Clear acrylic housings
Mark the viewing faces, pocket depths, mounting holes and cover interface. Tell us whether the housing is a single machined component or part of a bonded assembly; the quote should distinguish the two.
Acrylic parts for covers, housings and clear assemblies
6 part examples
Acrylic windows and mounting plates
Identify the area you need to see through, the fixing pattern and any edge that remains visible after assembly. Include the mating frame or gasket drawing when the panel must fit an existing opening.
Acrylic rings and flanged components
Send the bore, outside diameter, flange thickness and hole pattern. Mark any circular surface that must be polished and any seating face that must retain its specified size and flatness.
Turned acrylic sleeves and tubes
Separate the appearance requirement from the bore and wall-thickness limits. Show the full length of any internal surface that needs finishing so access and inspection can be reviewed before quotation.
Acrylic brackets and locating pieces
Show the supporting faces, fasteners and installation loads. Include the assembled position, especially when the clear part will be tightened against a metal component or used repeatedly in a fixture.
Acrylic blocks with pockets and bores
Intersecting passages, blind features and viewing surfaces define pocketed blocks. Fluid-containing parts also need a specified medium and acceptance test.
Illustrations show possible geometries. Each drawing needs a separate feasibility review.
Cast, extruded and specialty acrylic grades
Cast acrylic for machined parts
For PLEXIGLAS GS cast sheet, stock thickness tolerance is ±(0.4 + 0.1t) mm, where t is nominal thickness in mm. At t = 4 mm, the stock range is 3.2–4.8 mm. We plan machining allowance when the finished thickness needs a narrower window.[9]
- Include with your drawing
- Grade, blank thickness, retained faces and final dimensions.
Extruded acrylic
PLEXIGLAS XT extruded sheet at nominal thickness ≥3 mm has a stock thickness tolerance of ±5%; a 4 mm sheet ranges from 3.8–4.2 mm. That tighter stock control matters when both original sheet faces remain on the part. It does not replace the specified grade or a finished machining tolerance.[9]
- Include with your drawing
- Extruded grade, stock profile and whether substitution is allowed.
Tinted, colored or opaque acrylic
Acrylic families include different colors and surface effects. A color name alone is not a production specification. Use a grade or color code and agree a physical sample when the appearance must match another component. [6]
- Include with your drawing
- Manufacturer, color code, light path and appearance sample.
A specified optical, UV or coated grade
Requirements such as UV transmission, diffusion or a hard-coated face need a named material and its own data. Mark any original coated surface that must be preserved; do not assume machining or polishing recreates it. [6]
- Include with your drawing
- Approved grade, coating orientation and the required test.
PMMA grades and brand requirements
PMMA is the polymer name for acrylic. PLEXIGLAS® and ACRYLITE® identify branded products, not every acrylic sheet on the market. [6] State any required brand and grade, plus whether an alternative may be proposed. We confirm stock availability and the manufacturing scope before an order is accepted.
The quotation confirms availability of the specified acrylic grade and stock form.
| Property | Cast Acrylic PLEXIGLAS GS 0F00 | Extruded Acrylic PLEXIGLAS XT 0A000 | Test condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | 1.19 | 1.19 | 23°C, 50% RH |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 80 | 72 | 23°C; 5 mm/min |
| Tensile modulus (MPa) | 3,300 | 3,300 | Short-term; 1 mm/min |
| Flexural strength (MPa) | 115 | 105 | 80 × 10 × 4 mm specimen |
| Light transmittance (%) | ≈92 | ≈92 | D65, clear grade |
| Thermal expansion (×10⁻⁵/K) | 7 | 7 | 0–50°C |
| Thermal conductivity (W/(m·K)) | 0.19 | 0.19 | DIN 52612 |
Typical values for the named clear grades at 23°C and 50% relative humidity, except where a temperature range is shown.
Mark the surfaces that need to stay clear
Select the relevant surface requirements to add them to your parts brief.
Visual clarity and optical performance
Visual clarity and measured optical performance have different acceptance criteria. Describe the viewing task and any required wavelength, haze, transmission or distortion limits. Feasibility and the test scope are reviewed before quoting.
CNC milling, turning and routing for acrylic parts
Milling pockets, faces and mounting features
Tool access and workholding affect the surfaces left by milling pockets, steps and hole patterns. Stable cutting, chip clearance and compatible cooling help limit heat-related surface damage.[1]
Turning sleeves, rings and circular profiles
A drawing for a turned acrylic part should identify the bore, outer profile and wall thickness. Mark the functional surfaces and specify which internal or external faces require finishing, so the bore carries its own condition.
Routing sheet profiles with drilled features
For a panel, show the outline, hole locations, pockets and thickness requirements in one revision. Distinguish machined surfaces from original sheet faces, including any masking or coating that needs to stay intact.
When to discuss laser cutting instead
A flat through-cut profile and a part with pockets, controlled bores or multiple depths are different jobs. Laser-cut acrylic edges can carry heat-induced stress. [2] Tell us about later bonding and assembly: solvent bonding and annealing both affect edge quality and crazing risk, so the route is reviewed for the finished component.
Acrylic Polishing and Final Dimensions
As-machined surfaces with deburred edges
Use where a machined appearance is acceptable. Identify visible faces and edge-break limits; tool marks on a cut surface are not the same as the original sheet finish.
Mechanical polishing on specified areas
Sanding and buffing can improve the appearance of accessible surfaces, but they remove material. Identify the areas to be polished and agree how the final shape and appearance will be checked. [3]
Diamond finishing where access allows
Diamond finishing is a process to review for the geometry and surface concerned, not a promise of optical performance. Keep the required viewing area and dimensional criteria on the drawing. [4]
Flame polishing and bonding compatibility
Flame polishing can add stress and may be unsuitable for surfaces that will later be bonded. The grade, geometry, assembly and stress-relief requirements need review before this route is approved. [4]
Finishing methods are subject to project review. Mark the exact faces to be processed; “polish all over” may conflict with a fit, sharp edge or bonded interface.
Acrylic Drawing Requirements
Holes near an edge or a corner
Show the hole-to-edge distance and the installed fastener. Acrylic drilling needs suitable tool geometry and support to reduce chipping at breakthrough. [5] Include the mating assembly so fixing details can be reviewed.
Threads and repeated fastening
Specify the thread, engagement and assembly method. Acrylic is notch-sensitive; loaded or repeatedly used fastenings require special care, and inserts may need review. [1] Do not substitute a thread choice without approval.
Pockets, thin walls and clamping areas
Mark the thinnest sections, internal radii and any surfaces that must be free from holding marks. Provide inspection access for deep features. We discuss unsupported geometry rather than assigning every part the same minimum wall.
Cleaning chemicals and bonded joints
Identify cleaners, adhesives, sealants and contact fluids. Compatibility must be checked for the exact acrylic and service conditions; unsuitable materials can lead to crazing or cracking. [6] Send the relevant product information with the drawing.
No review topics selected.
Check acrylic dimensions after polishing and stress relief
| Feature | Specification | Acceptance condition | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness, bores and locating faces | Dimensions; limits; datums; mating part | After specified machining and finishing | Final dimensional inspection |
| Polished edges and curved profiles | Polished areas; edge breaks; rounding; profile limits | Accessible polishing areas; final shape | Profile and agreed appearance checks |
| Large viewing faces | Flatness/geometry; support; mounting condition | Specified support and mounting state | Separate dimensional, visual and optical checks |
| Holes, countersinks and threads | Fixings; depth; edge distance; inserts | No assembly overload | Hole dimensions and assembly checks |
| Optical and light-transmission features | Test; wavelength/viewing setup; acceptance limits | Specified method and specimen conditions | Specified optical test; verified test capability |
| Stress-relieved or bonded parts | Process sequence; mating materials; final acceptance stage | After specified processing and waiting period | Final dimensions and appearance |
Confirm stress relief and final measurements together
Annealing can reduce stresses introduced during machining and finishing. [7] It is not a universal cycle for every grade or shape. Specify any required treatment and agree support, process order and final inspection before manufacture. Tolerance capability is confirmed for the actual drawing, not a blanket number.
Acrylic components for instruments and visual prototypes
Instrument covers and inspection windows
Share what needs to be visible, how the window is mounted and how it will be cleaned. A cover for observation and a protective barrier need different specifications; identify any required impact or safety qualification.
Lighting and optical-system housings
Identify the light path and surfaces that locate other components. A housing, spacer or lens holder is not itself a qualified optical element. Send any transmission, alignment or material requirements that govern the assembly.
Visual prototypes and equipment enclosures
A clear prototype can help review internal placement and assembly access. State whether the sample is for visual assessment, fitting or a defined functional test, and which requirements must carry into later production.
Acrylic inspection and protective packaging
Identify the material before machining
Agree the PMMA grade, stock route, supplier restrictions and traceability records. A clear appearance is not proof of a particular grade. Material paperwork and any grade-specific declarations should be identified in the quote.
Approve a sample of the finished appearance
Review the sample after the specified polishing, cleaning and assembly stages. Keep the viewing conditions and accepted reference with the drawing revision. Define permitted marks and reject criteria so later batches are not judged from memory.
Protect the surfaces used for acceptance
Discuss compatible masking, separators and packaging for visible faces. Identify which films stay on during inspection or shipment, and how the customer should remove them. Packaging and handling products also need material compatibility review. [6]
What affects the price of an acrylic CNC part?
The specified stock and usable blank
Cost depends on the approved grade, color, thickness and blank size needed for the geometry. Include whether both broad faces need machining or an original sheet face can be retained. A material alternative should be priced and approved separately.
Feature depth and additional setups
Pocket and bore depth, intersecting features and access from several sides affect machining work and setups. Complete CAD and drawings define that scope.
How much of the part must be polished
Identify the surfaces that matter instead of assuming every surface needs the same finish. The chosen process, access, masking, sample approval and final inspection all belong in the quotation scope.
Sample quantities and repeat production
Provide sample, first-batch and planned repeat quantities. Ask for the finishing, test and packaging scope to be held consistent across quantity options. A sample price does not by itself establish a repeat-order price or delivery schedule.
Acrylic samples and repeat orders
Sample requirements
Identify the material, marked surfaces and viewing conditions for the sample.
Finishing and test scope
Agree stock, finishing, dimensional checks and any assembly responsibility.
Final sample approval
Check fit and appearance after finishing; record changes in the drawing revision.
Repeat-order reference
Retain the approved drawing, reference sample, acceptance criteria and packing instructions. Reconfirm availability and schedule for changed orders.
Questions about ordering acrylic machined parts
Should I specify cast or extruded acrylic?
If both original sheet faces remain, compare the chosen stock’s thickness range with the assembly requirement: the listed XT sheet has a narrower range than GS at 4 mm. If both faces will be machined, select the approved grade and a blank with enough finishing allowance. We keep the required appearance and grade-specific machining instructions with that choice.
Will machined acrylic be transparent without polishing?
Original stock surfaces and machined surfaces need separate consideration. Cutting can leave a different appearance; polishing may be part of the finishing plan. [3] Mark the actual viewing area and agree a sample or test rather than relying on the word “clear.”
Can every acrylic surface be flame polished?
No single polishing process is suitable for every surface. Flame finishing introduces stress and needs particular review before later bonding. [4] Specify the surfaces, grade, assembly and acceptance requirements; process availability is confirmed for the project.
Can you make optical-quality acrylic components?
Share the optical requirement, relevant surfaces and test method. We will review the machining and measurement scope before quoting.
What tolerances can you hold on an acrylic part?
We confirm tolerances against the drawing, geometry, material and final process condition. Mark critical dimensions after finishing and include the mating component. The quote should state achievable limits and inspection methods rather than applying one number to every feature.
Can acrylic parts include threaded holes?
Threads require a review of engagement, fasteners and loading. Repeated fastening or a loaded joint may call for an approved insert or another connection design. [1] Send the assembly drawing; do not assume a metal-part fastening detail can be copied unchanged.
Is annealing included in every order?
Annealing is included when specified in the agreed process scope. Review any need for stress relief after machining, finishing or bonding. [7] Confirm the required procedure and final inspection stage in the quotation.
How should I specify a clear part’s appearance?
Mark visible surfaces and give the viewing distance, lighting, background and permitted marks. A reference sample can support visual acceptance. Add a separate test method and limits when haze, transmission, wavelength or distortion is relevant.
Send your acrylic drawing for a quote
- Matching CAD model and dimensioned drawing
- PA6, PA66, cast PA6 or the exact approved acrylic grade
- Mating component, load, humidity and temperature
- Condition at inspection, critical fits and working surfaces
- Sample and batch quantities, records and requested delivery
Agree confidentiality and the transfer method before sharing sensitive or restricted files.
PROJECT SUPPORT
Discuss your acrylic part
Share your drawing, material and quantity. Tell us what you need and we will reply by email.
Technical references and material notes
Material and machining references. Use the current documentation for the specified PMMA grade.
- ACRYLITE® — Machining — Machining, tool access, cooling compatibility and threaded features.
- ACRYLITE® — Laser machining — Laser-cut edges and heat-induced stress.
- PLEXIGLAS® — Sanding and polishing — Finishing appearance, abrasion and control of frictional heat.
- ACRYLITE® — Edge and surface finishing — Diamond and flame finishing; later bonding and stress considerations.
- ACRYLITE® — Drilling — Drilled features, tool suitability and support.
- ACRYLITE® — Products and fabrication resources — PMMA names, specialty grades and material compatibility.
- ACRYLITE® — Annealing — Stress-relief considerations; grade-specific processing advice.
- PLEXIGLAS® — FAQ & Glossary: Thickness Tolerance — GS and XT stock-sheet thickness limits; t is nominal sheet thickness in mm.
ACRYLITE® and PLEXIGLAS® are third-party product trademarks. No affiliation or approved-supplier relationship is implied.
