Material focus
Acrylic (PMMA) selection, applications, and sibling resin routing on this page.
Acrylic (PMMA)
Acrylic (PMMA) Injection Molding: Properties, Applications and Design Guide
PMMA (acrylic) is the clarity resin for lenses, light guides, and display covers where glass weight is too high.
Acrylic (PMMA)
When to specify Acrylic (PMMA)
How procurement and design teams use Acrylic (PMMA) on injection molded programs.
PMMA (acrylic) is the clarity resin for lenses , light guides, and display covers where glass weight is too high. It scratches more easily than coated PC and is more brittle on impact, so safety glazing often routes to polycarbonate instead. Optical parts need uniform wall thickness and careful gate placement to avoid flow marks and stress whitening. Acrylic gives excellent clarity and weathering, but it is more brittle than polycarbonate, so impact loads usually route the program to PC. At NetProto, programs run from first-article validation through production on one hardened steel tool with no minimum order quantity. Upload CAD on the instant quote platform for DFM feedback before tooling release. For a clear rigid styrenic housing, see SAN .
Key traits
Why buyers specify Acrylic (PMMA)
Engineering and sourcing highlights. No NetProto processing numbers on this page.
Sourcing
Grade and compliance context travels with CAD on the instant quote platform.
Program fit
First articles through production on one steel tool, no MOQ.
NetProto platform
Instant CAD quoting and DFM feedback before tooling release.
Tooling lead time
Hardened steel tool build in about 10 business days on qualified programs (part complexity dependent).
Common grades
Common Acrylic (PMMA) grades by use case
Pick one of these on the instant quote, or name any other commercial grade in the RFQ notes.
| Use case | Example grade | Typical parts |
|---|---|---|
| High flow injection | Chimei CM-211 | Nameplates, audio panels, household parts, decorative molding |
| General injection | Chimei CM-205 | Clear display parts and general transparent components |
| Impact modified | PLEXIGLAS Resist zk6HF | Parts needing higher break resistance and stress crack resistance |
| Optical / lens grade | PLEXIGLAS Resist zk6BR | Lenses and optics where clarity and toughness matter |
Applications
Where this resin shows up on BOMs
Typical molded parts and what to specify on the purchase order.
| Application | Why this resin | Specify on the PO |
|---|---|---|
| LED lenses and light pipes | High light transmission | Optical grade, color tint if any |
| Display windows | Clarity vs PC cost tradeoff | Hard coat requirement as secondary op note |
| Cosmetic transparent covers | Gloss and depth | Impact requirement: if high, compare PC |
| Automotive interior trim | Interior lenses and covers. Confirm the UV package on the supplier TDS. | PMMA grade and whether the part is interior or exterior. |
RFQ
Ready to quote? Have this information ready
Prepare these details, then upload CAD on the instant quote platform.
Light transmission requirement or optical clarity class
UV stability need for outdoor or lighting exposure
Surface hardness requirement
Scratch resistance expectation, or hard coat if required
Impact risk: drop or handling loads the part must survive
Commercial grade, or the use case to match (optical clarity, impact modified, high flow, UV exposure)
Expected annual volume (helps cavity and tool planning)
Next step
Upload CAD for an instant quote
Grade not finalized? Note Acrylic (PMMA) on the RFQ and attach environment notes.
Compare and explore
Related guides
Pairwise comparisons and sibling material pages.
PC vs acrylic
Impact vs clarity and scratch resistance.
PC vs acrylic
Polycarbonate
Tough transparent alternative.
Polycarbonate
Polystyrene (GPPS)
Lower cost clear resin.
Polystyrene (GPPS)
Materials library
Browse all resin guides.
Materials library
Reading a material datasheet
What the TDS (Technical Data Sheet) values mean for a molded part.
Reading a material datasheet
Specify resin grade on an RFQ
How to write grade, color, and fillers so the quote matches the part.
Specify resin grade on an RFQFAQ
Acrylic (PMMA) injection molding FAQ
Acrylic or polycarbonate for a clear part?
Acrylic usually wins on clarity, scratch resistance, and UV stability, while polycarbonate wins on impact. At NetProto, describe the drop and handling loads on the RFQ so DFM can confirm which clear resin fits.
PMMA vs PC for lenses?
PMMA transmits light well; PC wins on impact.
Can PMMA be colored?
Yes, with transparent tints; opacity changes optical performance.
Does PMMA need drying?
Yes, moisture causes bubbles and haze in clear parts.
What is the minimum order quantity for molded parts at NetProto?
NetProto has no minimum order quantity on molded parts from your production tool. Upload CAD on the instant quote platform to scope tooling and part pricing for your volume.
How do I quote this resin without a final grade selected?
List the resin family on the RFQ, attach environment and compliance notes, and upload CAD. At NetProto, engineers use DFM review to narrow grades before tooling release.
Next step
Quote Acrylic (PMMA) parts with your CAD
Upload geometry and list Acrylic (PMMA) or the target grade on the instant quote platform.