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What is PMMA (Acrylic)? CNC Machining

CNC Machining

PMMA, also known as acrylic or Plexiglass, is a highly transparent, low-cost plastic that is easy to machine and widely used as a glass substitute. For UK engineers and product designers, CNC machining PMMA (Acrylic) is a reliable route from prototype to finished part.

After CNC machining, surfaces are matte and translucent by default. Light scratches can be removed with polishing paste. Common examples are lamps & lighting, displays and food industry. Its quoted tensile strength of around 83 MPa gives a useful guide when sizing parts. Our team can advise whether PMMA (Acrylic) is the right fit for your design, or suggest an alternative.

Parts are CNC milled or turned from clear stock. Please note if a fully transparent finish is required. Get an instant online quote for PMMA (Acrylic) CNC parts and have them delivered to your door in the UK. Finish options (matte / translucent as machined) can be confirmed when you order.

Material

PMMA (Acrylic)

Description

Strengths

Lead time 10 business days. Glass-like clarity, good weathering and easy to machine and polish.

Weaknesses

Brittle; scratches easily

Colour & Finishes

Transparent

Mechanical properties

Ultimate tensile strength

83 MPa

Yield strength

80 MPa

Modulus of elasticity

3.3 GPa

Elongation at break

3–6.4%

Physical properties

Density

Not specified

Hardness

105 HRM

Light transmittance

90–92%

UK equivalent

Thermal properties

Maximum service temperature

80°C

Thermal expansion coefficient

90 × 10⁻⁶ /°C

Thermal conductivity

0.2 W/(m·°C)

Electrical properties

Electrical insulation

Good

Post treatments

Post-processing

Polishing

Surface

Matte / translucent as machined

Common applications

Lamps & lighting

Displays

Food industry

Hand rails & guards

Values shown are typical supplier figures for PMMA (Acrylic) and may vary with stock condition. Please confirm critical properties before production.

Frequently asked questions

Is PMMA (Acrylic) easy to CNC machine?

Yes. Acrylic machines easily and can be polished to a glass-like finish. It is brittle, so it is cut carefully to avoid chipping and cracking.

What tolerances can be held on PMMA (Acrylic) parts?

Plastics are softer and expand more with heat than metals, so very tight tolerances and thin walls need extra care. Achievable tolerances depend on part size, geometry and features, so mark any critical tolerances on a 2D drawing with your upload and they will be reviewed and confirmed in your quote.

What finishes are available for PMMA (Acrylic)?

Acrylic is matt or translucent as machined and can be polished to improve clarity.

What is PMMA (Acrylic) used for?

Typical uses include lamps and lighting, displays, food industry parts, and hand rails and guards.

Should I choose acrylic or polycarbonate?

Choose acrylic for the best clarity, scratch resistance and polished finish. Choose polycarbonate for parts that need much higher impact strength, such as guards.

How long does it take to make PMMA (Acrylic) parts?

The typical lead time shown for PMMA (Acrylic) is 10 business days from an approved order. Quantity, finishing and any heat treatment can affect this, and your quote confirms the date before you order.

Acrylic (PMMA) CNC Machining