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, is engineered for exceptional clarity, consistency, and dimensional stability. Produced through a specialized batch cell-cast process, these thin acrylic sheets offer superior surface quality, low internal stress, and excellent optical uniformity, ultimately that yielding the highest-quality optical grade acrylic available.
As the base substrate for many CLAREX products, these thin acrylic sheets support extensive customization, from specialty formulations and surface properties to precise thicknesses for demanding optical, display, and precision applications.
Benefits of Cell-Cast Thin Acrylic (PMMA) Sheets
Ultra-Smooth Optical Surfaces
Highly polished mold sets create surfaces with roughness less than 0.02µ for exceptional optical clarity.
Consistent, Defect-Free Quality
Every cell cast acrylic sheet is 100% visually inspected for cosmetic defects and optical consistency.
Low Wavefront Distortion
Maintains optical precision for demanding imaging, sensing, and instrumentation applications.
High Light Transmission
Optical-grade acrylic sheets provide up to 92% transmission in clear optical grade acrylic sheets without AR coating.
No Birefringence or Autofluorescence
Allows clean polarized light transmission while helping prevent light-induced glow in optical applications.
Durable PMMA Performance
High molecular weight (>2,000,000 g/mol) cast acrylic provides strength, stability, and weather and chemical resistance for long-term use.
Common Thin Acrylic Sheet Applications
Formulated for precision optical components where optical-grade acrylic is required.
LCD Protective Windows
Used as protective cover panels for LCDs, HMIs, touchscreens, monitors, and other display assemblies where clarity and surface quality are important.
Camera, Lens, & Optical Covers
Suitable for protective windows, lens covers, optical housings, instrument windows, and custom optical components that require clear, lightweight material with low distortion.
Sensors, Light Filters, & Illumination Components
Used in sensing, detection, illumination, and filtering applications where controlled light transmission, optical consistency, and material purity are required.
Microfluidics & Analytical Devices
Supports lab devices, microfluidic components, analytical instruments, and research prototypes where smooth surfaces, dimensional consistency, and low autofluorescence matter.
Architectural Models, Mockups, & Product Prototypes
Provides a thin, clear, easy-to-fabricate material for architectural models, display models, optical mockups, and functional product development samples.
Sample materials may be available to help you evaluate material performance.
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 Sheet Size Options
- Standard sheet size: 400mm × 550mm
- Standard large sheet size: 1000mm × 1000mm
- Custom sizes: Maximum dimensions depend on application. Contact us to discuss available options.
Finished Parts
Sheets can be fabricated and finished to customer specifications.
Thin acrylic sheet fabrication may include cutting, machining, adhesive application, and printing.
Specialty Colors & Formulations
CLAREX thin acrylic sheets can also be produced in custom colors and specialty formulations to meet specific optical, environmental, or design requirements.
Specialty Colors
- Typically transparent, but also available in a wide range of translucent and opaque colors
- Neutral density (smoke) and specialty tint options
- Colors available from 0.5 mm thickness and up
- Custom color matching available
Specialty Formulations
- High-temperature formulations available upon request
- UV-transmitting and UV-blocking formulations available
- Low moisture absorption formulations available
- Special PMMA cast acrylic sheet formulations available
Surface Finishes & Coatings
CLAREX sheets can be specified with molded-in textures or specialty coatings to support visibility, durability, hygiene, and optical performance needs.
Surface Finishes
- Non-glare textures molded directly into the acrylic during casting (not applied as coatings)
- Multiple texture options with varying gloss levels
- Surface finish combinations can be customized by side
- Texture options available on one or both sides in any combination
Coating Options
- Optical-grade hard coat for scratch and chemical resistance
- Antibacterial hard coat
- Anti-reflective coatings
- Mirror coatings
HOW IT WORKS
What is cell-cast acrylic/PMMA?
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.
This consistency makes cell-cast acrylic a strong choice when clarity, thickness control, and predictable optical performance are critical. It also provides a reliable foundation for additional CLAREX options, including coatings, textures, colors, and specialty formulations.
PRODUCT Specs
Transmission Curves for Standard Clear Acrylic Sheets and Other 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.
PRODUCT Properties
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 |
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.