What is PMMA material?-Suzhou Gentle Photoelectric Technology Co., Ltd.

What is PMMA material?

Apr 09, 2026

PMMA stands for Poly(methyl methacrylate). It is a transparent thermoplastic commonly known by brand names such as acrylic or Plexiglas, and is often referred to as "organic glass."

While PS (polystyrene) is also a clear plastic, PMMA is generally considered a higher-performance material and is frequently used as a lightweight, shatter-resistant alternative to glass.

Key Characteristics

Excellent Transparency – PMMA transmits up to 92% of visible light, even more than standard glass.
Impact Resistant – Its impact resistance is 7 to 18 times higher than ordinary glass.
Lightweight – Its density is about 1.15–1.19 g/cm³, roughly half the weight of glass.
Easy to Process – Can be easily machined (cut, drilled) and thermoformed.

At a Glance

Property	Value
Visible Light Transmission	Up to 92%
Density	1.17–1.20 g/cm³
Impact Resistance (vs. glass)	7–18x stronger
Max Continuous Service Temp	65–95°C (149–203°F)
Surface Hardness	Low (scratches easily)

Limitations

Heat sensitive – Softens around 100°C (212°F); not for cookware.
Flammable – Burns readily.
Scratches easily – Often requires a protective coating.

Common Applications

Optics (eyeglass lenses, camera lenses)
Electronics (LCD screens, light guide panels)
Construction (aquariums, skylights)
Automotive (rear lights, instrument clusters)
Medical (incubators, dental prosthetics)

PMMA vs. PS

Property	PMMA (Acrylic)	PS (Polystyrene)
Clarity	Superior (92%)	Good (88–90%)
Impact Strength	High	Low (brittle)
Weather Resistance	Excellent	Poor (yellows outdoors)
Typical Use	Aquariums, lenses, signage	Disposable cups, CD cases