CLAREX UV-Filtering Acrylic Sheets
Enhanced UV protection for sensitive applications.
CLAREX UV-filtering acrylic sheets are designed to block harmful ultraviolet radiation while maintaining excellent optical clarity. These UV-blocking acrylic materials are commonly used in applications where exposure to UV light can damage sensitive components, materials, or displayed items.
Standard CLAREX cast acrylic sheets include UV inhibitors that block wavelengths below 375nm; however, for applications requiring additional UV protection, CLAREX UV-cut sheets are available with filtering options that extend up to 480nm. As the cutoff wavelength increases, the material takes on a yellow tint—most notably with grade N-039, which also functions as a true yellow filter.
UV filtering acrylic sheets provide controlled UV attenuation while still allowing visible light transmission, making them suitable for display, protective, and optical applications where UV exposure must be minimized. These UV filter acrylic materials are frequently selected as an alternative to glass when lightweight, impact resistance, and fabrication flexibility are important.
UV-Cut Filters are used in applications which are sensitive to UV light.
Benefits of UV-Blocking Acrylic Filters & Sheets:
- Outstanding Optical Clarity – High light transmission with crystal-clear visibility, ideal for displays and protective covers hat require UV filtering acrylic sheet materials.
- No Birefringence – Eliminates double refraction, ensuring distortion-free performance under polarized light.
- Superior Weatherability – Resists yellowing, clouding, and degradation from long-term outdoor UV exposure.
- Surface Flexibility – Available in glossy for maximum clarity or non-glare to reduce reflections in bright environments.
- Hard-Coat Protection – Optional scratch- and chemical-resistant coating extends durability in demanding applications.
- UV Shielding – Blocks harmful ultraviolet rays, protecting sensitive materials and extending product life when using UV-blocking acrylic sheet solutions.
- UV-Cut Filters – Used in applications that are sensitive to ultraviolet light and require consistent UV blocking performance.
Common UV-Filtering Acrylic Applications
- Display cases and protective covers
- Outdoor signage and displays
- Optical filters
- Scientific equipment and instrumentation
- Sensor windows
- Applications where UV filtering acrylic is specified to protect light-sensitive contents
Thickness Options
- 0.2mm
- 1.5mm
- 0.3mm
- 2.0mm
- 0.4mm
- 2.5mm
- 0.5mm
- 3.0mm
- 0.6mm
- 3.5mm
- 0.7mm
- 4.0mm
- 0.8mm
- 4.5mm
- 1.0mm
- 5.0mm
- 1.2mm
- Custom
UV-Blocking Acrylic Sheet Size Options
- Standard small sheet: 400 × 550 mm
- Standard large sheet: 1000 × 1000 mm
- Custom sizes: Maximum dimensions depend on application—contact us to discuss options. Custom UV-blocking acrylic sheet sizes may be influenced by thickness, filtering grade, and fabrication requirements.
Finished Parts
Sheets can be fabricated and finished to customer specifications.
Fabrication options for UV filtering acrylic sheet materials include cutting, machining, adhesive application, and printing.
Example Transmission Curves for UV-Filtering Acrylic
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 CLAREX UV-Cut Filters
| 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 | ASTM D-648 | °C | 108 | 110 |
| Maxiumum Recommended continuous temperature | °C | 80 | 80 | |
| *Available with higher temperature ratings upon request, 90-95 °C | ||||
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | ASTM D-696 | cm/cm/ºC | 7 x 10-5 | 7 x 10-5 |
| Specific Heat | ASTM D-638 | cal/grºC | 0.3535 | 0.35 |
| 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 |
How Does an Acrylic Sheet Block UV?
Acrylic sheets block ultraviolet radiation by incorporating specialized UV-absorbing additives into the material during manufacturing. These additives selectively absorb and filter UV wavelengths before they can pass through the sheet. In UV filtering acrylic sheets, the level of UV blocking is controlled by formulation, allowing different cutoff wavelengths depending on application requirements.
This built-in UV filtering helps prevent yellowing, clouding, and material degradation, while also protecting sensitive items behind the sheet from UV damage. As a result, UV-blocking acrylic sheets are commonly used in display cases, protective covers, signage, and instrumentation where long-term clarity and durability are essential.
Ready to Get Started with UV-Filtering Acrylic Sheets?
Whether you need standard sizes, custom fabrication, or a specialized formulation, our team can help configure CLAREX acrylic to meet your exact requirements.