Acrylic is a transparent thermoplastic that is used in a variety of areas, especially for signage, displays and other commercial purposes. The chemical name for acrylic is poly (methyl ethacrylate). This material is preferred over glass because they are weight-weight and shock-proof option. Acrylic is more durable than glass, a reason many people prefer it. Acrylic fabrication is a process in which different shapes of acrylic are obtained through advanced technology. This process involves a number of operations, including acrylic extrusion, compounding, welding, lamination, vacuum foaming an acrylic foaming among others. All these operations aim at offering the acrylic the right shape, size and structure.
How is Acrylic Fabricated?
As a product that is friendly to fabrications processes, acrylic is capable of withstanding various processes such as cutting, machining, finishing or even bending with a view of giving it the desired shape, size and structure. The first step in acrylic fabrication involves creating the desired form and shape from molten acrylic. Owing to acrylic’s thermoplastic properties, it is more supple and flexible when in molten state, allowing it to take all manner of shapes once it cools down. Acrylic reacts effectively to all fabrication operations such as cold forming, drape forming and thermoforming in order to obtain the desired shapes and patterns.
What tools are used?
Technicians use different tools to achieve the best acrylic patterns. Some of the tools include machining lathe for cutting acrylic into required plastic sheets, milling machines for moving the sheets, polishing and finishing machines. The other tool that is useful is the annealing machine that is used for distressing the plastic acrylic.
What are the different Methods of Acrylic Fabrication?
There are many ways of creating desired shapes from unprocessed acrylic materials. First, acrylic sheets are cut into required shapes and measurements using acrylic-cutting blades, saber saws, plastic cutter, routers and table saws. After obtaining the right measurements, the plastic acrylic articles are polished and given a glossy finish on the edges using hydrogen-oxygen torch. Acrylic fabrication also involves processes that give the material the desired colours, designs using various methods such as spray painting, decorative vinyl films, and screen-printing. To obtain a custom-made object, an acrylic piece is used to affix the articles using adhesives, bolts, nuts, screws, welding.
Applications of Acrylic Objects
The most popular usage of acrylic is in exhibition and display solutions such as decorative items, trophies, light fixtures, signage and point purchase displays. Other areas in which acrylic is used include the following:
• Lenses
• Public aquarium windows
• Automotive trim
• Acrylic ship windows
• Acrylic architectural glazing
• Submarine windows
• Windows for diving pools
• Flood windows
• Exhibition and display solutions
• Acrylic transparent barriers
• Rear projection screens
Acrylic Fabrication Sydney is suitable for numerous applications in domestic, commercial and industrial fields thanks to its excellent optical clarity and resistance to extreme temperatures.
