CLAREX Optical-Grade Cell-Cast Thin Acrylic (PMMA) Sheets
The foundational base substrate for nearly every product we offer.
CLAREX optical-grade cell-cast acrylic, also referred to as PMMA (poly-methyl methacrylate), is engineered for exceptional optical clarity, consistency, and dimensional stability. These thin acrylic sheets are produced using a specialized batch cell-cast process that yields the highest-quality optical grade acrylic available.
Cell cast acrylic sheets differ from extruded acrylic in both performance and consistency. The controlled cell-cast process produces cast acrylic (PMMA) sheets with superior surface quality, low internal stress, and excellent optical uniformity, making them ideal for demanding optical and display applications.
CLAREX thin acrylic sheets support extensive customization, from low-volume specialty runs to large-scale production, without compromising optical performance. This flexibility allows engineers and designers to specify precise thicknesses, formulations, and surface properties when working with thin acrylic sheet materials used in precision applications.
Benefits of Cell-Cast Thin Acrylic (PMMA) Sheets:
- Ultra-Smooth Surfaces – Highly polished mold sets create surfaces with roughness less than 0.02µ for exceptional optical clarity.
- Defect-Free Quality – Every cell cast acrylic sheet is 100% visually inspected for cosmetic defects and optical consistency.
- Weather & Chemical Resistant – PMMA cast acrylic sheets perform reliably in challenging environments.
- Low Wavefront Distortion – Maintains optical precision for demanding imaging and sensing applications.
- High Light Transmission – Up to 92% transmission in clear optical grade acrylic sheets without AR coating.
- Isotropic Transmission – No birefringence or double refraction; polarized light passes cleanly through cell cast acrylic.
- No Autofluorescence – Pure monomer formulation prevents UV- or laser-induced glow in optical applications.
- High Molecular Weight – 2+ million for improved strength, stability, and long-term durability in thin acrylic sheets.
Common Thin Acrylic Sheet Applications
- LCD protective windows
- Camera and lens covers
- Sensor and light filters
- Architectural models
- Microfluidics substrate
- Prototyping and product development
- Precision optical components where optical-grade acrylic is required
Thickness Options
- 0.2mm
- 0.25mm
- 0.3mm
- 0.35mm
- 0.4mm
- 0.5mm
- 0.6mm
- 0.7mm
- 0.8mm
- 1.0mm
- 1.2mm
- 1.5mm
- 2.0mm
- 2.5mm
- 3.0mm
- 3.5mm
- 4.0mm
- 4.5mm
- 5.0mm
- Custom
Cell-Cast Acrylic Sheet Sizes
Cell cast acrylic sheets can be supplied in custom sizes.
- Standard small sheet: 400 × 550 mm
- Standard large sheet: 1000 × 1000 mm
- Custom sizes: Maximum dimensions depend on application—contact us to discuss options
Finished Parts
Sheets can be fabricated and finished to customer specifications.
Thin acrylic sheet fabrication may include cutting, machining, adhesive application, and printing.
Color Options
- Colors are typically transparent, however a wide range of transparent, translucent, and opaque colors are available
- Neutral density (smoke) and other specialty tints offered
- Colors available from 0.5 mm thickness and up
- Custom color-matching is available if your color isn’t already in our color portfolio
Coating Options
- Optical-grade hard coat for scratch and chemical resistance
- Antibacterial hard-coat
- Anti-reflective (AR) coatings
- Mirror coatings
- Additional specialty coatings available for optical-grade acrylic sheets
Surface Finishes
- Non-glare textures can be molded in during casting (not a coating).
- Multiple texture options with varying gloss levels available
- Available one or both sides in any combination
Special Formulations
- High-temperature
- UV transmit (UVT)
- Added UV-blocking protection
- Low moisture absorption
- Special PMMA cast acrylic sheet formulations available upon request
Transmission Curves for Standard Clear Acrylic Sheets and Many Different Colors/Shades
We have additional specialty curves, such as:
Customization
Custom sheets & parts to meet the needs of your applications.
Build your own sheets. Do you have a unique design requirement that cannot be met with off-the-shelf UV filter sheet materials? CLAREX acrylic can be fully customized and produced from low-volume runs to mass production. Select thickness, formulation, additives, pigments, textures, surface coatings, and optical coatings to create thin acrylic sheets tailored to your application.
Typical lead time is 4–8 weeks. Finished parts and assemblies can also be fabricated to specification.
Physical & Chemical Properties of Cell-Cast Thin Acrylic (PMMA) Sheets
| PROPERTY | METHOD | UNIT | UNCOATED | WITH HARD-COAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specific Gravity | ASTM D-792 | 1.19 | 1.19 | |
| OPTICAL | ||||
| Refractive Index | ASTM D-542 | 1.49 | 1.49 (1.54) | |
| MECHANICAL | ||||
| Elongation | ASTM D-638 | % | 5 | 5 |
| Tensile Rupture Strength | ASTM D-638 | kg/cm2 | 750 | 650 |
| Flexural Rupture Strength | ASTM D-790 | kg/cm2 | 1200 | 800 |
| THERMAL | ||||
| Heat Distortion Temperature | °C | 108 | 110 | |
| Maximum Recommended Continuous Temperature | °C | 80 | 80 | |
| Available with higher temperature ratings upon request, 90-95 °C | ||||
| DURABILITY | ||||
| Heat Resistance | 80ºC x 100hr | No Change | No Change | |
| Cold Resistance | -40ºC x 100hr | No Change | No Change | |
| Humidity Resistance | 60ºC x 90% x 100hr | No Change | No Change | |
| Thermal Cycle | -40ºC <> 80ºC (10 cycles) | No Change | No Change | |
| ELECTRICAL | ||||
| Surface Resistivity | w | 10^16 | 10^16 | |
| CHEMICAL | ||||
| Methyl Alcohol (50%) | No Change | No Change | ||
| Ethyl Alcohol (50%) | No Change | No Change | ||
| Soap Aqua Solution | No Change | No Change | ||
| Toluene | Dissolved | No Change | ||
| Acetone | Dissolved | No Change | ||
| Benzene | Swollen | No Change | ||
| Ethylene Dichloride | Dissolved | No Change | ||
| OTHER | ||||
| Pencil Hardness | 2H | >6H | ||
| Adhesion | K-5400 | 100/100 | ||
| FLAMMABILITY | ||||
| Fire Resistivity | UL standard | >=0.8mm Thickness | 94HB | 94HB |
What is Cell-Cast Acrylic
Cell-cast acrylic is a premium type of acrylic known for its crystal-clear optical quality, strength, and durability. Unlike extruded acrylic, cell cast acrylic sheets are produced in batch molds, resulting in lower internal stress, improved optical clarity, and greater resistance to cracking and warping.
This manufacturing method produces optical-grade acrylic with minimal birefringence, making it ideal for displays, optical filters, imaging systems, and applications requiring consistent light transmission across acrylic sheet thicknesses.
Ready to Get Started with Thin Cell-Cast Acrylic (PMMA) Sheets?
Whether you need standard sizes, custom fabrication, or a specialized formulation, our team can help configure CLAREX acrylic to meet your exact requirements.