Method of manufacturing
Produce this material in two ways. The first one is the molded , when it is necessary to produce a toned, colored, frosted acrylic glass. The second one is the extrusion , when a transparent material is made. We describe each of them.
- The molding method assumes the use of methyl methacrylate and liquid monomer as feedstock.
First, various dyes and additives are added to the monomer in order to give the material certain properties and color. Further, the cooled composition of acrylic is filled with silicate glasses and placed all this in a special frame. Then they make heat treatment in water and air. At the final stage, the sheets are cut to size. It should be borne in mind that in this process it is possible to produce glass thicknesses from 1.5 to 24 mm.
- Extrusion method assumes the use of granules, which in their composition are already practically finished polymethyl methacrylate.
Thus, extrusion is just a method of shaping. The granules enter the extruder, which looks like a cylinder with a spiral auger, which starts to mix and melt the mass with the addition of some components. It can be dyes, stabilizers and other ingredients to improve performance. At the final stage, the material is given the right shape. This method makes acrylic glass transparent.
The molding and extrusion production methods are completely different from each other. The technical characteristics of the material are also different. Thus, the choice of a particular type directly depends on the purpose for which you plan to use the product.
What is the scope of use of acrylic glass?
If we talk about the scope of this material, then it is extensive. It is used for finishing in civil and industrial buildings. For example, it can be window, roofing, arched, horizontal and vertical glazing, including protective fences of all kinds( for walls, lamps, etc.).Also make glazing of greenhouses, greenhouses, winter gardens, greenhouses and some internal backyards, used to create visors above the door or canopies over the balcony.
In addition, glass is universally used as decorative finishes for lanterns, lamps, suspended ceilings, in which there is internal illumination.
If we talk about offices and industrial premises, then acrylic sheet glass is also an excellent soundproof material. Because it is used for interior, office partitions, stained-glass windows. We can not fail to mention that it is widely used in advertising to create signage, as well as at exhibitions during the manufacture of stands. In general, the scope of its use is really diverse.
Plexiglass Properties
Acrylic glass( or plexiglas) has a number of characteristic properties and advantages. Firstly, it is the impact-resistant material , which withstands 5 times more loads than silicate glass. Secondly, possesses excellent light resistance of and, moreover, allows about 90% of UV rays. Thirdly, is light enough , because it is simply carried out transportation and installation. Fifthly, has a high moisture resistance .It is used even for the manufacture of aquariums, glazing ships and aircraft.
Sixth, despite the fact that it is a combustible material, it is not so dangerous and does not emit any harmful gases during the spread of the flame .Seventh, Plexiglas is environmentally friendly .During operation, no toxic components are formed. Eighth, low electrical conductivity .Ninth, has a high resistance to all kinds of atmospheric conditions .Even frost and rain are not capable of destroying this material.
