Acrylic
1. What is Acrylic?
In the woodworking industry, an Acrylic sheet is a type of decorative surface that is commonly laminated onto various engineered wood materials for use in furniture production. Acrylic, scientifically known as PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate), is a type of plastic derived from refined petroleum.
2. History of formation and development
This material was developed in 1928 in various laboratories by several chemists, including William Chalmers, Otto Rohm, and Walter Bauer. It was first introduced to the market in 1933 by the Rohm and Haas Company under the brand name Plexiglas.
3. Characteristics of Acrylic
- Acrylic sheets are transparent, rigid, and elastic.
- The density of Acrylic is 1.18 g/cm3.
- A 3mm thick Acrylic sheet allows about 98% of light to pass through.
- The melting point of Acrylic is 160 degrees Celsius (approximately 433 K; 320 degrees Fahrenheit)
4. Advantages
- Acrylic has a bright and modern surface appearance.
- It comes in a wide range of colors.
- It has the ability to resist ultraviolet rays.
- It is resistant to physical deformation.
- Acrylic is lightweight and easy to work with.
- Due to its flexibility, Acrylic is easy to process, cut, bend, and mold according to requirements.
5. Disadvantages
- The surface of Acrylic is susceptible to scratches.
- It has a relatively higher cost compared to other industrial materials.
- Modern and precise machinery is required for processing Acrylic sheets.
- Acrylic may not be suitable for classic interior spaces.
6. Applications
In the furniture industry, Acrylic is often laminated onto the surface of other materials such as MDF or HDF wood to produce various interior furniture items like beds, kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, TV stands, doors, and more.