PLASTIC

PLASTICS REFERENCE HANDBOOK

REGAL PLASTIC SUPPLY COMPANY

PLASTICS REFERENCE HANDBOOK

Copyright 1999—2000 Regal Plastic Supply Company,

a division of Regal Supply Company

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Established in 1954, Regal Plastic Supply Company is considered one of the foremost

pioneers in the plastic distribution industry. Throughout the years, the innovative “customer-

oriented plan for success” thinking has become a credible trademark our customers rely on.

Fortifying that philosophy, Regal introduced its Plastic Materials Reference Guide in 1984.

As products and industries continue to evolve, so does this compilation of technical data.

We view providing our customers with tools for effective planning and purchasing as

important as meeting product “supply and demand”. You will find this guide an invaluable

reference source for researching or finding the answer pertaining to your plastic application.

The product information contained herein covers the most commonly used materials; it does

not reflect our total capacity.

True customer service is a thought process not developed overnight. Our experience

and stability in the industry gives Regal the opportunity to assist you in your plastics

endeavors as you utilize staff who are accessible, knowledgeable and resourceful with

regard to all inquiries.

We invite you to visit the Regal Plastic Supply Company location in your vicinity. All

locations maintain generous inventories of plastic sheet, rod, tube, film, and numerous

finished products.

Regal Plastic Supply Company thanks all of our customers for their patronage over the

years. We will continue in our efforts to provide the best in JIT inventory and personal

service. Plastic is in your future and Regal Plastic Supply Company is your best source.

Sincerely yours,

Regal Plastic Supply Company

National Association

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

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The Origins of Plastic Materials INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

Crude Oil Naphtha

Olefins

Ethylene

VCM

Ethylene Oxide

Plasticizer Alcohols

Propylene Oxide

Cumene

Cyclohexane

Paraxylene

Propylene

Butadiene

Aromatics Benzene

TolueneXylene

Polyester Film

Pure terephthalic acid

Nylon

Nylon salt

Adipic acid

Acrylics

Acetone

Phenolic derivatives

Phenol

Petrol

Resins

Polyurethanes

Polypropylene

Plasticizers

Ethylene oxide derivatives

Polytetrafluoroethylene

Polyvinyl chloride

Low density polyethylene

Alkylamines

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Introduction PLASTIC-(per Webster)- “Any numerous organic, synthetic, or processed materials that are high molecular weight polymers.” Polymers are a tribute to man’s creativity and inventiveness. They are truly man-made materials. Like any other material, they have their origins in nature, in such basic chemical elements as carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, chlorine, and sulfur. These elements in turn are extracted from the air, water, gas, oil, coal, or even plant life.

It was man’s inspiration to take these elements and combine them, via various chemical reactions, in an almost unending series of combinations, to produce the rich variety of materials we know today as plastics.

The possibilities of combining chemical elements to create plastics with different properties are almost endless. It is this diversity that has made plastics so applicable to such a broad range of end uses and products today.

In the Beginning Given this kind of versatility and the role that plastics play in modern living, it’s surprising to realize that a little over a century ago there was no such thing as commercial plastic in the United States. During the 1850's and 60's, developmental work was going on with hard rubbers and cellulose materials, but the U.S. plastics industry officially dates its beginnings back to 1868, when a product called Celluloid was created as the first commercial plastic in the U.S. The development was in response to a competition sponsored by a manufacturer of billiard balls. It came about when a shortage developed in ivory from which the billiard balls were made, and the manufacturer sought another production method. Celluloid was one of the materials considered, and the U.S. plastics industry was born. As has been typical of new plastic materials ever since, Celluloid quickly moved into other markets. The first photographic film used by Eastman was made of celluloid: producing the first motion picture film in 1882. The material is still in use today under its chemical name Cellulose nitrate, for making products like eyeglass frames.

Forty years were to pass before the plastics industry took its second major step forward. In 1909, Dr. Leo Hendrik Baekeland introduced Phenol formaldehyde plastics (or Phenolics as they are more popularly known), the first plastic to achieve world wide acceptance.

The third big thrust in plastics development took place in the 1920's with the introduction of Cellulose acetate, ureaformaldehyde, polyvinyl chloride, or Vinyl, and Nylon.

Evolution In the World War II years of the 1940’s, the demand for plastics accelerated, as did research into new plastics that could aid in the defense effort.

Preface INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

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By the start of the 1950’s plastics were on their way to being accepted by designers and engineers as basic materials, along with the more conventional ones.

Nylon, Teflon, Acetal, and Polycarbonate became the nucleus of a group in the plastics family known as the engineering thermoplastics. Their outstanding impact strength and thermal and dimensional stability enabled them to compete directly with metals. This group has grown since then to include a number of new plastics, as well as improved variations of older plastics that could similarly qualify for inclusion.

The Monomers & Polymers

Many plastics are derived from fractions of petroleum or gases that are recovered during the refining process. For example: ethylene monomer, one of the more important feedstocks, or starting materials for plastics, is derived in a gaseous form from petroleum refinery gas, liquefied petroleum gases, or liquid hydrocarbons. Although petroleum gas derivatives are not the only basic source used in making feedstocks for plastics, they are among the most popular and economical in use today. Coal is another excellent source in the manufacturing of feedstocks for plastics. From these basic sources come the feedstocks we call monomers. The monomer is subjected to a chemical reaction known as polymerization; it causes the small molecules to link together into ever increasingly long molecules. Chemically, the polymerization reaction gas turns the monomer into a polymer, and thus a given type of plastic resin. The Product as We See It The polymer or plastic resin must next be prepared for use by the processor, who will turn it into a finished product. In some instances, it is possible to use the plastic resin as it comes out of the polymerization reaction. More often, however, it goes through other steps which turn it into a form that can be more easily handled by the processor and processing equipment. The more popular forms of resin for processing are pellet, granule, flake, and powder. In the hands of the processor, these solids are generally subjected to heat and pressure. They are melted, forced into the desired shape (sheets, rods, and tubes) and then allowed to cure into a finished product. Resins are most readily available in their natural color, but by adding coloring agents, most any color can be achieved during the processing. Plastics are a family of materials, not a single material. Each has its own distinct and special advantages. Each day brings new plastic compounds, and new uses for the old compounds.

Preface INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

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Chronology of Plastic INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

DATE MATERIAL ORIGINAL TYPICAL USE 1868 Cellulose Nitrate Eye Glass Frames 1909 Phenol-Formaldehyde Telephone Handsets 1926 Alkyd Electrical Bases 1926 Analine-Formaldehyde Terminal Boards 1927 Cellulose Acetate Tooth Brushes, Packaging 1927 Polyvinyl Chloride Raincoats 1929 Urea-Formaldehyde Lighting Fixtures 1935 Ethyl Cellulose Flashlight Cases 1936 Acrylic Brush Backs, Displays 1936 Polyvinyl Acetate Flash Bulb Lining 1938 Cellulose Acetate Butyrate Irrigation Pipe 1938 Polystyrene or Styrene Kitchen Housewares 1938 Nylon (Polyamide) Gears 1938 Polyvinyl Acetal Safety Glass Interlayer 1939 Polyvinylidene Chloride Auto Seat Covers 1939 Melamine-Formaldehyde Tableware 1942 Polyester Boat Hulls 1942 Polyethylene Squeezable Bottles 1943 Fluorocarbon Industrial Gaskets 1943 Silicone Motor Insulation 1945 Cellulose Propionate Automatic Pens and Pencils 1947 Epoxy Tools and Jigs 1948 Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Luggage 1949 AIlylic Electrical Connectors 1954 Polyurethane or Urethane Foam Cushions 1956 Acetal Automotive Parts 1957 Polypropylene Safety Helmets 1957 Polycarbonate Appliance Parts 1959 Chlorinated Polyether Valves and Fittings 1962 Phenoxy Bottles 1962 Polyallomer Typewriter Cases 1964 lonomer Skin Packages 1964 Polyphenylene Oxide Battery Cases 1964 Polymide Bearings 1964 Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate Heavy Gauge Flexible Sheeting 1965 Parylene Insulating Coatings 1965 Polysulfone Electrical/Electronic Parts 1970 Thermoplastic Polyester Electrical/Electronic Parts 1973 Polybutylene Piping 1975 Nitrile Barrier Resins Containers

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The information contained herein provides product data, suggestions, and guidelines we believe to be reliable. They are offered in good faith but without any guarantee, as conditions, type of product, and methods of product use are beyond our control. Regal Plastic Supply Company makes no warranties either expressed or implied and expressly disclaims any implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or procedure. Sufficient verification and testing to determine the suitability for their own particular purpose of any information or products referred to herein, is strongly recommended.

DISCLAIMERDISCLAIMERDISCLAIMERDISCLAIMER

ACRYLICACRYLICACRYLICACRYLIC

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Basic Information Acrylic plastics, introduced in 1936, have an unusual

combination of properties, outstanding weather resistance, brilliant clarity, “light-piping” and “edge-lighting” qualities, chemical resistance, smooth, easy-clean surface, and ease of forming and machining. Compared to all other types of transparent thermoplastics, acrylic sheet has outstanding resistance to the damaging effects of sunlight and outdoor weathering.

These desirable properties of acrylic sheet account for its wide acceptance for varied end uses such as:

• boat windshields • camera lenses • commercial aircraft windows • contact lenses • display cases • display fixtures • dome skylights • lighting fixture diffusers and lenses • machine windows • models • outdoor luminous signs • pediatric incubators • street lighting shields • safety guards • transparent equipment • transparent lids • transparent product demonstration • transparent tanks • windows and housings • window glazing

There are four manufacturing processes that produce acrylic sheeting: cell cast, continuous cast, continuously manufactured, and extruded.

Each process yields acrylic sheet products with specific characteristics at varying costs. In addition, all types are available with value-added features such as ultraviolet filtering or glare reduction.

Cell Cast

This type of acrylic sheet is made by pouring a methyl methacrylate mixture between two lites (plates) of glass, giving the sheet a smooth, glass-like surface. Cell cast sheets are made one by one and cured in ovens.

There can be slight inconsistencies in the thickness of the sheet from one end to the other because of the contraction and weight of the material during the curing process. Cell cast acrylic provides the clarity of glass at half the weight and four times the impact resistance.

Continuous Cast

The manufacturing method for continuous cast utilizes the same material as cell cast, with the material poured between two stainless steel conveyor belts. Less expensive than cell cast, it offers more uniform thickness, but less clarity.

Continuously Manufactured

An economically priced acrylic sheet with optical properties close to cell cast and uniform thickness.

The manufacturing process involves feeding polymethyl methacrylate pellets into one end of an extruder. The pellets are heated to liquid, extruded through a die for an exact thickness, then laid on highly polished rolls to change from a liquid to a solid state. The polished rolls simulate the smoothness of glass, resulting in its high-grade optical properties.

Continuously manufactured acrylic also offers an excellent surface quality, free of pitting and internal contaminants.

Extruded

The manufacturing method is like continuously manufactured sheeting, except the melted liquid is pulled out of the die at a given rate. The combination of pulling and die opening determines the sheet’s thickness. The least expensive of the acrylic sheets, optics and thickness are not as consistent as in other methods of manufacturing.

Thickness of acrylic sheet ranges from 0.060 inches up, depending on formulation. Cell cast sheet is produced in sizes as large as 72 inches by 96 inches; continuous process sheet is available on reels in widths up to 100 inches and lengths up to 500 feet.

Acrylic sheet is supplied either as preshrunk or unshrunk sheet. Unshrunk sheet will shrink about 2% in length and width, and will increase in thickness by about 4% when heated to forming temperatures and cooled unrestrained. This shrinkage factor must be considered when cutting sheet blanks for thermoforming. Preshrunk sheets undergo little or no shrinkage on heating and cooling.

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With any of these types of acrylic sheet you can specify ultraviolet filtering, glare-free / matte finish or abrasion-resistant coating. Ultraviolet filtering will help keep UV light from harming any materials subject to fading or aging. UV radiation, water and oxygen are key components in a chain reaction that causes color breakdown and material deterioration. The biggest advancement in acrylic technology has been ultraviolet-filtering additives which block the harmful UV rays.

None of these value added features cause loss of light transmission or a shift in color. In fact, these are only two of the many misconceptions about acrylic. While some plastics will yellow over time when exposed to the weather, acrylic sheet will not. It is inherently a weather-resistant plastic.

While handling can dull acrylic sheet, the material itself does not haze or film over. Dulling is created by abrasion from constant, improper cleaning or touching, which produces tiny hairline scratches. However, if you use proper cleaning techniques and materials, acrylic will retain its clarity for life.

Knowing which manufacturing process and value-added features to request, you can order the acrylic sheeting that suits your application best which saves time and money. NOTES ON IMPORTED ACRYLIC SHEET

When purchasing imported acrylic sheet your supplier should be able to answer the following questions: • Are there thickness variances? If so, how much? • How consistent is the quality from shipment to shipment? • Is delivery reliable? • What about code approvals? • Is UV absorber available? • Are the colors stable and consistent? • Have there been any experiences with problems of:

- Gluing - Crazing - Yellowing

Plexiglas® Acrylic Sheet Plexiglas® acrylic sheet is produced by Elf Atochem

North America, Inc., atoglas™ division. Plexiglas® is a registered trademark and atoglas™ is a trademark of Elf Atochem S.A.

In its natural form, Plexiglas® acrylic sheet is a crystal clear (with transparency equal to optical glass), lightweight material having outstanding weatherability, high impact resistance, good chemical resis-tance, and excellent thermoformability and machinability.

The sheet is supplied in general purpose grades and in a number of special grades formulated to meet specific phys-ical requirements.

Most formulations are supplied in a great variety of transparent, translucent, and opaque colors as well as colorless transparent. The material is also supplied in a number of surface patterns.

Basic Information Plexiglas® Acrylic Sheet ACRYLICACRYLICACRYLICACRYLIC

Plexiglas® Acrylic Sheet

Plexiglas® G Acrylic Sheet Premium architectural-grade sheet satisfying the

requirements for all high performance acrylic sheet applications. Plexiglas® G acrylic sheet is made by a cell-casting process which provides the following characteristics: best optical-quality, highest long-term design stress, superior weatherability, ease of fabrication, and the highest degree of chemical resistance available in an acrylic sheet.

Plexiglas® MC Acrylic Sheet

Plexiglas® MC acrylic sheet is an economical sheet made by a proprietary process known as melt calendaring. It offers many of the same high quality features as Plexiglas® G acrylic sheet. In addition, it has exceptional thickness tolerance and can be thermoformed to greater detail.

Plexiglas® Q Acrylic Sheet

Designed primarily for use in the sign market, Plexiglas® Q acrylic sheet is made by the same proprietary continuous process used to make original Plexiglas® MC acrylic sheet. This process ensures exceptional surface finish, optical quality and thickness uniformity. Plexiglas® Q acrylic sheet has all the attributes of original Plexiglas® MC acrylic sheet. In addition, it offers enhanced solvent craze resistance.

Plexiglas® T Acrylic Sheet

Plexiglas® T acrylic sheet combines the beauty of Plexiglas® MC acrylic sheet with additional toughness gained from the use of our advanced impact acrylic chemistry. This union produces the aesthetics desired with increased toughness. Plexiglas® T acrylic sheet is more than fifty percent tougher than standard acrylic sheet.

Plexiglas® UVT Acrylic Sheet Provides same general physical properties as Plexiglas®

G acrylic sheet with increased tramsmittance of UV light in the wavelengths between 280 and 360 nanometers. Not recommended for outdoor use or for use in tanning applications. Plexiglas® UF-3 Acrylic Sheet

Ultraviolet-filtering formulation of acrylic absorbing all ultraviolet radiation (390 nanometers and below) as well as a portion of the relatively harmful visible light in the critical violet (400-450 nanometers) region. The Plexiglas® UF-3 acrylic sheet does absorb some visible light which produces a very faint yellow edge tint. This tint is not objectionable in most applications. Plexiglas® UF-4 Acrylic Sheet

Ultraviolet-filtering formulation recommended for those applications in which the slight yellow tint of UF-3 is objectionable. Plexiglas® UF-4 acrylic sheet does transmit slightly more UV energy than its counterpart, and, as a result, it is somewhat less effective in retarding fading or darkening of colors caused by visible light in the 400 to 500 nanometer range.

Plexiglas® UF-5 Acrylic Sheet

This sheet is an MC grade, ultraviolet-filtering, formulation filtering the maximum of harmful UV radiation. Used for framing applications.

Plexiglas® Frosted Acrylic Sheet

This acrylic sheet is matte finished on one side, smooth on the other, providing a translucent, frosted look. NOTE: For product colors, thicknesses and sheet size availability, see pages 16, 17, and 18.

ACRYLIC

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Breakage resistance is maximum when the edges of saw-cut sheets or of drilled holes in the sheet are free of notches. Saw blades and drill bits that meet manufacturer’s specifications will provide notchfree edges, but it may be desirable to finish edges by sanding or scraping, particularly where the sheet is to be subjected to high impact. CHEMICAL RESISTANCE

Plexiglas® acrylic sheet has excellent resistance to most chemicals, including solutions of inorganic alkalies and acids, such as ammonia and sulfuric acid, and aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as hexane, octane and VM & P naphtha. DIMENSIONAL STABILITY

Plexiglas® acrylic sheet will expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. Different temperature and/or humidity conditions on the inner and outersurfaces of Plexiglas® acrylic sheet may cause it to bow slightly in the direction of the higher temperature and/or humidity. This type of bowing is reversible. The sheet will return to its original flat state when the temperature and humidity differentials become zero.

To ensure good performance in environments where temperature varies widely, Plexiglas® acrylic sheet should be installed in a channel frame that permits the sheet to expand and contract freely. The channel frame should be deep enough for the sheet to contract fully and still stay within the frame.

Avoid inflexible fasteners such as bolts that do not permit expansion and contraction. Tapes and sealants that adhere to both the acrylic sheet and the frame should be sufficiently extensible to accommodate thermal expansion of both.

BREAKAGE RESISTANCE Plexiglas® acrylic sheet has greater impact resistance

than all types of glass. Test samples, for data displayed in Table I, were one foot square with edges loosely clamped.

The hardness of an object striking Plexiglas® acrylic

sheet affects its impact resistance. The air-cannon impact test gives a practical measure of impact strength that Plexiglas® acrylic sheet can be expected to display in service. This procedure measures the velocity and energy required for a projectile of specified weight and tip radius, shot from an air cannon, to break a specimen. Test samples for data in Table 2 are 14 x 20 inch Plexiglas® G acrylic sheet, with edges tightly clamped.

Nominal Thickness

in mm

Baseball 0.32 lb

Steel-tipped dart 0.6 lb, 1/2 in. rad. tip

.118 3.0 24 (47 mph ) 5

.236 6.0 84 (84 mph) 6

.354 9.0 113 (105 mph) 27

.472 12.0 224 (147 mph) 40

.708 18.0 390 (104 mph) 53

.944 24.0 505 (220 mph) 68

F-50 energy (ft-lb) to break impacted with

Table 2

Product

Weight of free- falling steel ball

lb

F50 energy to break

ft-lb

Plexiglas Sheet .098 .118 .177 .236

2.5 3.0 4.5 6.0

.25 2.00 2.00 5.00

3.0 4.7 11.1 18.1

Window Glass Single Strength Double Strength

.100 .125

.25 .25

0.8 1.8

Plate Glass Plate Glass

.187

.250 .25

.25 2.0 1.0

Laminated Glass .250 .25 1.1

Rough Wire Glass Impact Rough Side Impact Smooth Side

.250 .250

.25 .25

2.2 0.2

Polished Wire Glass .250 .25 0.4

Nominal thickness

in mm

Table 1

Inches/Inch/°F.

Plexiglas .0000410

Aluminum .0000129

Copper .0000091

Steel .0000063

Plate Glass .0000050

Pine, along grain .0000030

Pine, across grain .0000190

Comparison of Coefficients of Thermal Expansion Plexiglas vs. Other Materials

Plexiglas® Acrylic Sheet ACRYLICACRYLICACRYLICACRYLIC

Plexiglas® Acrylic Sheet Plexiglas® acrylic sheet may develop permanent

deformation under long-term continuous loading. This cold flow characteristic may be minimized by using thicker sheet, reducing the size of unsupported areas, or using thermoformed configurations.

ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY

Plexiglas® acrylic sheet is an excellent electrical insulator with a high dielectric constant. This property, however, causes a static charge on the sheet surface which attracts dust particles and lint. Antistatic compounds can be employed when static buildup and high dust concentration create a cleaning problem.

FORMING

Listed below are various forming methods for use with Plexiglas® acrylic sheet . For more details on each method please see Forming Section, pages 36 and 37.

Two-Dimensional Three-Dimensional Vacuum Snapback Vacuum Drawing or Blowing Manual Stretch Slip Plug & Ring Vacuum Assist Plug & Ring Blowback Billow Ridge Male/Female

PAINTING

Plexiglas® acrylic sheet can be painted as easily as its non-plastic counterparts, wood & metal. Detailed section found on pages 38 and 39. RESPONSE TO ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION Visible Light Transmittance

In colorless form, Plexiglas® acrylic sheet is as transparent as the finest optical glass. Its total light transmittance is 92%, and haze measurement for colorless Plexiglas® acrylic sheet averages only 1%. The wavelengths of visible light fall between approximately 400 and 700 nanometers in the electromagnetic spectrum.

In all ordinary thicknesses, the light absorbance of colorless Plexiglas® acrylic sheet is not significant. Even at a thickness of one inch, absorbance is less than 0.5%.

Infrared Transmittance

Colorless Plexiglas® acrylic sheet transmits most of the invisible near-infrared energy in the 700 to 2,800 nanometer region. All standard formulations of colorless Plexiglas® acrylic sheet have the same general infrared transmittance characteristics.

X-Ray Transmittance

Colorless Plexiglas® acrylic sheet readily transmits X-rays in all ordinary thicknesses. Plexiglas® acrylic sheet has essentially the same X-ray absorption coefficient as water.

Radio Frequency Transmittance

Most formulations of colorless Plexiglas® acrylic sheet readily transmit standard broadcast and television waves as well as most radar bands.

High-Energy Radiation

Although Plexiglas® acrylic sheet possesses unusual resistance to discoloration from exposure to all ordinary light sources, special sources that emit a combination of intense, high-energy radiation plus visible light may in time discolor and even physically degrade Plexiglas® acrylic sheet. Nuclear Radiation Transmittance

Colorless Plexiglas® G acrylic sheet has the following nuclear transmittance characteristics:

Alpha rays - generally opaque, exhibiting essentially 100% absorption at all thicknesses.

Beta rays - essentially opaque at thicknesses of 0.334 in. or more.

Gamma rays - transparent to gamma rays in all ordinary thicknesses. Colorless Plexiglas® acrylic sheet has about the same gamma ray absorption coefficient as water; however, high dosage and intensity, as is common in sterilizing, may cause discoloration or even the loss of some physical properties.

Neutrons - opaque to neutrons: Plexiglas® acrylic sheet serves as a neutron stopper with stopping power that varies directly with hydrogen content (8%).

ACRYLIC

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In other tests, colorless samples exposed outdoors in Arizona, Florida, and Pennsylvania for 20 years or more showed no significant discoloration, crazing, surface dulling, loss of light transmission, or development of haze or turbidity.

WEIGHT

Plexiglas® acrylic sheet is less than 50% as heavy as glass and 43% as heavy as aluminum.

RIGIDITY Plexiglas® acrylic sheet is not as rigid as many other

materials used in building and construction. The sheet may buckle under load and contract as a result. Users can avoid problems of this sort by adhering to the following guidelines:

Channels engaging the edges of Plexiglas® acrylic sheet

must be sufficiently deep to allow for contraction from deflection under load, as well as thermal expansion and contraction.

Forming Plexiglas® acrylic sheet increases its rigidity.

Wherever practical, specify formed Plexiglas® acrylic sheet panels in large unsupported areas where wind or snow loads are possible.

If it is not practical to form Plexiglas® acrylic sheet ,

increasing the thickness of the flat Plexiglas® acrylic sheet will guarantee greater rigidity.

SERVICE TEMPERATURE

The allowable service temperatures for Plexiglas® acrylic sheet range up to 200º F, sufficiently high for fluorescent lighting and exterior applications. But, unless the designer takes certain precautions, Plexiglas® acrylic sheet should not be installed in applications with incandescent or mercury vapor lamps that exceed these limits.

SOUND TRANSMISSION

Plexiglas® acrylic sheet offers sound loss characteristics that are equal to or better than those of glass.

TRANSPARENCY

In colorless form, Plexiglas® acrylic sheet is as transparent as the finest optical glass. Its total light transmission is 92% and its measured haze averages only 1%.

WEATHER RESISTANCE

Plexiglas® acrylic sheet formulations have a proven ability to withstand the effects of weather, sun, and a wide range of temperatures in outdoor use. This permanence derives from the acrylic resin’s inherent stability. A large number of clear samples, after more than 10 years of outdoor exposure in Pennsylvania, show an average of more than 90% light transmission, which represents a loss of only 2%. Inspection reveals that very few test samples exhibit any obvious damage due to weathering.

Thickness in

Weight lb/sq ft

0.118 0.73

0.177 1.09

0.236 1.46

Plexiglas® Acrylic Sheet ACRYLICACRYLICACRYLICACRYLIC

DO YOU KNOW?

1948 - translucent Plexiglas is used for an internally illuminated sign.

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Plexiglas® Acrylic Sheet

COLORS AND PATTERNS Translucent Colors

Sixteen translucent and three semi-opaque colors are available only in Plexiglas® MC acrylic sheet. Translucent sheet transmits diffused light which prevents objects behind the sheet from being clearly distinguishable. This luminous quality makes translucent sheet ideal for most sign applications.

White Translucent Densities

Available in Plexiglas® G and MC acrylic sheet with seven densities providing a wide range of varying percentages of light transmittance, diffusion and lamp hiding power. Unlike the colored translucents, white translucent densities vary in light transmittance with the thickness of the sheet. Transparent Colors

Ten “see-through” standard colors are available. Transparent tints vary from color to color in light transmittance, but the transmittance of any single color is approximately equal for any sheet thickness. Solar Control Tints

Gray and Bronze solar tints were designed as a solution for solar heat and glare control problems. Both colors are available in a number of standard densities. As in transparent color sheet, the transmittance of any single solar tint color is approximately equal for any sheet thickness. Sheet Patterns

Standard patterns of Plexiglas® acrylic sheet refract or bend transmitted light by means of various surface textures. These textures provide decorative effects, diffuse annoying surface reflections, and allows privacy by eliminating see-through. Of the seven pattern choices, 5 are single-sided; 2 are double-sided.

ACRYLICACRYLICACRYLICACRYLIC

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48” 72” 60” Thicknesses 96” Length Extra Large Sheets COLORS

0.118 0.177 0.236 0.354 0.472 75” x 100” 48” x 120” 60” x 120” 72” x 120” Amber - 2422 Black - 2025 Black - 2025 Blue - 2050 Blue - 2051 Blue - 2069 Blue - 2114 Blue - 2424 Blue - 2648 Blue - 3120 Bronze - 2370 Bronze - 2370 Bronze - 2404 Bronze - 2404 Bronze - 2540 Bronze - 2412 Bronze - 2412 Brown - 2418 Gray - 2064 Gray - 2064 Gray - 2074 Gray - 2074 Gray, Neutral - 2094 Gray, Neutral - 2514 Gray - Neutral - 2515 Gray, Neutral - 2537 Gray, Neutral - 2538 Gray - 3001 Green - 2030 Green - 2108 Green - 2111 Green - 3030 (edge color) Green - 3030 (edge color) Ivory - 2146 Orange - 2119 Red - 2129 Red - 2157 Red - 2283 Red - 2415 Red - 2423 Red - 2423 Red - 2662 Red - 2711 Red - 2904 Red - 2793 White - W2067 White - W2447 White - W2447 White - W7138 White - W7328 White - W7328 White - W7420 White - W7508 White - 3015 Yellow - 2016 Yellow - 2037 Yellow - 2208 Yellow - 2465

RED - Premium Plexiglas® G: Made-to-order basis BLUE - Standard Plexiglas® MC - sheet size available only in 0.177” GREEN - Standard Plexiglas® G

Plexiglas® Acrylic Sheet ACRYLICACRYLICACRYLICACRYLIC

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PRODUCT 0.060 0.080 0.100 0.118 0.177 0.220 0.236 24” x 48” 48” x 96” 72” x 96”

Plexiglas® G Patterns (Colorless)

P-4

P5

P-95*

*NOTE - P-95 is available in all Plexiglas G colors on a made-to-order basis.

Plexiglas® MC Patterns (Colorless)

P-12 **

DP-30

DP-32

Non-Glare

**NOTE - pallets only.

Plexiglas® Frosted Acrylic Sheet is available in clear with colors considered on a special request basis. Run-to-size in not available with this product. Thicknesses: .118, .177, .220, .236, .354 Standard Sheet Sizes: 48” x 96”; 60” x 96”; 72” x 96”; 51” x 100”; 63” x 100”; 75” x 100”; 72” x 100”* * - This sheet size is only available in .354 (9.0mm) thickness.

Plexiglas® Q Acrylic Sheet is available on reels and as palletized sheet stock, in colorless and sign white in the following thicknesses and sizes: Thicknesses - .118, .150, .177, .220 Palletized sheet stock - from 30” to 108” (9’) Plexiglas® T Acrylic Sheet is available in colorless, white and black, in the following thicknesses and sizes: Thicknesses

Clear - .080, .098, .118, .150, .177, .220, .236 Colors - .118, .177, .236

Standard Sheet Sizes:

Clear - 48” x 96”; 60” x 96”; 72” x 96”; 51” x 100” Colors - 48” x 96”; 60” x 96”; 72” x 96”

EXTRA LARGE SHEETS are available in all Standard Plexiglas® MC colors on a Custom Order basis only. This excludes Bronze 2412, White W2447, & White W7328 which have standard availability in these sizes.

Plexiglas® Acrylic Sheet ACRYLICACRYLICACRYLICACRYLIC

PRODUCT CODE APPROVALS All grades and colors of Plexiglas® acrylic sheet are

classified as a CC-2 light transmitting thermoplastic material under the model building codes. Typical values for Plexiglas® acrylic sheet are: self-ignition temperature (ASTM D1929) in a range of 740° to 880°F; smoke density rating (ASTM D2843) between 4 to 12%; and horizontal burn rate (ASTM D635) between 1.1 to 1.9 in/min. Note: these are small-scale tests and should not be used to predict how a material will behave in actual fire.

Copies of the approvals of Plexiglas® acrylic sheet under various codes are available on request as are the reports on the status of Plexiglas® acrylic sheet under Federal Government regulations.

Approvals and research recommendations of general interest include:

• ICBO Research Recommendation No. 1084

• BOCA Report No. 89-32

• SBCC Report No. 9082

• New York City Board of Standards and Appeals Calendars 444-60SM, 657-63-SM

• New York City Department of Water Supply, Gas & Electricity approval for use in signs and lighting fixtures

• New York City MEA 107-69-M, MEA 146-80-M, MEA 139-80-M

• California Fire Marshall File No. A2560-007

Plexiglas® acrylic sheet is not approved as an interior finish material under any building code.

Both Plexiglas G and MC acrylic sheet, colorless and all

colors, are listed as recognized components by Underwriters Laboratories with a UL flame class of 94HB. These products are subjected to one or more of the following tests; ultra-violet light, water exposure or immersion in accordance with UL 746C, where the acceptability for outdoor use is to be determined by Underwriters Laboratories.

Plexiglas® Acrylic Sheet ACRYLIC

THERMOFORMING

WEATHERABILITY Light Transmittance

Implex® Impact Acrylic Sheet is comparable to cast acrylic sheet in performance and substantially better than polycarbonate sheet.

Percent Haze

As with light transmittance, Implex® Impact Acrylic Sheet characteristics pertaining to haze are very similar to those of standard acrylic sheet and significantly outperforms polycarbonate.

PRODUCT AVAILABILITY

Colors: Available in Standard Plexiglas® MC selection. See chart on page 17.

Implex® Impact Acrylic Sheet, produced by Elf Atochem North America, Inc., atoglas™ division, offers good impact resistance along with excellent weatherability, clarity, and processing characteristics. Implex® is a registered trademark and atoglas™ is a trademark of Elf Atochem S.A.

Developed primarily for the sign industry, Implex® Impact Acrylic Sheet combines the well-known weatherability of acrylic with proprietary impact-resistant chemistry, eliminating haze, surface dullness, and progressive yellowing.

Processing advantages include: • Shorter thermoforming cycles • Lower forming temperatures • Wider forming temperature windows

BREAKAGE RESISTANCE

Values reported are averages and should not be used for specification purposes. Tests performed on 0.118” specimens.

PAINTING Implex® Impact Acrylic Sheet is paintable using standard

acrylic-based paints and screen inks. See Painting Section, pages 38 and 39.

RIGIDITY

Implex® Impact Acrylic Sheet exhibits a flexural modulus near that of cast acrylic sheet, which is considerably higher than polycarbonate.

Test

Cast Acrylic

Implex® Sheet

Sign-Grade Polycarb

Falling Dart, ft-lb, 73°F 6” x 6” x 1/4”

radius, dart tip Unpainted

Standard Paint Impact Paint

1 1 1

6 2 7

>80 >80 >80

Unnotched Charpy, 4” span, ft-lb/1/2” x

1” section Ambient

32°F 0°F

3 3 3

11 9 4

no break no break no break

Notched Izod, ft-lb/1/2” x 1” section

Ambient 32°F 0°F

0.4 0.4 0.2

0.6 — —

16 16 16

Test Cast Acrylic

Polycarbonate Implex® Sheet

Optimum Forming Temperature (°F)

350 375 325

Form. Temp. Range (°F)

290-350 370-415 275-350

Heating Cycle Hot Air, minutes Infrared, minutes

12 5

12 6

12 4

Cooling Cycle, minutes

2.5 1 2

Part Removal Temp. (°F)

205 275 190

Forming Time, seconds

75 15 50

Total Forming Cycle Hot Air, minutes Infrared, minutes

14.5 7.5

13 7

14 6

.093 .118 .150 .177 .220 .236 .354

48” x 96” 60” x 96’ 72” x 96” 51” x 100”

63” x 100”

75” x 100”

Implex® Impact Acrylic Sheet ACRYLIC

22

ACRYLITE® acrylic sheet and its various formulations are products of CYRO Industries, a joint venture of the US company CYTEC Industries, and Röhm GmbH of the Federal Republic of Germany.

ACRYLITE® GP acrylic sheet

Cell cast produced acrylic sheet which provides excellent optical characteristics, thickness tolerances, light stability, and low internal stress levels for consistent performance. The following sheets are value-added, cell cast produced: ACRYLITE® OP-1 acrylic sheet

This acrylic sheet transmits a high level of ultraviolet light making it preferred for use in many scientific applications where a broader spectrum of sunlight transmission is desired. ACRYLITE® OP-2 acrylic sheet

Filtering 98% of the ultraviolet wavelengths between 250 and 400 nanometers makes this sheet a good choice for display cases and protective glazing. This particular sheet has an almost water white edge color giving a high quality appearance. ACRYLITE® OP-4 acrylic sheet

This acrylic sheet is designed for applications requiring high UV transmission and strong resistance to degradation by UV light. The formulation of this particular acrylic sheet allows it to transmit a high percentage of light in the UV-A and UV-B regions. It begins low level transmission at 250 nanometers and steadily increases. At 300 nanometers transmission level is typically at 80% increasing to 89% at 380 nanometers (the upper end of the UV region). It is an excellent material for use in indoor suntanning equipment.

ACRYLITE® GP P-95 acrylic sheet

Produced with matte finish on one side, this acrylic sheet reduces reflected light. In direct contact with an object, transparent clarity is achieved. ACRYLITE® GP DP-9 acrylic sheet provides a two-sided matte finish giving a sandblasted look or the appearance of frosted glass.

ACRYLITE® 237 acrylic sheet

Specially formulated with an added proprietary flame retardant, this sheet offers outstanding aging, corrosion and break resistance. A transparent material, it is recommended for use as a noise-control material for highways.

ACRYLITE® GP 1 1/4” acrylic sheet This non-laminated acrylic sheet is colorless, transparent

and listed as a UL 752 Level 1 bullet-resistant glazing material.

ACRYLITE® GAR acrylic sheet

This acrylic sheet offers the added benefit of abrasion and chemical resistant coating on one or both sides. The abrasion resistant coating significantly increases the service life of the sheet products. ACRYLITE GAR sheet is produced by the cell cast method.

ACRYLITE® 249 acrylic sheet

This is an aerospace grade crosslinked acrylic sheet certified to meet or exceed Military Specification MIL-P-8184F, as a Type II, Class 2 material. This specification applies to optical quality cast acrylic sheet , which is superior to conventional acrylic sheet in craze and heat resistance, and water absorption.

ACRYLITE® GMS acrylic sheet

This aerospace grade acrylic sheet is certified to meet or exceed Military Specification MIL-P-5425E, Type II, Finish A, “Plastic Sheet, Acrylic, Heat Resistant.”

ACRYLITE® GP Sheet Fluorescents ACRYLITE® GP F acrylic sheet

This fluorescent acrylic sheet is recommended for indoor uses only.

ACRYLITE® GP FL acrylic sheet

Offering color uniformity of surface and edge, this fluorescent acrylic sheet has an extended fluorescent life and excellent thermoformability.

ACRYLITE® GP FLW acrylic sheet

This sheet is formulated as a weatherable fluorescent sheet which can be used in outdoor signs and special effect applications.

ACRYLITE® acrylic sheet ACRYLICACRYLICACRYLICACRYLIC

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE Exhibits excellent resistance to many chemicals

including: • solutions of inorganic alkalies such as ammonia • dilute acids such as sulfuric acid • aliphatic hydrocarbons such as hexane

DIMENSIONAL STABILITY

When designing, the large coefficient of expansion, 3 times that of aluminum and 8 times glass, must be taken into consideration. A 48” panel will expand and contract approximately .002” for each degree F change in temperature. In outdoor use, a sheet can expand and contract approximately 3/16”. Therefore, sash rabbets must be of sufficient depth to allow for both the expansion and contraction. Although the material will not shrink with age, some shrinkage occurs when heated to forming temperature.

This material is subject to water absorption when exposed to high relative humidities. Dimensional changes occuring at relative humidites of 100%, 80%, and 60% are 0.6%, 0.4%, and 0.2%.

ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY

Exhibits a higher surface resistivity than most plastic materials and is considered a good insulator.

FABRICATION

See detailed section, pages 32 through 35. FORMING

See detailed section, pages 36 and 37. PAINTING

See detailed section, pages 38 and 39. RIGIDITY

Under wind load, a sheet will bow and foreshorten as a result of deflection. In glazing applications, the maximum wind load must be considered when determining thickness of the panel and the depth and width of the rabbet.

Rigidity is increased and deflection minimized when the sheet is formed into corrugated or domed shapes.

Sheets, particularly large and flat, must be sufficiently supported to avoid deformation due to continuous loads such as snow, or its own weight. Consult with your Regal Plastic Supply representative for a particular application.

SERVICE TEMPERATURE Service temperatures range from -40°F (-40°C) up to

+200°F (93°C), depending on the application. It is recommended that temperatures not exceed 180°F for continuous service, or 200°F for short intermittent use. Components should not be exposed to high heat sources, such as high wattage incandescent lamps, unless the finished product is ventilated to permit the dissipation of heat.

STRENGTHS AND STRESSES

Possessing a tensile strength of 10,000 psi (69 MPa) at room temperature (ASTM D638), stress crazing in acrylic sheet can be caused by continuous loads below this value. For most applications, continuously imposed design loads should not exceed 1,500 psi (10.4 MPa).

There is a gradual loss of tensile strength as the temperature approaches the maximum recommended for continuous service, 180°F (82°C).

Localized, concentrated stresses must be avoided. Due to expansion and contraction, large sheets should never be fastened with bolts, but rather installed in frames.

THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY

Acrylic sheet is considered a better insulator than glass with a 10% lower heat transfer value.

TRANSPARENCY

Colorless, ACRYLITE® GP acrylic sheet has a light transmittance of 92%.

WEATHER RESISTANCE

Acrylic offers excellent weather resistance as compared to other types of plastics. Deterioration due to sun, cold, sudden temperature changes, salt water spray, etc., are avoided due to the inherent stability of acrylic.

WEIGHT

Half the weight of glass, and 43% the weight of aluminum, one square foot of 1/8” (3.0 mm) thick acrylic sheet weighs less than 3/4 pound (1/3 kilogram).

For product color and size availability see page 25.

ACRYLITE® acrylic sheet ACRYLIC

ACRYLITE® FF acrylic sheet A continuously manufactured acrylic sheet which has the

same transparency, light weight, weather resistance and rigidity as cell cast sheet.

The following sheets are produced by the CYRO proprietary continuously manufactured method: ACRYLITE® FF P-99 acrylic sheet

Acrylic sheet with a matte-finished, non-glare surface that can be painted or screenprinted. This product is widely used in the picture framing industry.

ACRYLITE® OP-3 acrylic sheet ACRYLITE® OP-3 P-99 acrylic sheet

These two acrylic sheets were developed to meet the special needs of the picture frame industry. Both offer ultraviolet filtering, light weight, and ease of fabrication. ACRYLITE OP-3 P-99 sheet provides a matte-finished, non-glare surface.

ACRYLITE® FFV acrylic sheet

Primarily used for outdoor patio furniture, this acrylic sheet has a medium grain texture and provides 69% light transmission.

ACRYLITE® FFX acrylic sheet

Acrylic sheet typically used for cutting boards and chairmats. It provides 66% light transmission and has a decorative stippled texture.

ACRYLITE® AR acrylic sheet

This acrylic sheet offers the added benefit of abrasion and chemical resistant coating on one or both sides. The abrasion resistant coating significantly increases the service life of the sheet product.

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE

Exhibits excellent resistance to many chemicals including:

• solutions of inorganic alkalies such as ammonia • dilute acids such as sulfuric acid • aliphatic hydrocarbons such as hexane

DIMENSIONAL STABILITY When designing, the large coefficient of expansion, 3

times that of aluminum and 8 times glass, must be taken into consideration. A 48” panel will expand and contract approximately .002” for each degree F change in temperature. In outdoor use, a sheet can expand and contract approximately 1/4”. Therefore, sash rabbets must be of sufficient depth to allow for both the expansion and contraction. Although the material will not shrink with age; some shrinkage occurs when heated to forming temperature.

This material is subject to water absorption when exposed to high relative humidities. Dimensional changes occuring at relative humidites of 100%, 80%, and 60% are 0.5%, 0.3%, and 0.2%.

ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY

Acrylic sheet is a good insulator with surface resistivity higher than that of most plastics.

FABRICATION

See detailed section, pages 32 through 35. FORMING

See detailed section, pages 36 and 37. PAINTING

See detailed section, pages 38 and 39. RIGIDITY

Under wind load, a sheet will bow and foreshorten as a result of deflection. In glazing applications, the maximum wind load must be considered when determining thickness of the panel and the depth and width of the rabbet.

Rigidity is increased and deflection is minimized when the sheet is formed into corrugated or domed shapes.

Sheets, particularly large and flat, must be sufficiently supported to avoid deformation due to continuous loads such as snow, or its own weight.

ACRYLITE® acrylic sheet ACRYLIC

ACRYLITE® acrylic sheet

SERVICE TEMPERATURE Service temperatures range from -30°F (-34°C) up to

+190°F (+88°C), depending on the application. It is recommended that temperatures not exceed 160°F (71°C) for continuous service, or 190°F (88°C) for short intermittent use. Components should not be exposed to high heat sources, such as high wattage incandescent lamps, unless the finished product is ventilated to permit the dissipation of heat.

STRENGTHS AND STRESSES

Possessing a tensile strength of 10,000 psi (69 MPa) at room temperature (ASTM D638), stress crazing in acrylic sheet can be caused by continuous loads below this value. For glazing applications, continuously imposed design loads should not exceed 1,500 psi (10.4 MPa). Design loads for applications subject to continuous loading should not exceed 750 psi (5.2 MPa) at 73°F (23°C).

There is a gradual loss of tensile strength as the temperature approaches the maximum recommended for continuous service, 160°F (71°C).

Localized, concentrated stresses must be avoided. Due to expansion and contraction, large sheets should never be fastened with bolts, but rather installed in frames.

THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY

Acrylic sheet is considered a better insulator than glass with a 10% lower heat transfer value.

TRANSPARENCY

Colorless, ACRYLITE® FF acrylic sheet has a light transmittance of 92%.

WEATHER RESISTANCE

Acrylic offers excellent weather resistance as compared to other types of plastics. Deterioration due to sun, cold, sudden temperature changes, salt water spray, etc., are avoided due to the inherent stability of acrylic.

WEIGHT

Acrylic sheet is half the weight of glass and 43% the weight of aluminum.

For product color and size availability see page 26.

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE CHART ACRYLITE® GP acrylic sheet and ACRYLITE® FF acrylic sheet

R = Resistant ACRYLITE GP sheet and ACRYLITE FF sheet withstand this substance for long periods

at temperatures up to 120°F (49°C). LR = Limited Resistance

ACRYLITE GP sheet and ACRYLITE FF sheet resist the action of this substance for short periods at room temperatures. The resistance for a particular application must be determined. N = Not Resistant

ACRYLITE GP sheet and ACRYLITE FF sheet are not resistant to this substance. Exposure will cause damage in some manner. NOTE: Plastic Materials can be attacked by chemicals in several ways. The methods of fabrication and/or conditions of exposure of acrylic sheet, as well as the manner in which the chemicals are applied, can influence the final results even for “R” coded chemicals.

CHEMICAL FF GP CHEMICAL FF GP

Acetic Acid (5%) LR R Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) R R

Acetic Acid (Glacial) N N Hydrogen Peroxide (28%) LR N

Acetic Anhydride LR Isooctane R

Acetone N N Isopropyl Alcohol LR LR

Ammonium Chloride R R Kerosene R R

Ammonium Hydroxide (10%) R R Lacquer Thinner N N

Ammonium Hydroxide (Conc.) R R Methyl Alcohol (30%-FF)(50%-GP)

LR LR

Aniline N N Methyl Alcohol (100%) N N

Battery Acid R R Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) N N

Benzene N N Methylene Chloride N N

Butyl Acetate N N Mineral Oil R R

Calcium Chloride (Sat.) R R Naphtha (VM%P) R

Calcium Hypochlorite R R Nitric Acid (10%) R R

Carbon Tetrachloride LR N Nitric Acid (40%) LR LR

Chloroform N N Nitric Acid (Conc.) N N

Chromic Acid (40%-GP) LR N Oleic Acid R R

Citric Acid (10%) R R Olive Oil R R

Cottonseed Oil (Edible) R R Phenol Solution (5%) N N

Detergent solution (Heavy Duty) R R Soap Solution (Mild dish soap) R R

Diesel Oil R R Sodium Carbonate (2%) R R

Diethyl Ether N N Sodium Carbonate (20%) R R

Dimethyl Formamide N N Sodium Chloride (10%) R R

Dioctyl Phthalate N N Sodium Hydroxide (1%) R R

Ethyl Acetate N N Sodium Hydroxide (10%) R R

Ethyl Alcohol (30%-FF)(50%-GP) LR LR Sodium Hydroxide (60%) R R

Ethyl Alcohol (95%) N N Sodium Hypochlorite (5%) R R

Ethylene Dichloride N N Sulfuric Acid (3%) R R

Ethylene Glycol R R Sulfuric Acid (30%) R R

2-Ethylhexyl Sebacate R Sulfuric Acid (Conc.) N N

Formaldehyde (40%) R Toluene N N

Gasoline (regular,leaded) LR LR Transformer Oil R R

Glycerine R R Trichloroethylene N N

Heptane R R Turpentine R LR

Hexane (commercial grade) R R Water (Distilled) R R

Hydrochloric Acid R R Xylene N N

Hydrofluoric Acid (25%-FF)(40%-GP)

N N

ACRYLIC

26

ACRYLITE® acrylic sheet

ACRYLITE® 237 acrylic sheet Thicknesses: 0.500”, 0.750” Sheet Size: 48” x 96” ACRYLITE® GP 1 1/4” acrylic sheet Thickness: 1.25” Sheet Sizes: 48”, 60” or 72” x 96”

ACRYLITE® AR acrylic sheet ACRYLITE® GAR acrylic sheet Thicknesses: 0.060”, 0.080”, 0.098”, 0.118”, 0.177”, 0.236”, 0.354”, 0.472”, 0.625” Sheet Sizes: ACRYLITE AR acrylic sheet - 48” or 60” x 96” ACRYLITE GAR acrylic sheet - up to 60” x 120” ACRYLITE® 249 acrylic sheet ACRYLITE® GMS acrylic sheet Thicknesses: 0.060”, 0.080”, 0.100”, 0.125”, 0.150”, 0.187”, 0.220”, 0.250”, 0.312”, 0.375”, 0.500” Sheet Sizes: ACRYLITE 249 acrylic sheet - 36” x 48”, 40” x 50”, 48” x 60”, 72” or 96”, 60” x 72” or 96”, 72” x 72” or 96” ACRYLITE GMS acrylic sheet - 36” x 48”, 48” x 50”, 72” or 96”, 60” x 72” or 96”, 72” x 96”

PRODUCT AVAILABILITY ACRYLITE® GP acrylic sheet Thicknesses: 0.060” to 2.0” Sheet Sizes: 40 standard sizes from 36” x 48” to 72” x 100”

ACRYLITE® GP acrylic sheet Exotic Edge Colors Thicknesses: 0.118”, 0.177”, 0.236’, 0.354”, 0.472”, 0.708”, 0.944” ACRYLITE® OP-1 acrylic sheet ACRYLITE® OP-2 acrylic sheet Thicknesses: 0.060”, 0.080”, 0.118”, 0.177”, 0.236”, 0.250”, 0.354” Sheet Sizes: 48” x 72” or 96”, 72” x 96”

ACRYLITE® OP-4 acrylic sheet Thicknesses: 0.100”, 0.125”, 0.150”, 0.170”, 0.187”, 0.250” Sheet Sizes: 48” x 72” or 96”, 60” x 84”, 72” x 96” ACRYLITE® GP P-95 acrylic sheet ACRYLITE® GP DP-9 acrylic sheet Thicknesses: 0.118”, 0.177”, 0.236”, 0.354”, 0.472” Sheet Sizes: 48” x 72” or 96”, 60” x 84”, 72” x 96”

COLOR REFERENCE TABLE CODE: S Standard Color: Stocked in the following sizes: ACRYLITE GP sheet - 48” x 72”; 48” x 96”; 0.118 (3mm); 0.177 (4.5mm); 0.236 (6mm) ACRYLITE FF sheet - 48” x 96”; 0.118 (3mm); 0.177 (4.5mm)

Other sheet sizes and thicknesses (ACRYLITE FF acrylic sheet only) are available in standard package quantities. See your plastics’ distributor for pricing and availability.

Note A - All transparent gray or bronze colors can be used for SOLAR CONTROL APPLICATIONS.

Note B - Black No. 137-0 is only available in thicknesses of 0.295, 0.354, 0.472, 0.591, 0.708, 0.944, and 1.5.

Note C - Black No. 199-0 is also available in thicknesses of 0.295, 0.354, 0.472.

* - Also available in 0.354 & 0.472. ** - ONLY available in 0.354 & 0.472. ACRYLITE GP FL sheet is available in 6

colors: Blue 6122-8; Green 5119-8, Orange 3100-5, Red, dark 2123-2; Red, light 2124-3, Yellow 468-7.

ACRYLITE GP FLW sheet is available in 2 colors: Red 2130-2; Yellow 3105-5

C Custom Color: Can be manufactured to order in metric or imperial thicknesses, subject to minimum order requirements and surcharge. (ACRYLITE GP sheet custom colors only).

* - Indoor Use Only - ACRYLITE GP sheet only - ACRYLITE FF sheet only

Code

Color

ACRYLITE Sheet

Code

Color

ACRYLITE Sheet

Code

Color

ACRYLITE Sheet

S S S S S S S S C C S S S S S S S C C C C C S S S S

Black Black Black, Hi-Gloss Blue Blue Blue Blue Blue Blue Brown Coral Fluoresc. Green* Fluoresc. Red* Fluoresc. Yellow* Glass Green Gold Green Green Green Green Green Ivory Red Red Red Red

137-0 199-0 199 HG* 605-0 606-0 607-1 613-0 655-0 693-0 324-0 206-0 564-9 216-4 411-5 5110-9** 455-8 506-0 507-0 518-0 519-0 534-0 047-2 202-0 205-0 205 HG 207-0

S S S C C C C C S S C C C S S C C S S S S S C C C

Red Red Red Red Red Red Orange Orange Rust Transp. Amber Transp. Amber Transp. Amber Transp. Blue Transp. Blue Transp. Bronze Transp. Bronze Transp. Bronze Transp. Bronze Transp. Bronze Transp. Gray Transp. Gray Transp. Gray Transp. Gray Transp. Gray Transp. Gray

209-0 211-1 217-0 218-0 248-0 278-0 303-0 338-1 262-0 408-5 422-1 436-4 625-5 668-0 126-4* 131-2* 145-5 146-7 311-1* 103-2* 104-1* 115-0 140-3 141-5 142-1

C C C C S S S C C S S C S S S S S S C C S S S S S C

Transp. Gray Transp. Gray Transp. Gray Transp. Green Transp. Green Transp. Green Transp. Red Transp. Red Transp. Red Transp. Yellow Turquoise Violet White White, Hi-Gloss White White White White White White White White Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow

143-4 144-7 182-2 508-7 545-2 546-7 210-0 257-0 257-HG 430-7 614-0 702-0 015-2* 020HG** 020-4 048-2 049-3 051-6 054-3 076-0 030-7 097-0 406-1 407-2 424-3 432-2

ACRYLICACRYLICACRYLICACRYLIC

27

ACRYLITE® acrylic sheet ACRYLITE® GP FL acrylic sheet Thicknesses: 0.118”, 0.177”, 0.236”, 0.354”, 0.472” Sheet Sizes: 48” and 72” x 96” ACRYLITE® GP FL acrylic sheet ACRYLITE® GP FLW acrylic sheet Thicknesses: 0.188”, 0.177”, 0.236” Sheet Sizes: 48” and 72” x 96” ACRYLITE® FF acrylic sheet Thicknesses: 0.060”, 0.080”, 0.090”, 0.098”, 0.118”, 0.150”, 0.177”, 0.220”, 0.236”, 0.354”, 0.472”, 0.708”, 0.944”. Extra thick: 0.354” and 0.472” Sheet Sizes: 48”, 60” and 72” x 96”, 49” x 97”, 51” x 100”, 100” x 100”, 125” and 150” ACRYLITE® FF P-99 acrylic sheet Thicknesses: 0.060”, 0.080”, 0.098” and 0.118” Sheet Sizes: 48” x 96”

ACRYLITE® OP-3 acrylic sheet ACRYLITE® OP-3 P-99 acrylic sheet Thicknesses: 0.098” and 0.118” Sheet Sizes: 48” x 96”

ACRYLITE® FFV acrylic sheet ACRYLITE® FFX acrylic sheet Thicknesses: 0.118”, 0.177”, 0.220” Sheet Sizes: 48” x 96” PRODUCT CODE APPROVALS ACRYLITE® GP acrylic sheet ACRYLITE® FF acrylic sheet ACRYLITE® AR acrylic sheet ACRYLITE® GAR acrylic sheet • ANSI Z 97.1 for Safety Glazing Materials Used in

Buildings • ANSI Z 26.1, AS-4, 5, 6 & 7 for Safety Glazing Materials

for Glazing Motor Vehicles • Uniform Building Codes, for use as a Light Transmitting

Plastic: See BOCA Evaluation Serivces, Inc., Research

Report # 96-75

ICBO Evaluation Services, Inc., Evaluation Report # 3715

CC2 Classification for ACRYLITE AR and GAR sheets

SBCCI PST & ESI Evaluation Report # 95112B City of Los Angeles, Research Report RR 24392 Wisconsin Material Approval, Approval # 950043-L NY City MEA # 144-80-M for ACRYLITE GP sheet MEA # 145-80-M for ACRYLITE FF sheet Consumer Products Safety Commission, Safety

Standard for Architectural Glazing Materials, 16 CFR 1201, Categories 1 & 11

ACRYLITE® 237 acrylic sheet • ANSI Z 26.1 chemical resistance as specified by this

American National Standards Institute. ACRYLITE® GP 1 1/4” acrylic sheet • ACRYLITE GP 1 1/4” acrylic sheet is UL listed (UL 752)

as a Bullet Resistant Glazing Material, Level 1 FIRE PRECAUTIONS

ACRYLITE GP sheet and ACRYLITE FF sheet are combustible thermoplastics. Precautions should be taken to protect the material from flames and high heat sources. Acrylite GP acrylic sheet usually burns rapidly to completion if not extinguished. The products of combustion, if sufficient air is present, are carbon dioxide and water. However, in many fires sufficient air will not be available and toxic carbon monoxide will be formed, as it is from other combustible materials. We urge good judgement in the use of this versatile material and recommend that building codes be followed carefully to ensure it is used properly.

ACRYLICACRYLICACRYLICACRYLIC

Manufactured by Ineos Acrylics, Lucite® cast acrylic sheet, produced from methyl methacrylate monomer, has outstanding optical properties, excellent weather resistance, uniform caliper control, and high impact resistance. It displays excellent resistance to warpage, cracks, scratches, blisters, voids, foreign matter, and other defects which may affect appearance or serviceability. Lightweight and easily fabricated, Lucite® cast acrylic sheet is used where safety, weight, optical clarity, and long-term retention of properties are important. Lucite® continuous cast acrylic sheet is available in linear (L), crosslinked (XL), and value-added formulations. LUCITE® L Acrylic Sheet

A linear continuous cast acrylic sheet generally used for glazing and skylight applications. LUCITE® XL Acrylic Sheet

A crosslinked continuous cast acrylic sheet primarily used in reinforced laminated structures because of its improved solvent resistance, outstanding surface appearance, and du-rability. BREAKAGE RESISTANCE

Lucite® cast acrylic sheet has significantly higher breakage resistance compared to traditional glazing materials. CHEMICAL RESISTANCE Lucite® cast acrylic sheet is unaffected by a wide variety of chemicals and cleaning agents, including diluted solutions of acids and alkalies, petroleum oils, aliphatic hydrocarbons and dilute alcohols. However, gasoline, chlorinated solvents, acetone, or denatured alcohol do tend to soften the surface of acrylic and may cause crazing. DIMENSIONAL STABILITY

Lucite® Acrylic Sheet

FABRICATION See detailed section, pages 32 through 35. NOTE: Lucite® XL acrylic sheet, due to its crosslinked

structure, requires a two component cement. Weld-On 40 or Versilok 505 have proven to be effective adhesives for joining Lucite® XL acrylic sheet to itself. These adhesives are also recommended for use in adhering Lucite® XL acrylic sheet to other plastics and wood. For adhesion to metal, Weld-On 10 is suggested, although the resulting joint is white.

FORMING

See detailed section, pages 36 and 37.

OPTICS Lucite® cast acrylic sheet has exceptionally low caliper

variation which ensures consistent quality and very low optical distortion. Clear Lucite® acrylic sheet provides 92-93% light transmittance as compared to 89% for plate glass.

PAINTING

See detailed section, pages 38 and 39.

THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY Lucite® acrylic sheet is a much better thermal insulator

than glass. The rate of heat transfer through glass ("K" factor) is four times greater than that through Lucite® sheet.

The overall transmission coefficient or “U” factor for Lucite® sheet is better than that for glass as shown in the following table.

115 mph wind velocity 27.5 mph wind velocity

Inches/Inch/°F

LUCITE® 0.0000390

Aluminum 0.0000129

Steel 0.0000063

Float Glass 0.0000050

LUCITE® versus Other Building Materials

Comparison of Coefficients of Thermal Expansion

ACRYLIC

Winter Heat Loss1

LUCITE® Thickness

1/8” (.125

3/16” (.188)

1/4” (.250)

1/8” (.125)

3/16” (.188)

1/4” (.250)

Single Glazed 1.06 1.01 0.96 0.98 0.93 0.89

Double Glazed 1/4” air space

0.55 0.52 0.49 0.56 0.53 0.50

Double Glazed 1/2” air space

0.47 0.45 0.43 0.50 0.48 0.45

Summer Heat Gain2

LUCITE® U-Factor for Vertical Windows

(BTU/hr. sq. ft./°F)

29

WEATHER RESISTANCE Lucite® acrylic sheet is outstanding in its ability to

withstand continuous exposure to sun and ultraviolet radiation.

WEIGHT

Lucite® acrylic sheet is 50% lighter than glass and 43% lighter than aluminum.

LUCITE® CP Acrylic Sheet A continuously manufactured product, Lucite® CP acrylic

sheet exhibits outstanding optical properties, uniform thickness and low stress level. At half the weight of glass and 43% the weight of aluminum, this weather-resistant thermoplastic, Lucite® CP acrylic sheet, is easily fabricated, formed, finished, cemented, painted and decorated.

LUCITE-TUF™ Acrylic Sheet An extruded, high impact acrylic sheet, Lucite-Tuf™ acrylic sheet panels provide superior clarity and strength. Exhibiting exceptional resistance to hazing and yellowing - Lucite-Tuf™ acrylic sheet maintains excellent clarity as compared to standard polycarbonate sheet. Lucite-Tuf™ acrylic sheet has impact resistance up to 100 times stronger than glass; and up to 10 times stronger than standard acrylic.

Lucite® Acrylic Sheet PRODUCT CODE APPROVALS LUCITE® L / LUCITE® XL Acrylic Sheets

Clear Lucite® acrylic sheet meets or exceeds the properties and quality control provisions of Federal Specification L-P-391D; Lucite® L acrylic sheet meets Type 1 (general purpose material having ultraviolet light-absorbing properties). Lucite® L acrylic sheet complies with ANSI Z97.1a-1994 architectural glazing standard. Due to variations in local building codes, specific building code information should be requested from your plastic distributor or acrylic sheet manufacturer. Lucite® acrylic sheet complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission safety standard CPSC 16 CFR 1201 for architectural glazing and can be used in Category I and Category II products. Clear Lucite® L acrylic sheet meets the requirements of ASTM D 4802 Category A-2, Finish 1, Type UVA

LUCITE® CP Acrylic Sheet • Lucite® CP acrylic sheet complies to American National

Standard Z97.1-1994 Safety Glazing requirements. • Lucite® CP acrylic sheet has been accepted for use by

the major building codes: ICBO, BOCA, and SBCC. LUCITE-TUF™ Acrylic Sheet

Lucite-Tuf™ acrylic sheet 0.177 inch thickness has been tested by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL®) and listed for use as “burglary resisting glazing”.

Thickness (in.)

Calculated Weight/Sq. Ft.

0.118 0.75 lb.

0.177 1.10 lb.

0.236 1.45 lb.

ACRYLICACRYLICACRYLICACRYLIC

30

Lucite® PRODUCT AVAILABILITY

CP - Lucite® CP (Perspex CP) Continuous Process Acrylic Sheet (Clear) L - Lucite® L, Continuous Cast Acrylic Sheet (Clear) CP - Lucite® CP (Perspex CP) Continuous Process Acrylic Sheet (Colored) L - Lucite® L, Continuous Cast Acrylic Sheet (Colored) * - Size available in all colors. ** - Colors not available: GN 3030, and Fluorescent. *** - Not available in Sign or Fluorescent colors. **** - Available Solar Tint, BZ2412 only; Not available: Sign Colors BL2050, BR2418, GN2108; No Fluorescent. Standard Clear Lucite® CP: .150” thru .236” standard 48”, 60”, 72”, 75” widths can be supplied in custom lengths - minimum 38”; maximum 144”. Standard Colored Lucite® CP: Standard listed thicknesses of Lucite CP Bronze 2412, White 7328 and White 2447 can be supplied in custom sizes.

Lucite® CP Colors: Solar Tint: BZ 2412 Opals: WT 2447, WT 7328 Lucite® L Colors: Solar Tint: BZ 2370, BZ 2404, BZ 2412, GN 3030, GY 2064, GY 2074, Opaque BK 2025 Sign Colors: BL 2050 BL 2114, BR 2418, GN 2108, IV 2146, OR 2119, RD 2157, RD 2283, RD 2793, YL 2037 Fluorescent: RD 4102 Opals: WT 2447, WT 7328

ACRYLICACRYLICACRYLICACRYLIC

48 51 54 60 63 72 76 108

Thickness 72 96 120 98 100 125 100 108 96 120 100 96 120 98 100 125 108 126

.060 CP BZ2412

CP

.080 CP CP CP

.093 CP WT2447

CP CP BZ2412 WT2447

CP CP CP

.098 CP CP CP CP

.118 CP L

WT2447 WT7328

CP

L *

CP L

WT7328 L CP L

WT2447 BZ2412 WT2447

CP L

CP L

CP L

CP

BK2025 WT2447 WT7328

CP L

L L

.150 CP CP L

L CP

.177 CP L

WT7328

WT7328 L **

CP L

L L L BZ2412 WT2447

CP L

WT7328 L CP L

WT7328 **** L L L L WT2447

.220 CP L

L CP L

L CP L

CP L

L

.236 CP L

WT7328

CP L ***

CP L

L CP L

L CP L

L L BZ2412

.354 CP

.472 CP

75

LUCITE® CP and L STANDARD PRODUCTS - Clear/Colored

Polycast® SAR™, is a super abrasion resistant acrylic material manufactured by Polycast, a division of High Performance Plastics, Inc.

POLYCAST® SAR™ Super Abrasion Resistant Acrylic Sheet

Polycast® SAR™ sheet combines the physical characteristics of acrylic sheet with an abrasion resistant, cleanable surface. Polycast® SAR™ gets its super hard, glass-like surface from a coating of crosslinked polysilicate (a silicon polymer or polysiloxane) resin. This unique surface gives Polycast® SAR™ a combination of properties that include extreme resistance to abrasion, solvents, impact, and weathering (including increased resistance to the effect of ultraviolet light). It is resistant to chemicals such as acids, bases, hydrocarbons, esters, alcohols. Polycast® SAR™ is half the weight of glass and can be cut and fabricated using standard power tools.

Formability is limited. Consult with your nearest Regal Plastic Supply representative for specific details.

Value added formulations include Polycast® SAR™ UF-3 and Polycast® SAR™ UF-4.

Typical applications include:

NOTE: Polycast® SAR™ is a combustible thermoplastic and like many other synthetic materials should not be used in applications where codes or common sense would deem it unsafe.

POLYCAST® SAR™ UF-3

An acrylic sheet absorbing essentially all ultraviolet radiation and part of the short wavelength violet light in the visible spectrum (400nm).

The UF-3 formulation has a very faint yellow tint because of its absorption in the visible range.

POLYCAST® SAR™ UF-4

This acrylic sheet absorbs most of the ultraviolet radiation. It is essentially colorless and transmits all of the visible spectrum. When the slight yellow tint of UF-3 is objectionable, UF-4 is the product of choice.

The absorption for both formulations, UF-3 & UF-4, is independent of thickness.

BREAKAGE RESISTANCE

*10 lb. dart

Polycast® SAR™ ACRYLIC

Architectural Appliances

• Schools • Hospitals • Office Buildings • Service Stations • Libraries • Restaurants • Doors (storm, revolving

entrance) • Bus Shelters • Press Box Glazing • Hockey Spectator Guards • Skylights (flat) • Zoo Enclosures • Sound Barriers

• Gas Pump Glazing • Electronic Game Faces • Baby Incubators • Vending Machine Glazing • Blood Analyzer Panels • Solar Cell Covers • Food Sneeze Guards • TV Face Screens • Menu Boards

Display Equipment

• Merchandise Covers Case • Directory Panels • Memo Boards • Scanner Panels

• Computer Panels • Tape Drive Windows • Disc Drive Covers • Printer Covers • Terminal Screen Faces • Jig for Printed Circuit • Manufacture • Laser Scanners

Maintenance (OSHA) Museum

• Guides • Forklift Shields • Conveyor Shields • Viewing Ports • Machine Guards • Equipment Enclosures

• Solarium Glazing

Transportation

• School Bus Windows • Automotive Sun Roofs • Marine Portholes,

Windshields • Limousine Windows • Aircraft Windows

Breakage Resistance as a Function of Sheet Thickness

Nominal Thickness

Maximum Drop Height (in.)

Relative Break (in.) Resistance

0.125 7.5 1 0.250 42.4 6 0.465* 87.9 25

5.0 lb. pointed dart of 12 in. x 12 in. SAR™ sheet

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE

Additionally, there is no visual attack on Polycast® SAR™ when exposed to soap, kerosene, denatured acohol, or gasoline as prescribed by ANSI Z26.1 Chemical Resistance Tests.

DIMENSIONAL STABILITY

FABRICATION See detailed section, pages 32 through 35.

FORMING

See detailed section, pages 36 and 37. NOTE: The polysilicate coating of Polycast® SAR™

acrylic sheet is a thermoset material, which is considerably harder and less flexible than the thermoplastic acrylic substrate, even at forming temperatures. The degree to which the sheet can be formed without causing the surface to craze or crack is limited. Thermoforming processes must be performed under more carefully controlled conditions than are necessary with uncoated acrylic sheet. Consult with your nearest Regal Plastic Supply representative for detailed thermoforming information.

OPTICS

Polycast® SAR™ in 1.250” thickness transmits 93% white light, compared to 66% for an all polycarbonate sheet and 55% for bullet-resistant glass.

THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY Polycast® SAR™ acrylic sheet is a much better thermal

insulator than glass. The rate of heat transfer through glass (“K” Factor) is four times greater than that through acrylic sheet. This means that the overall transmission coefficient (“U” factor) for Polycast® SAR™ will be better than that for glass.

115 mph wind velocity 27.5 mph wind velocity

PRODUCT AVAILABILITY

PRODUCT CODE APPROVALS • Polycast® SAR™ sheet complies with ANSI Z97.1-1984

architectural glazing standard. Due to variations in local building codes, specific building code information should be requested from your plastic distributor or acrylic sheet manufacturer.

• Polycast® SAR™ sheet complies with ANSI Z26.1-1990 Safety Code for Safety Glazing Materials for Glazing Motor Vehicles Operating on Land Highways; Items 4 and 5, rigid plastics > 0.125 inch thickness.

• ASTM D 4802-88 Standard Specifications for Polymethyl Methacrylate sheet.

• Consumer Product Safety Commission safety standard CPSC 16 CFR 1201 for architectural glazing, and can be used in Category I and II products.

• Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 205, Glazing Materials as per ANSI Z26.1-1990. It also comples iwth FMVSS No,. 302, Flammability of Interior Materials.

• Polycast® SAR™ sheet (in 1.250 inch thickness) is listed by Underwriters’ Laboratories as a level 1 bullet-resisting glazing material (UL-752). SAR™ also complies with Underwriters’ Laboratories flame classification UL 94 HB.

Polycast® SAR™ ACRYLIC

Chemical Resistance - ASTM D1308; 5.2

10% sodium hydroxide >16 hr. >1 hr. >16 hr.

40% sulfuric acid >16 hr. >16 hr. >16 hr.

gasoline >16 hr. >16 hr. >16 hr.

acetone >1 hr. >1 min. >16 hr.

methylene chloride >1 hr. >1 min. >16 hr.

methyl alcohol >16 hr. >4 hr. >16 hr.

methyl methacrylate >16 hr. >10 min. >16 hr.

Time until visual attack Uncoated Plate SAR™ Acrylic Glass

Inches/Inch/°F

Polycast® SAR™ 0.0000390

Aluminum 0.0000129

Steel 0.0000063

Float Glass 0.0000050

Polycast® SAR™ versus Other Building Materials

Comparison of Coefficients of Thermal Expansion

Winter Heat Loss1 Thickness

1/8” (.125)

3/16” (.188)

1/4” (.250)

1/8” (.125)

3/16” (.188)

1/4” (.250)

Single Glazed 1.06 1.01 0.96 0.98 0.93 0.89

Double Glazed 1/4” air space

0.55 0.52 0.49 0.56 0.53 0.50

Double Glazed 1/2” air space

0.47 0.45 0.43 0.50 0.48 0.45

Summer Heat Gain2

Polycast® SAR™ U-Factor for Vertical Windows

(BTU/hr. sq. ft./°F)

Sheet Size Thickness Colors / Formulations / Finishes

48” x 72” to 72” X 120”

0.060” to 2.000” A wide variety of colors are available including green, gray, and bronze. Ultra-violet radiation, filtering formulations and

33

Fabricating Typical Circular Saw Cutting Problems and

Possible Corrections Whenever holes in acrylic sheet penetrate the stock,

standard twist drills should be modified up to a 1.00 inch diameter. A 60° tip angle allows the drill to emerge from the second surface without fracturing the sheet. If holes are to be drilled that do not penetrate the sheet, the rake and lip clearance angles of the drill should be modified, however tip angles larger than 60° clear chips from the hole better.

Large diameter holes can be cut with hollow end mills, circle cutters or trepanning tools. The cutters of the latter should be ground to 0° rake angle and adequate back clearance, just as lathe tools are ground.

Any of the conventional drilling tools may be used: portable electric drills or flexible shafts, drill presses or lathes. The drill should always run true since wobble will affect the finish of the hole. When drilling holes that penetrate the second surface, it is desirable to back up the sheet with wood and slow the feed as the drill point breaks through. For accuracy and safety, the sheet should be clamped during drilling.

Routing and Shaping Utilizing standard woodworking routers, acrylic sheet is

routed much the same way as wood. Single-fluted bits for inside circle routing and double-fluted bits for edge routing are recommended.

Cutting Acrylic plastic may be cut by sawing or routing with

power equipment saws or by scribing and breaking. Scribing is limited to straight cuts in thin pieces, 0.236 inch or less. Sawing and routing may be used for straight and curved cuts on any thickness of material. Masking should be kept intact during fabrication to protect the surfaces and provide lubrication. Acrylic sheet is a combustible thermoplastic material. Fire precautions, as are appropriate for comparable forms of wood and paper products, should be observed.

The kind of cutting to be done should determine the type of sawing equipment to be used. Circular blade saws are limited to straight cuts; scroll and sabre saws for rough cutting small-radius curves in thin sheet; band saws for rough cutting larger-radius curves or for making rough straight cuts in thick sheet. Routers and woodworking shapers are used for cutting and trimming the edges of flat and formed parts of any configuration and provide the best overall fabricated edge.

Most steel blades are made of alloy steel tempered to permit filing and have teeth with 0° to 10° rake. All teeth should have uniform height. Teeth of uneven height will cause excessive chipping and possibly cracked blades because of the cutting strain being concentrated on a few teeth rather than distributed evenly over all the teeth. Similarly, all teeth should be the same shape. The hook or "rake" of the teeth should be uniform and preferably in radial line with the center of the blade. Saws should be machine filed or ground.

To minimize both chipping and overheating tendencies, circular saw blades should protrude approximately 1/2 inch more than the thickness of the sheet. The work must be held firmly against the fence, which must be parallel to the saw blade. Drilling

Twist drills commonly used for metals can be used for acrylic, but best results are achieved by modifying the drill bit to produce a scraping action rather than a cutting action. Complete instructions for correct sharpening of bits may be obtained from your nearest Regal Plastic Supply Distributor.

Bit modification produces good quality surfaced holes, eliminating the problem of bottom surface breaking out and the pickup of masking paper adhesive.

Chipping Burning Slow Feed Rate Increase Feed Rate

Decrease Blade Penetration

Increase Blade Penetration

Support Material Continuously (Narrow Saw Slot)

Insure Fence Is Parallel to Blade

Provide Hold Down Use Blade Stiffener

Increase Tooth Rake Angle

Decrease Tooth Rake Angle

Ensure Teeth Are of Uniform Height

Ensure Blade Has Been Properly Sharpened

Use Blade With Greater Side Clearance

ACRYLICACRYLICACRYLICACRYLIC

Fabricating Buffing

The sheet should be clean and dry at the start of each buffing operation. Some polishing compounds leave the surface clean after buffing. If these materials are not used, washing should follow the last step in polishing.

If required, due to sanding or scratching, an abrasive coated wheel is used first. The abrasive is a standard polishing compound composed of very fine alumina or similar abrasive and tallow.

The second wheel used is charged only with tallow for buffing purposes only. The wheels used should be air-ventilated cotton muslin rag wheels and should operate at 3,000 to 4,500 surface foot per minute (SFPM).

SFPM Calculation: 1/4 the diameter of buffing wheel in inches multiplied by the spindle speed in rpm. Polishing

After buffing, the acrylic plastic can be brought to a high polish on a soft, loose buff of imitation chamois or flannel on which no abrasive or tallow is used. The wheels should be 10 to 12 inches in diameter and should run at 3,000 to 4,500 SFPM. A hand-applied coat of wax may be used in place of buffing on the finish wheel, if desired. Cementing

Pieces fabricated from acrylic sheet may be joined using mechanical methods such as bolts, thermal methods such as welding, or chemical methods such as cementing.

The two types of cement used for acrylic sheet are solvent cements and polymerizable cements. The solvent cements may be used as supplied or may be thickened with acrylic sheet chips or molding resin. Polymerizable cements are viscous as supplied.

Solvent cements work by softening and swelling the sheet, permitting actual cohesion of the parts. After assembly, the solvents evaporate or dissipate through the material, leaving a hard, clear joint.

Thickened solvent cements work the same way with a longer solvent action time due to slower evaporation. Thickened solvent cements limit capillary flow between two closely fitted surfaces and provide limited gap-filling capability.

The polymerizable cements have little or no solvent action, but actually form new polymer in the joint, thus holding the parts together.

Turning Acrylic sheet can be turned on almost any type lathe.

Bits designed especially for cutting acrylic are available, but most high-speed tool bits with a 0° to -4° rake will work very well. Clearance angles should be from 5° to 10°. FINISHING Scraping

Scraping is the easiest technique for smoothing or squaring the edge of an acrylic sheet. A scraper can be almost any piece of metal with a sharp, flat edge. Examples are the back of a hacksaw blade, the back of a knife blade, or a tool steel blank. A sharp, square edge is the key when choosing an appropriate scraping tool. Filing

Acrylic sheet may be filed using almost any type commercial file. The quality of hte finish will depend on the file coarseness. A 10 to 12 inch (250 to 300 mm) smooth-cut file is recommended for filing edges and removing tool marks. Half round, rat tail, triagular, and small jewelers’ files are good for smoothing insides of holes, cutting grooves and notches, or finishing detail.

Sanding

If there is a scratch in the sheet, it should not be sanded unless the surface imperfections are too deep to be removed by light buffing and the resultant optical distortion can be tolerated. The way to tell if sanding is necessary is to rub your fingernail over the scratch. If it can be felt, then sanding is required. The finest sandpaper that will remove the imperfection(s) should be used. Coarse paper can cause scratches deeper than the original imperfection, and additional finishing operations will be needed.

It is recommended using a 600 grit sandpaper wrapped around a rubber-padded sanding block. If this does not readily remove the scratch, step down to 400 grit. The sanding should be done in directions mutually 30 apart to produce a diamond pattern. After sanding and stepping up to 600 grit, the sheet should be polished.

DO NOT USE Disc or belt sanders dry. The greater danger of heat generation with mechanical sanders makes the use of water or oil coolants doubly desirable. Wet sanders are preferred, but dry orbital sanders can be used with care. Open coat sandpaper should be used, since it does not become clogged as fast as closed coat sandpaper.

ACRYLIC

Fabricating

Basic Cementing Techniques 1. Capillary Action Method. To use this method, the

parts must be closely fitted with no visible gaps. The parts to be cemented are either unclamped or very lightly clamped together. The cement is dispensed (from a hypodermic needle, eye dropper or similar instrument) along the edge of the joint. Capillary action draws the cement between the parts. The time for the joint to set will vary from two to five minutes (sometimes longer), depending on the solvent used and temperature and humidity conditions. DO NOT flow or drip solvent cement on a flame-polished, strip heated or dry-belt sanded surface since these conditions show the maximum amount of fabrication stress possible in plastic sheet. It is recommended to use a minimum amount of solvent and pressure in the joint since it is more readily attached by solvents, resulting in longer set times, lower joint strength, whitening in the joint and increased risk of crazing because the solvent takes longer to evaporate.

2. Soak or Dip Method. With this method, parts must also fit closely. One of the parts is placed in a container holding a solvent cement until the edge softens into a cushion. When the parts are assembled, the cushion from the first part forms a cushion on the other part by solvent action.

Masking may be required near the edges to be cemented to prevent excessive softening. The parts should be allowed to set for 24 hours before handling.

3. Viscous Cementing. Viscous cements are used to

cement joints that can’t be easily cemented by capillary or solvent soak methods. Viscous cement is thick. It will fill small gaps and can make strong, transparent joints where solvent cements can’t.

Masking tape should be applied to protect the area around the joint but should be removed carefully 5 minutes after application of the cement. The parts shouldn’t be disturbed at all for the first 3 minutes, or the joint will not hold. After approximately 30 minutes the part may be moved, but no additional work should be performed for 12 to 24 hours.

ACRYLIC THICK SHEET Cutting

Circular saw blade height for material thicknesses above 12 mm (0.472”), should be set with space between the bottom of the tooth pattern (the gullet) and the surface of the sheet between 0.250” and 0.375”. Increasing the space to 0.500” or more increases the probability of chipping, particularly when working with old or dull saw blades.

To obtain optimum edge quality, thick sheet should be cut at lower feed rates than thinner gauge sheet. Thick sheet acrylic is more resistant to chipping because of the additional stiffness created by the increased thickness. Feed rates will vary for different saws, different blades, and equipment set-ups. However, for a standard 25.4 cm (10”) tablesaw, optimum feed rate is approximately 2.4 to 3 meters per minute (8 to 10 feet per minute) for sheet thicknesses of 18 to 24 mm (0.708 to 0.944 inch).

Drilling

Sufficient cooling is critical when drilling thick acrylic sheet. Generally an optimum quality hole will be possible for drill bits of over 4.5 mm (0.177 inch) in diameter. The larger bits act as a heat sink, conducting the heat inwards and away from the cutting surface, generating less melt. When using the smaller bits, such as 3 mm (0.125 inch) diameter, a coolant is recommended to reduce heat build up.

Peck drilling is necessary for thick sheet. The bit must be backed out when partially through the thickness to allow for the clearing of chips and cooling of the cutting surface. Use of compressed air on the bit, as it is backed out, will clear the melt and chips and cool the cutting surface. For 24 mm (0.944 ich) sheet, it may be necessary to back out the bit twice, particularly with the smaller diameter bits. When end cutting, if drilling deeper than 25.4 mm (1 inch), back the bit out 1 time for every 8 to 10 mm of depth (2 to 3 times per inch of depth), continue to clear the bit of chips, and provide cooling to the cutting surface. Stack drilling is not recommended.

NOTE: Using a sheet of wood as a back-up sheet can help prevent break-out on the back side of the drilled hole.

Optimum rotational speed for conventional bits is 700 rpm. Faster speeds will create a melting problem, especially with the smaller diameter bits. Slower speeds are more likely to cause chipping.

ACRYLIC

36

Fabricating

The large diameter bits, such as 10 mm or 0.375 inch and 13 mm or 0.500 inch are more prone to chipping, therefore, the hole must be initiated gently. Optimum results are achieved at 700 rpm. Rotational speeds as low as 400 to 500 rpm lead to chipping. If chipping is a problem, the rotational speed may be increased to as high as 1000 rpm for 10 mm or 0.375 inch, and 13 mm or 0.500 inch diameter bits. The large diameter bits are less susceptible to melting the surface (which normally is increased at higher rotational speed), resulting in a broader operating window for rotational speed. 5 to 10 seconds for a hole 18 mm (0.708 inch) deep is considered an appropriate feed rate on a drill press. This translates to approximately 4 seconds per centimeter or 10 seconds per inch of depth.

Routing

The following are suggested guidelines when using thick sheet acrylic:

• Minimum cutter diameter of 12.7 mm (0.500 inch) is

recommended • Minimize cutoff by sizing blanks as closely as possible

to final part • Coolant maybe necessary for cooling the cutter and

clearing chips from cutter path • For slot routing, use end mill with 2 to 4 spiral flutes,

allowing a 180° turn per 25 mm (per inch) of length • Feed rates for slot routing with recommended bits: 1 to

1.5 meters or 3 to 5 feet per minute for a 6 mm (0.250 inch) deep slot, and 0.5 to 1 meter or 2 to 3 feet per minute for a 12.7 mm (0.500 inch) deep slot.

• If slot routing with a straight, single, or double fluted

bit, minimum shank diameter should remain at 12.7 mm (0.500 inch), and feed rates should be slowed to 0.5 to 1 meter or 2 to 3 feet per minute for a 6mm (0.250 inch) deep slot.

• When using a hand held router for contour or plow routing, feed rates should be between 1.5 to 4.5 meters or 5 to 15 feet per minute. The preferred bit geometry is sharp, two fluted.

• Backing material with appropriate openings is always

recommended when using a hand held router to cut slots.

• Maximum rotational speeds for thicknesses of 18 mm

(0.708 inch) and 24 mm (0.944 inch) are 20,000 and 16,000 rpm, respectively

CNC Routers

The recommendations offered above were developed on (stationary) inverted and hand held equipment. CNC routing equipment offers a wide adjustability in feed rates and in rotational speeds. This versatility may widen the window of fabrication, and improve the performance of bit designs or geometries which yield unsatisfactory results when used on more conventional routing equipment

ACRYLICACRYLICACRYLICACRYLIC

DO YOU KNOW?

In the early 1900s hoping to create a substitute for shellac, chemist Leo Baekeland invents a liquid resin that hardens into a transparent solid that won’t burn, boil, melt or dissolve even in acid. It was the first completely man-made substance.

Free Forming This method is used to form 3-D shapes entirely by the

use of air pressure differentials - vacuum or positive pressures without the use of male or female forms. Parts produced by this method usually have excellent optical properties.

The heated sheet is clamped over a vacuum pot or pressure head and drawn or blown to shape. Since the sheet does not come in contact with a form, there is no mark-off to contend with.

VACUUM SNAPBACK FORMING

This method is preferred when the desired part varies from a true surface tension shape. Like vacuum forming, snapback forming is done in a vacuum pot. The sheet is heated and then drawn into a vacuum pot to a larger bubble than the male mold. A male form which reproduces the inside contour of the desired part is then lowered and locked inside the formed bubble. As the vacuum is gradually released, the sheet snaps back slowly against the form.

VACUUM DRAWING OR BLOWING Into A FORM

Using air-pressure differentials, a heated acrylic sheet clamped directly to the edges of a female form can be drawn by vacuum or forced by air pressure down into the form. MANUAL STRETCH FORMING

This method is often used when the compound curvature is not great, optical distortion is not objectionable, and the number of parts to be made does not warrant setting up mechanical equipment.

The sheet is heated to forming temperature, and clamps are fastened to the edges six to ten inches apart. With the sheet held by the clamps, the forming crew draws the sheet down over the form. Slow, steady tension should be used to allow the sheet to stretch gradually. After stretching, a clamping ring can be placed in position around the edges.

Forming

One of the most useful properties of acrylic sheet is its thermoformability. Thermoplastic materials become soft and pliable when heated and can be formed to almost any desired shape. As the material cools, it stiffens and retains the shape to which it has been formed.

The size, shape, and optical requirements of the formed part generally govern the forming method to be used.

TWO DIMENSIONAL Cold Forming

Acrylic sheet can be bent while cold into simple shapes by springing the material into a curved frame. The radius of the frame curvature depends on the formulation of the acrylic sheet and the thickness. To avoid possible crazing , check with your nearest Regal Plastic Supply Distributor for specifics.

Strip Heat Bending

This is the simplest method of forming acrylic sheet along a straight line. A strip heater is used to heat the sheet to forming temperature so that the bend can be made. The process is usually used for small parts where the length of the bend is relatively short. Bends of more than 24 inches have a tendency to bow.

Drape Forming

This method of forming is used for two-dimensional and mild three-dimensional shapes. The acrylic sheet is heated to the proper temperature, then carefully draped over the form. The edges of the sheet should be held against the form by a clamping ring or rubber bands to prevent curling. Reducing mark-off can be achieved by using a female drape form; allowing the part to lay into the mold by the weight of the sheet.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL FORMING

3-D shapes in acrylic sheet are formed by stretching the heated material to the required contour. The force required to stretch the sheet can be supplied by manual labor, mechanical pressure, hydraulic pressure, vacuum, air pressure, or combinations of these depending on the forming method being used.

ACRYLICACRYLICACRYLICACRYLIC

37

Compressed air, 50-100 psi, is admitted to the pressure box forcing the heated sheet back against the male form. The parts are held in this position by air pressure until the sheet cools and becomes rigid.

The forming cycles must be fast enough to insure the acrylic sheet is still well above the minimum forming temperature as it is blown back against the male form.

BILLOW FORMING

The main advantage of billow forming is good control of wall thickness. A heated acrylic blank, larger than the projected area of the part, is clamped to a pressure box. The box must be strong and airtight. A bubble is blown in the clamped sheet by admitting air into the box. The male mold is then forced down into the bubble. Contact with the mold tends to prevent further thinning due to friction and cooling. The air pressure maintained in the box forces the bubble to wrap around the mold as it descends. The pressure should be relief-valved so there is no build-up as the mold and sheet displace the volume.

RIDGE FORMING

These are open or skeletal rather than solid forms. Generally they are easier and less costly to construct than solid forms.

Ridge forms may be used with nearly all methods of forming, including press, vacuum or pressure, snapback or reverse blow and vacuum plate. Mark-off is minimal with these forms since the heated sheet only comes in contact along the ridges necessary to determine the size and shape of the formed part.

MALE AND FEMALE FORMING

This technique is used to form acrylic sheet by surface molding and embossing the material between matched male and female dies. Both surfaces of the acrylic sheet are in continuous contact with the forms, and will reproduce the mold surfaces when high enough pressures are used.

For additional information on method, type or procedural properties, contact your nearest Regal Plastic Supply Distributor.

SLIP FORMING Acrylic sheet is usually clamped around the edges after

heating but before it is formed. This puts the whole sheet in tension and stretches it more uniformly so wrinkles are less apt to form. In the cases where a thicker finished part is required, a predetermined amount of sheet is allowed to slip under the clamping ring to reduce sheet thinning.

Wrinkles tend to form outside the ring around the edge of the piece, limiting the amount of material that can be allowed to slip in. When sufficient material has slipped in, the rings are clamped more tightly, and the draw is completed. Hot or insulated clamping rings may be used to avoid chilling the material. PLUG AND RING FORMING

For this method, hot acrylic sheet is clamped over a ring and the center of the suspended material is pushed in with a tapered plug. Allowing for the thickness of the sheet, the ring is made larger than the outside of the male form or plug.

The disadvantage of this method is the production of excessive mark-off, particularly at the inside corners of the formed part. VACUUM ASSIST PLUG AND RING FORMING

Deeply drawn parts (ratio of width of opening to depth of part is one or less) with little thickness can be made if vacuum is used to assist the draw. The ring support is made into an airtight box in which the heated acrylic sheet is clamped. Vacuum is applied to draw the sheet to about half the desired depth. The plug is then forced into the drawn sheet to secure the desired shape. When the plug is in place, air is vented into the box to allow the sheet to shrink onto the plug. Utilizing this method produces a more uniform final part thickness than with slip, plug & ring, or vacuum snapback techniques.

BLOWBACK FORMING

This technique is preferred for reproduction of complex drawn shapes. This method consists of clamping a heated acrylic sheet between a pressure box and an oversize clamping ring. A male form shaped to the inside contour of the part is then pressed into the sheet to the required depth and locked in this position, stretching the sheet.

Forming ACRYLIC

Acrylic sheet can be painted easily to create an almost unlimited variety of decorative and functional products. As with any material, however, proper techniques and paint suited to the application are necessary to obtain successful results.

It is important that the paint selected for use on acrylic sheet be designed expressly for acrylic plastics. Ordinary house paints and water based paints have poor adhesion to acrylic sheet. Some paints contain organic solvents which may craze acrylic sheet. Therefore, for assurance that a specific paint formulation is suitable for use on acrylic sheet in the intended application, consulting with the paint manufacturer is highly recommended.

Second surface painting offers the most protection from weathering deterioration. However, the exposure of the paint to full sunlight carries with it possible loss of adhesion and flaking. The weathering results on first surface films are more severe with resultant surface dulling, chalking, and erosion to the degree that repainting is often needed to restore appearance. CLEANING BEFORE PAINTING

The table below lists the most common contaminants and recommended cleaning methods.

*Note: When a clean water rinse is specified, use distilled or deionized water to prevent water spotting, which may adversely affect adhesion.

As with any painting project, for optimum results the surface must be free from contaminates. Solvents for dirt and grease must be carefully chosen to avoid those that are harmful to acrylic sheet. Harmful solvents include chlorinated hydrocarbons, acetone, toluene, xylene, lacquer thinners, and some paint thinners. All of these craze acrylic sheet. Crazing may not be apparent immediately; however, surfaces that have been treated with these solvents become sensitized to crazing and may craze once in service.

STATIC ELECTRICITY

The charges of static electricity that accumulate on the surfaces of acrylic sheet during processing cause uneven paint deposition and paint crawling. These static charges are most common under dry winter atmospheric conditions of low relative humidity. At 70 percent relative humidity, there are normally no problems in painting except for the possibility of moisture condensation on the surface of the sheet. Anti-static solutions affect paint adhesion and cannot be used on an acrylic sheet surface that will be painted.

There are a number of recognized ways to eliminate static charges on acrylic sheet. One effective method is to wipe the side that is not to be painted with a mixture of 10 parts isopropyl alcohol in 90 parts water, applied with a well wrung out clean chamois to minimize spotting on drying. If the surface to be painted is wiped with the alcohol-water solution, the moisture must be removed from that surface by blowing with a dry-air gun. Care must be taken , however, to not generate a new static charge.

For additional suggested methods of static

neutralization, please contact your nearest Regal Plastic Supply Distributor.

Painting

Type of Contamination

Cleaning Method

Masking Paper Adhesive

Dab with the gummed surface of the masking paper. If this fails, wipe with VM&P naptha on a clean cloth and rinse with a dilute water-detergent solution or wipe with 99 percent isopropyl alcohol and rinse with clean water.*

Water-soluble Contaminants

Wash with a detergent-water solution followed by a fresh water rinse.

Fingerprints Wipe with solft clean cloth dampened with 99 percent isopropyl alcohol.

Oil-soluble Contaminants

Use a hydrocarbon solvent such as VM&P naphtha, kerosene, or mineral spirits. Follow with a detergent-water wash and a clean water* rinse.

Spray-masking Compounds

Wipe the area with a damp synthetic sponge then wipe the surface with VM&P naphtha or isopropyl alcohol.

Grease-forming Compounds

Wash with kerosene or mineral spirits. Follow by washing with a detergent-water solution and a clean water* rinse.

Silicone Oils and Greases

Avoid contact completely. Once contaminated with silicones, acrylic is virtually impossible to clean.

ACRYLIC

PAINT MIXING / APPLYING Mixing

Paint must be thoroughly stirred to obtain uniform pigment distribution. When pressure-feed tanks are used, they should be equipped with continuous air-operated stirrers to prevent pigment settling, which can cause high pigment volume concentration in the paint film and lead to failure of the paint. It is important to use the proper type and amount of thinner. Excessive thinner can reduce the durability of the paint. The paint supplier’s instructions for mixing should be followed stringently.

The colorfastness of the paint film depends on the quality of the paint. Poor color stability, however, may result from mixing or reducing two normally stable colors. It is recommended consulting with the paint manufacturer for an opinion on the color stability of specific mixtures of paints.

Applying

Acrylic sheet may be painted by spraying, screening, or brushing. Each paint manufacturer makes grades of paint matched to each type of application.

Color Coat

The color coat should be at least one mil thick for best durability. When painted acrylic sheets are thermoformed at high forming temperatures, some colors may bleed. This can be overcome by limiting forming temperatures to 340°F or less.

Top Coat

Applying a clear topcoat over the color coat not only protects the paint from abrasion during cleaning and handling, but also adds life to the paint job.

Second surface painted sign faces may be topcoated with a fine mist coat of white mixed with 30 percent clear. This will improve the diffusion and inner reflectance of the sign lighting, and will help wash out pinholes and protect the decoration.

PAINT REMOVAL Paint may be removed from acrylic sheet utilizing

solvents, Trialene soap, or sandblasting. Solvents

The best solvent for paint removal is cyclohexanone. The acrylic sheet should be wiped with a solvent-soaked rag. The sheet itself should not be soaked in cyclohexanone.

When solvent is used to remove paint from acrylic sheet, the sheet should be annealed to remove the residual solvent which may cause crazing. While the initial solvent treatment may not craze the acrylic sheet, subsequent contact with other solvents may cause crazing unless the sheet is properly annealed.

Contact your nearest Regal Plastic Supply Distributor for further details.

Trialene Soap

Trialene soap is particularly useful for paint removal when the paint has not been on the acrylic sheet for a long time. Once the paint has been removed, the soap must be thoroughly cleaned from the sheet surface by rinsing with fresh water. The sheet must be completely dry before painting.

Caustic soda and trisodium phosphate may also be used for removing paint.

CAUTION: Trialene soap, caustic soda, and trisodium

phosphate attack human skin very quickly so appropriate measures should be taken when using these compounds.

Sandblasting

This method removes paint, but is generally more expensive and leaves the acrylic sheet with a frosted surface. Only a fine grade of sand should be used. Sandblasted surfaces sometimes have a grayish tone when they are repainted with white paint.

Painting ACRYLIC

IMAGE DISTORTION Somewhat flexible and subject to thermal expansion,

care in selecting adequate panel thickness and utilizing proper installation techniques can minimize visual distortion. FABRICATION

Acrylic mirror is generally fabricated using the same procedures and techniques as standard acrylic plastic with the exception of strip heating and bending. Acrylic mirror cannot be thermoformed.

BUILDING CODE CONSIDERATIONS

Acrylic mirror is classified as a slow burning plastic material with combustibility comparable to Red Oak. Use of acrylic mirror on walls and ceilings is subject to limits applicable to combustible interior finish. Contact your nearest Regal Plastic Supply Distributor for specific compliances. PRODUCT AVAILABILITY

Available in standard sheet size of 48” x 96”, varying thicknesses from .060 to .250, and a wide range of colors.

Mirror

Acrylic is the most widely used polymer for plastic mirror. Considered to have the highest optical quality and scratch resistance of its mirror counterparts (P.E.T.G. and polycarbonate), acrylic mirror has 14 times the impact resistance of glass, is one-half the weight., and has higher reflectivity making it the brighter of the two. Manufactured in cell cast or extruded form, it is the most economical of the mirror products.

Acrylic mirror should be used where precise image reflectance is not required except in relatively small components.

Typical Applications • Plaques • Display, Exhibit and Fixture Manufacturers • Laser Cutters • P.O.P. Fabricators and Novelty Manufacturers • Slatwall and Tambour Manufacturers • Ceiling Panels • Hotels, Casinos, and Theme Parks • Movie studios • Advertising specialties • Name plates • Plaques • Signage

Acrylic mirror is also produced in a wide variety of formulations to address application-specific needs: • Metalized See-Thru Mirror • First Surface Mirror, a dual mirror product, clear/colored,

for use in back lite applications, laser cutting, and specialty manufacturing

• Textured • See-Thru Mirror, semi-transparent, designed for interior

surveillance • Marine Grade • Hard Coated, scratch resistant

ACRYLIC

DO YOU KNOW?

In the early 1900s chemist Jacques Edwin Brandenberger develops vicose, an impermeable f i lm later marketed as Cellophane .

42

Acrylic rod and tube are available in both extruded and cast grades.

Casting is the most expensive of the two, but is preferred for many industrial and commercial applications because of its optical quality, higher tensile strength, greater resistance to heat distortion and better machinability. Cast rod and tube are manufactured from raw mononers which are cast or poured into molds. The material is then ground to size and polished to finished dimensions. Cast acrylic rod and tube have excellent light transmission and outstanding weatherability. Unaffected by sunlight, the cast products resist aging and maintain good stability under variable conditions of heat, cold, moisture and other exposure. There is no indication of warpage, cracking, crazing, or corroding when subjected to prolonged exposure outdoors.

Extruded rod and tube are manufactured by extruders that push acrylic pellets through a highly polished extrusion die to produce the finished product. Less expensive than casting, the extrusion process does not produce optimum optical clarity but is optically clear and prismatic.

Acrylic rods and tubes are shatterproof, break resistant, half the weight of and more economical than glass.

FABRICATION Heat formable, acrylic rod and tube may be printed,

embossed, plated, metalized or hot-stamped with metal or plastic foils. They can be sawed, drilled, milled, engraved and finished with sharp, carbide-tipped woodworking or metal-working tools. Rod and tube ends can be heated, upset and molded to fit brackets or other parts. Refer to pages 32 through 35 for general acrylic fabrication reference material.

Typical Applications: P.O.P. displays Jewelry displays Museum exhibits Towel bars Chandeliers Model Novelty items Furniture Trophies Drink stirrers Decorative Architecturals Rulers Keychains Eye glass holders

SHAPES / PROFILES

Acrylic can also be fabricated into shapes such as cubes, balls, triangles, domes, and other geometric designs. Applications for these shapes include: machine parts, decorative knobs, check-valve components, tube containers for food and liquid, toy pieces, display elements, household accessories components, and medical and scientific instrument parts.

There are a wide variety of profiles and shapes available. Consult with your nearest Regal Plastic Supply Distributor for current availabilities.

PRODUCT AVAILABILITY Cast Acrylic Rod: 1/4" to 2” diameters, 8.0 ft. average length 2 1/8 " to 3" diameters, 6.0 ft. average length 3 1/4" to 6" diameters, 4.0 ft. average length 6 1/2” to 12” diameters, 2-4 ft. average length Cast Acrylic Tube: 1 1/2 " to 1 7/8" O.D. - wall thicknesses of 1/8", 3/16" ,1/4" 2" through 27 5/8" O.D. - wall thicknesses of 1/8", 3/16”, 1/4”, 3/8”, 1/2” Large Diameter Seamless Acrylic Tube: 7” to 12”, 42.5”, 44.7” O.D. - wall thicknesses of 3/8”, 1/2”, 3/4”, 1” 13” to 36” O.D. - wall thicknesses of 1/4”, 3/8”, 1/2”, 3/4”, 1” Minimum Length: 4 feet Extruded Rod: Extruded Tube: 1/16 to 1 1//2 in. dia. x 6 ft. 1/4 to 6 in. OD x 6 ft. 1/8 & 1/4 in. wall

Cast / Extruded Rod Tube Shapes ACRYLICACRYLICACRYLICACRYLIC

Photo courtesy of Thermoplastic Processes, Inc.

84

Camie-Campbell Compatible with most substrates including painted

surfaces, glass, porcelain, concrete, and some plastics, it is water washable and available in aerosol (20 oz) and bulk (5 gal pail, 55 gal drum). 22/90 Heavy Duty Cleaner and Degreaser

Designed for heavy duty cleaning jobs, this product can be used on machinery, floors, work areas and metal parts. It is not recommended for energized electrical components or contacts. Bulk is available. LUBRICANTS 100 Heavy Duty Silicone Lubricant

Used primarily for general maintenance applications, this multi-purpose, 6%, high viscosity, silicone spray can prevent friction, sticking, ink or adhesive build up and the formation of rust. Available in aerosol (24 oz) B, C 888 Silicone Release Agent and Lubricant

Odorless and nonstaining, this product is recommended for use in the upholstery, foam and furniture industry. Avail-able in aerosol (20 oz) A, C 999 Dry Silicone

This all purpose lubricant is used for a variety of applications, but is especially recommended for plastic and painted surfaces. Available in aerosol (20 oz) and bulk (5 gal pail, 55 gal drum) A, D A1000 Dry Lubricant Release Agent

This product leaves a dry, slick, friction-free surface between like and unlike substrates and is useful where a wet lubricant might attract dust and dirt. Solvent resistant, it will not melt below 450°F. Available in aerosol, (20 oz) and bulk, (5 gal pail, 55 gal drum). 1380 Heavy Duty Paintable Mold Release

This all purpose release agent can be used on all of the same plastic resins as 1080. FDA approved, it allows for post decoration, painting, and gluing. Available in bulk. A—Nonflammable when dry B—Extremely flammable during application—nonflammable when dry C—Active ingredients comply with 21 CFR 178.3570 lubricants with incidental food contact. Allow solvent to evaporate prior to possible food contact D—Active ingredients and solvent comply with 21 CFR 178.3570 lubricants with incidental food contact.

Camie-Campbell has been manufacturing specialty chemical products for 50 years. A wide range of formulations are available. Camie-Campbell adhesive, lubricant, mainte-nance, screen printing, plastic molding, furniture, sewing, and upholstery products, are free of chlorofluorocarbons and ozone depleting chemicals. Camie products are designed for most plastic resins used in thermal plastic and thermal set processes. Below is a sampling of Camie-Campbell prod-ucts, for a complete product listing, sizes, and availability, contact your closest Regal Plastic Supply Distribution Center. ADHESIVES 300 General Purpose Spray Adhesive

This colorless adhesive, tacks instantly for a temporary or permanent bond, adheres to metal, plastic, wood, paper, cardboard, fabric, leather, and other substrates. It is used in the garment, furniture, and upholstery industries, and in shipping room applications for sealing and palletizing of bags. Available in aerosol (24 oz) and bulk (5 gal pail, 55 gal drum). 303 Foam and Fabric Adhesive

Soft, pliable, and orange, this adhesive emits a lace spray pattern for low soak-in on polyurethane foam, and works well on urethane foam, fabric, metal, supported vinyl, wood, paper, and leather. Available in aerosol (24 oz) and bulk (1 and 5 gal pails, 55 gal drums). 313 Fast Tack Upholstery Adhesive

This product is less expensive than 303 with a faster open time or set and a soft bond line without 1,1,1, trichloroethane. Available in aerosol (20 oz) and bulk (1 and 5 gal pails, 55 gal drums). 393 Trim and Laminating Adhesive

A high temperature, high strength adhesive, this product was designed for harsh, demanding jobs found in the van conversion, motor home, and manufactured housing industries. Clear and non-yellowing, it is used for decorative laminate work in the furniture, cabinet, and woodworking areas. Available in aerosol (24 oz).

CLEANERS 22/80 Natural Citrus Cleaner

This product is designed to remove adhesives, grease, oil stains, road tar, rubber marks, residue from decals, heel marks, graftiti, lipstick, release agents, and soap film.

MISCELLANEOUSMISCELLANEOUSMISCELLANEOUSMISCELLANEOUS

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Trademarks Acetron is a registered trademarks of DSM Engineering Plastic Products. Acrylite is a registered trademark of CYRO Industries Alucobond is a registered trademark of Swiss Aluminum Ltd. atoglas is a trademark of Elf Atochem, S.A. Bienfang is a registered trademark of Hunt Corporation. Celazole is a registered trademark of Hoechst Celanese Corporation. Celcon is registered trademark of Celanese Corporation. CleanStat is a registered trademark of Poly Hi Solidur, Inc. ChampLine is a trademark of Poly Hi Solidur, Inc. Clorox is a registered trademark of the Clorox Company. ColorQuik is a trademark of Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company. Coroplast is a registered trademark of the Coroplast Division of Great Pacific Enterprises, Inc. Corzan is a registered trademark of The B. F. Goodrich Company Delrin is a registered trademark of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company Downy is a registered trademark of Proctor & Gamble. Dripgard is a trademark of General Electric Company. Duratron is a registered trademark of DSM Engineering Plastic Products. Eastar is a registered trademark of Eastman Chemical. Ensicar is a registered trademark of Ensinger Industries, Inc. Ensifone is a registered trademark of Ensinger Industries, Inc. Ensikem is a registered trademark of Ensinger Industries, Inc. Ensilon is a registered trademark of Ensinger Industries, Inc. Ensipro is a registered trademark of Ensinger Industries, Inc. Ensital is a registered trademark of Ensinger Industries, Inc. Ensitep is a registered trademark of Ensinger Industries, Inc. Ertalyte is a registered trademark of DSM Engineering Plastic Products. Fantastik is a registered trademark of Dowbrands, Inc. Floor Guard is a registered trademark of Hunt Corporation. Floor Grip is a trademark of Hunt Corporation. Fluorosint is a registered trademark of DSM Engineering Plastic Products. Fome-Cor is a registered trademark of International Paper Company. Formula 409 is a registered trademark of the Clorox Company. Gatorblanks is a registered trademark of International Paper Company. Gatorcel is a registered trademark of International Paper Company. Gatorfoam is a registered trademark of International Paper Company. Gatorplast is a registered trademark of International Paper Company. HYLAR 5000 is a registered trademark of Ausimont USA, Inc. Hyzod is a registered trademark of Sheffield Plastics, Inc. Hydcor is a registered trademark of A. L. Hyde Company Hytrel is a registered trademark of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company Hydex is a registered trademark of A. L. Hyde Company Hydel is a registered trademark of A. L. Hyde Company Implex is a registered trademarks and is a trademark of Elf Atochem, S.A. Jet Guard is a registered trademark of Hunt Corporation. JetMount is a registered trademark of International Paper Company. Joy is a registered trademark of Proctor & Gamble. Ketron is a registered trademark of DSM Engineering Plastic Products. Kevlar is a registered trademark of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company Komacel is a registered trademark of Kömmerling. Komatex is a registered trademark of Kömmerling. Kydex is a registered trademark of the Kleerdex Company. Kynar is a registered trademark Elf Atochem, S.A. Kynar 500 is a registered trademark of Pennwalt Corporation. Lexan is a registered trademark of General Electric Company. Lexgard is a registered trademarks of General Electric Company. Lucite is a registered trademark of Ineos Acrylics.

APPENDIXAPPENDIXAPPENDIXAPPENDIX

MC is a registered trademark of DSM Engineering Plastic Products. Meguiar’s is a registered trademark of Meguiar’s, Inc. MightyCore is a registered trademark of Hunt Corporation. Mr. Clean is a registered trademark of Proctor & Gamble. NORRENE is a registered trademark of Norton. Noryl is a registered trademark of General Electric Company. Nylatron is a registered trademark of DSM Engineering Plastic Products. Nylawear is a registered trademark of A. L. Hyde Company ORACAL is a registered trademark of LIG International, Inc. OptiMount is a registered trademark of Hunt Corporation. Palmolive Liquid is a registered trademark of Colgate Palmolive. PEEK is a trademark of Victrex PLC. Pillocore is a registered trademark of Hunt Corporation. Plexiglas is a registered trademark Elf Atochem, S.A. Polypenco is a registered trademark of DSM Engineering Plastic Products. Print Guard is a registered trademark of Hunt Corporation. Print Shield is a registered trademark of Hunt Corporation. ProSeal is a trademark of Hunt Corporation. Proteus is a registered trademark of Poly Hi Solidur, Inc. Quick Stik is a registered trademark of Hunt Corporation. Radel is a registered trademark of BP Amoco. Ryton is a registered trademark of Phillips Petroleum Company. Sanalite is a registered trademark of Poly Hi Solidur, Inc. Scotchcal is a trademark of Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company. Seal is a registered trademark of Hunt Corporation. Semitron is a registered trademark of DSM Engineering Plastic Products. SilGlaze is a registered trademark of General Electric Company. SilPruf is a registered trademark of General Electric Company. Single Step is a registered trademark of Hunt Corporation. Sintra is a registered trademark of Alusuisse Composites, Inc. Solvay is a registered trademark of Solvay. Spar-Cal is a registered trademark of Spartan International, Inc. Spectar is a trademark of Eastman Chemical. Spray ’N Wash is a registered trademark of Proctor & Gamble. Stoplight is a trademark of Hunt Corporation. Techtron is a registered trademark of DSM Engineering Plastic Products. Teflon is a registered trademark of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. Tend is a registered trademark of Regal Plastic Supply Company Tivar is a registered trademark of Poly Hi Solidur, Inc. ThermaShield is a trademark of Hunt Corporation. Thermoclear is a registered trademark of General Electric Company. 3M is a registered trademark of Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company. Top Job is a registered trademark of Proctor & Gamble. Torlon is a registered trademark of BP Amoco. Tremco is a registered trademark of Tremco, Inc. Ultem is a registered trademark of General Electric Company. Ultraform is a registered trademark of BASF. UltraGlaze is a registered trademark of General Electric Company. UltraPruf is a registered trademark of General Electric Company. Valox is a registered trademark of General Electric Company. Vekton is a registered trademark of Chemplast, Inc. Vulkem is a registered trademark of MAMECO International, Inc. Windex with Ammonia D is a registered trademark of the Drackett Products Company. Wisk is a registered trademark of the Drackett Products Company. Zytel is a registered trademark of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

Click on trademark name to locate within document

234

Acknowledgements

A. L. Hyde Company Alusuisse Composites, Inc. Coroplast Division, Great Pacific

Enterprises Cyberbond L.L.C. CYRO Industries DSM Engineering Plastic

Products Sheffield Plastics, Inc. Elf Atochem North America, Inc.,

atoglas™ division Ensinger Engineering Products General Electric Company

GE Structured Products GE Silicones

Hunt Corporation I.A.P.D. (International Association

of Plastic Distributors) Ineos Acrylics

APPENDIXAPPENDIXAPPENDIXAPPENDIX

International Paper Company Kleerdex Company Kömmerling USA, Inc. ORACAL® Polycast High Performance

Plastics, Inc.

Poly Hi Solidur, Inc. R Tape Corporation Seeyle, Inc. Shin-Etsu Silicones of America, Inc. SPAR-CAL® Thermoplastic Processes, Inc. Tremco®, Inc. W. F. Lake Corporation Wegner North America, Inc. Zeus Industrial Products

The following companies have assisted in the development of this plastics reference guide by providing product specific and general technical information.

WaterlooLa Crosse

OmahaDenver

Colorado Springs

DenverDes Moines

Kansas CityN. Kansas City

SpringfieldJoplinTulsa

OklahomaCity

Wichita

ShreveportShreveport

Nashville

St. Louis

DallasDallas

Houston Baton RougeAustin

Ft. Worth

San Antonio

El PasoJuarez

MexicaliTijuana

AlbuquerquePhoenixSan Diego

Los Angeles

San Francisco

Portland

Divisional Corporate OfficesStocking BranchesFilm Conversion Centers

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