Glass, acrylic. Acrylic color glass

Acrylic glass is a universal material that is used not only in construction work, but also in the manufacture of furniture, lighting systems, equipment. Also, such material carries the functions of protective fencing in many other spheres of activity. This popularity is largely due to excellent operating materials. In addition, acrylic glass is a clean material from the standpoint of ecology.

Regardless of the large amount of conventional glass that can be resistant to a variety of damages, acrylic material is usually used where it is possible to break the structures in which it is used. In addition, acrylic glass makes the details more light.

Characteristics of acrylic glass

On the territory of our country, acrylic is often called plexiglass. This kind of material is a synthetic material, which contains acrylic resins and various additives, due to which the glass acquires some properties. For example, anti-vandalism and the possibility of scattering light.

Among other possible substitutes for simple glass (such as polycarbonate or transparent polyvinyl chloride), plexiglass has the best transparency. Acrylic glass skips about 93 percent of the world. Regardless of the fact that such material is not very resistant to surface scratches, its strength from impacts is much higher than that of silicate material. The weight is very small.

Acrylic material does not pass electricity and does not change its characteristics, even if it is used at a temperature equal to -40 degrees. Unlike simple glass, Plexiglass is a combustible material that can easily ignite. However, toxic substances are not allocated. The instability in the case of exposure to alcohol and solvent is also a minus that plexiglas possesses. Acrylic glass with this less popular, however, does not become.

Production methods

The material is produced by two methods - injection molding and extrusion. In the first case, acrylic colored, toned and matte glass is obtained. In the second case, a transparent material is created. In the casting method, methyl methacrylate and a liquid monomer are used.

First, various dyes and additives are added to the monomer. This is done in order to be able to give a variety of properties and colors. After that, the composition is cooled and filled with silicate materials. Then the resulting consistency is placed in a specialized frame. After a while, heat treatment takes place in water and air. At the final stage, the sheets are trimmed to the required dimensions. It should also be borne in mind that this process produces materials whose thickness can reach 24 mm.

In the extrusion process, the use of special granules is contemplated. Their composition is polymethyl methacrylate. In other words, extrusion is a way of imparting certain shapes. Granules are fed into special equipment, which has the shape of a cylinder with a screw. It mixes and melts the mass. At the same time, various components are added (dyes, stabilizers and many other ingredients that improve the performance characteristics). In the last place, the material is given a certain shape.

All these methods are quite different from each other. As a result of their use, a different acrylic glass is obtained. Photo for comparison is easy enough to find.

Types of Plexiglas

• Grandsilk. This kind of organic glass is capable of simulating the metallic effect. Can be produced in about 40 different colors. It is often used when creating furniture.
• Kamelit. Glass has a glossy surface. It is sufficiently resistant to the effects of liquid. It is easy to polish and does not change its color for many years.
• Schine Glass. Has a glossy surface. All properties are similar to the above-described kind of glass.
• Satin Glass. Has a matte surface. Among the shortcomings can be identified fingerprints, which remain after the touch. Scratched.
• Element Glass. In this material, various substances of natural or artificial origin are melted. Characterized by a wide range of uses.
• Plexiglas SDP. Acrylic glass, which consists of several layers. Characterized by high impact strength and resistance to weather conditions.
• Frizzz. Material that feels dull and velvety to the touch. Characterized by resistance to scratches and dirt. Used for window dressing.
• Acrylic, which has a fluorescent effect. A material that has a glossy and transparent surface. The ends glow if exposed to ultraviolet rays.

How to work with PMMA

In order to properly cut acrylic glass, you need a special cutter. You can always buy it in the building department. In order to cut the sheet, it is necessary to attach a metal ruler to the acrylic sheet in the place where it is necessary to make a cut. Along this line, you need to make a cutter. When the sheet is notched, it will be necessary to break it with his hands. The sawdust is subsequently processed with a fragment of plain glass or a fusant. For safety, absolutely all work is done with gloves. To cut a sheet on a certain trajectory, you can use a jigsaw.

In order to drill Plexiglas, you can use a conventional drill. Use a drill for wood or metal. Under the sheet it will be necessary to lay a wooden beam. The angle of the sharpening of the drill will depend entirely on the thickness. It should be more blunt in the event that the thickness of the sheet is large. The holes for self-tapping screws must be made larger than the self-tapping screws.

If the edges of the drilled object should be transparent, then through them, you should pass a rod of metal, heated red. In order to bend the material, it must be heated. In this case, the sheet should not touch the flame. After heating it is necessary to create the necessary form.

In order to make the procedure for polishing the transparent acrylic sheet, it will have to be rubbed with felt. The GOI paste is also used. The procedure is performed until shine. After all this, immersion in water is made and there is already polishing with sandpaper. In order for the desired result to be achieved, the glass will need to be dried and again rubbed with GOI paste.

For gluing PMMA it is worth using dichloroethane. It should be applied to all the surfaces to be glued, which will then need to be pressed against each other, fixed with clamps. You can simply wrap it with a rope or a strip of fabric. When the product is completely dry, the plexiglas will become a single monolith.

It is necessary to remember! Work with dichloroethane is required only in a respirator. In this room should be chosen such that it will be well ventilated.

Acrylic glass is an excellent material for those artists who are passionate about interior design and the creation of not quite standard things. It is characterized by strength. Therefore, glass can please owners for a long time.

What is the scope of acrylic glass?

The area of use of acrylic is quite wide. It can be used in finishing both civil and industrial buildings. For example, we can talk about window, roofing, arched, horizontal and vertical glazing. It is also possible to create protective fences of various types.

In addition to all of the above, the glass has ubiquitous use as a kind of decorative decoration of lanterns and a variety of lamps. On hanging structures, when creating an internal lighting - in all these spheres can be used acrylic glass. The price is also not very high for this material. If you take, for example, polycarbonate cellular, with protection from ultraviolet, thickness of 3.5 mm, a sheet of 2.1 x 6 m of domestic production will cost from 1000 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Due to a large number of aspects, acrylic glass is able to become a unique material, whose capabilities extend beyond the conventional framework. The lack of color and transparency can add a high opacity. It should be noted that silicate material promotes the penetration of less light. In those cases where it is undesirable to create a high opacity, you can always use colored material.

In addition, acrylic glass has increased resistance to aging, and also neutrally refers to the effects of atmospheric factors. Such properties, as mechanical and optical, will not change even in the case of prolonged atmospheric exposure. Glass is sufficiently resistant to ultraviolet rays and does not require any protection.

Acrylic glass can be easily processed by cutting, as well as hot forming. During the processing of the material, it is necessary to take into account certain features.

1. Materials have a high index of thermal expansion.
2. There is steam and gas tightness.
3. The material has a sensitivity to mechanical influences.
4. Has a sufficiently high susceptibility to thermal radiation.
5. From the perspective of the ecological issue, Plexiglas is absolutely safe material.