Plastics (A.K.U.)
Intensive Cleaning Agent for Plastics (K.I.R.)
Polishing Paste for Acrylic (A.G.P.)
Cloths
What is the difference between PLEXIGLAS® GS and PLEXIGLAS® XT?
PLEXIGLAS® GS is the world's first cast acrylic, manufactured by polymerization between two high-quality silicate glass plates.
PLEXIGLAS® XT is an extruded acrylic manufactured by a special extrusion process which distinguishes it from other extruded materials.
What about compatibility with other materials?
In general, PLEXIGLAS® GS and PLEXIGLAS® XT are characterized by good resistance to chemicals. They are resistant at room temperature to most inorganic chemicals, to aliphatic hydrocarbons, cycloaliphatic compounds, fats and oils, and, at temperatures up to 60 degrees Celsius, are also resistant to dilute acids as well as dilute and concentrated solutions of most alkalis.
However, PLEXIGLAS® GS and PLEXIGLAS® XT are attacked by chlorinated hydrocarbons, ketones, esters, ethers, alcohols and aromatic compounds.
The chemical behavior is described in a brochure with the Ref. No. 211-4, which you can obtain from us on request.
How weather resistant is PLEXIGLAS®?
PLEXIGLAS® GS and PLEXIGLAS® XT show excellent resistance to aging and weathering, including natural UV radiation. Therefore, they do not turn yellow or become brittle even after years of outdoor exposure (see guarantees).
Is PLEXIGLAS® environmentally friendly?
If correctly processed, PLEXIGLAS® does not release any pollutant substances to the environment. The basic grades consist of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Many grades are employed for food-contact applications and in the medical sector.
Can PLEXIGLAS® be recycled?
PLEXIGLAS® scrap from processing and finished parts made from PLEXIGLAS® can be sorted and recycled in a number of ways after their long service life. PLEXIGLAS® can be incinerated for thermal recycling or correctly separated passed on for physical or chemical recycling.
PLEXIGLAS® Fire behavior
Answers to frequently asked questions on PLEXIGLAS® fire behavior.