Ridout Plastics is proud to be a distributor for Plexiglass, the registered
trademark or brand name for acrylic plastic sheet is Plexiglas, molding powder, and mirror
manufactured by AtoHaas North America Company. (Acrylic is the generic name for
this type of thermoplastic. Just as the different automobile manufacturers make
several different models of each automobile, AtoHaas North America manufactures
several formulations of Plexiglass sheet and Plexiglass molding powder.) The
different formulations for sheet are listed below:
Remember, when acrylic sheet is heated to forming temperature (325 F), it will
shrink 2.2 percent!
Extruded and Melt Calendered - the commodity sheet that is sold in most
plastics companies is extruded material. This process involves heating the
molding compounds until a clear viscous material can be forced between large,
polished rollers that can precisely control the thickness of the material that
is extruded. Thickness from .060" to .375" are made in this process in sheets
up to 108" wide. By changing the rollers, different surface textures can be
applied, such as non-glare, or patio table top textures. This grade is suitable
for most applications - except skylights, aircraft, and fish tanks due to a
lower molecular composition. Use solvent cements such as Weld On #3, #4 and
#16. For special application a polymerizable 2 component cement, Weld On #40
can be used.
Continuous Casting - ICI Acrylics has a unique process in the manufacture of
Lucite L acrylic sheet. They employ a pair of highly polished steel belts that
allow the sheet to form on a continuous basis, hence the name, and allow for a
higher molecular weight. This material carries a small price premium and will
work well in skylights and fish tanks. Available in .125 - .250 thickness only.
Use solvent cements such as Weld On #3, #4 and #16. For special application a
polymerizable 2 component cement, Weld On #40 can be used.
Cell Casting - Plexiglass G is the general purpose grade material used for most
applications except those requiring a special combination of physical
properties. Use solvent cements such as Weld On #3, #4 and #16 with Plexiglass G
for a high quality bond. For special application a polymerizable 2 component
cement, Weld On #40 can be used.
Cell Casting - Preshrunk/UVA - Plexiglass II UVA (ultra-violet absorbing) sheets
have the same excellent weathering characteristics and the same physical
properties as Plexiglass G, but are manufactured to military specifications and
is used primarily for aircraft glazing, plotting boards and other scientific
equipment.
Reflective Acrylic - Plexiglass mirror is transparent acrylic plastic sheet for
indoor use, vacuum metallized with aluminum on its back surface. A tough opaque
back-coat protects the metallized surface. The image reflecting sheet,
available in various sizes up to 48" x 96" , is unique in comparison with glass
mirror and other reflecting materials in flexibility of design, installation
and assembly. It is light weight, breakage resistant and can be installed more
easily and safely than glass mirrors. Plexiglass mirror can be cut with
conventional saws and routers, and can be drilled and machined. It can also be
formed by strip heating and bending, and can be surface decorated by
silk-screening, spray painting or other artist's techniques. Plexiglas mirror
requires slightly different fabrication techniques. To bond Plexiglas mirror to
another surface, an acrylic contact cement, white silicone cement, or double
faced foam tape should be used. Solvent cements will dissolve the backing of
the mirror.
Extruded & Cell Cast - UltraViolet Filtering Plexiglas UF was designed to block
the destructive UV transmissions in sunlight, reflected sunlight, and from
fluourescent lighting. The degrading wavelengths are in the 280 - 400 nanometer
area. This material blocks 98% of the transmissions. Available in clear and
non-glare.