CLAREX UV-Transmission Acrylic Filter (UVT, S-0)
Optical-grade acrylic designed to transmit ultraviolet light while maintaining optical clarity.
CLAREX UV-transmitting (UVT) acrylic is an optical-grade cast PMMA material designed for applications where ultraviolet light must pass through the sheet. Unlike standard acrylic, which contains UV inhibitors that block most UV wavelengths below approximately 380 nm, UVT acrylic is formulated to transmit ultraviolet light down to 260 nm.
This makes it well suited for specialized optical, imaging, curing, and other UV applications where standard acrylic cannot be used. Because UV inhibitors are removed, the material will yellow over time under prolonged exposure to high-intensity UV light. This is an inherent characteristic of UV-transmitting acrylic and should be considered during material selection and system design. See notes below for additional details on UV exposure and coating options.
Benefits of UV-Transmitting Acrylic Filters
- UV Transmission Down to 260 nm – Designed to transmit UV light at wavelengths that standard acrylic typically blocks, with approximately 80% transmission at 300 nm.
- Optical-Grade Cast PMMA – Provides the clarity, quality, and consistency needed for demanding optical applications.
- Alternative to Standard Acrylic – Made without the UV inhibitors found in conventional acrylic, allowing UV light to pass through the sheet.
- Engineered for UV Applications – Formulated specifically for optical, imaging, curing, and other applications that require ultraviolet light transmission.
- No Birefringence – Offers optical performance without double refraction or birefringence.
- Surface Options Available – Offered with either a smooth surface or anti-glare texture to better match application needs.
- Optional Protective and Optical Coatings – Available with scratch-resistant hard coat and anti-reflective coatings tuned for UV wavelengths. See notes below.
Sample materials may be available to help you evaluate material performance.
Common UVT Acrylic Applications
- UV Curing – Used in systems where ultraviolet light activates adhesives, coatings, inks, or other UV-sensitive materials.
- Sterilization Filters – Suitable for applications that rely on UV light transmission for sterilization, disinfection, or germicidal processing.
- UV Imaging – A strong fit for imaging systems that require ultraviolet light transmission for detection or analysis.
- UV Sensing and Inspection Systems – Used in equipment that depends on UV transmission for sensing, inspection, or material verification.
- Laboratory and Scientific Equipment – Well suited for instruments that require controlled ultraviolet light transmission for testing, measurement, or research.
Thickness Options
- 0.2mm
- 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
Sheet Size Options
Custom UVT acrylic sheet sizes may be limited by thickness, handling requirements, and coating process constraints.
- Standard sheet: 400 × 550 mm
- Custom sizes: Maximum dimensions depend on application. Contact us to discuss available options.
Finished Parts
Sheets can be fabricated and finished to customer specifications.
Fabrication options for UVT acrylic include cutting, machining, adhesive application, and printing.
PRODUCT Specs
Optical Properties
These optical properties make UV-transmitting acrylic suitable for applications requiring both ultraviolet transmission and visible-light clarity.
- Transmission: from 260nm
- Total Light Transmission: 93%
- Haze: 0.1%
Notes About UV-Transmitting Acrylic Sheets
Standard acrylic includes UV inhibitors that protect the material and block ultraviolet light. UVT acrylic sheets omit these inhibitors, allowing UV transmission but increasing susceptibility to UV-related material changes.
Prolonged exposure to high ultraviolet intensity will affect transmission curves over time and may cause yellowing. This behavior is expected for UV-transmitting acrylic and should be accounted for in applications involving continuous UV exposure.
The CLAREX hard coat contains UV inhibitors. While hard coat can be applied to UVT acrylic sheets to improve scratch and chemical resistance, it will slightly reduce UV transmission performance.
PRODUCT Properties
UV Transmission Filter Properties
| PROPERTY | METHOD | UNIT | NORMAL GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific Gravity | ASTM D-792 | 1.19 | |
| OPTICAL | |||
| Refractive Index | ASTM D-542 | 1.49 | |
| MECHANICAL | |||
| Elongation | ASTM D-638 | % | 5 |
| Tensile Rupture Strength | ASTM D-638 | kg/cm2 | 750 |
| Flexural Rupture Strength | ASTM D-790 | kg/cm2 | 1200 |
| THERMAL | |||
| Heat Distortion Temperature | °C | 108 | |
| Maximum Recommended Continuous Temperature | °C | 80 | |
| *Available with higher temperature ratings upon request, 90-95 °C | |||
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | ASTM D-696 | cm/cm/°C | 7 x 10-5 |
| Specific Heat | ASTM D-638 | cal/grºC | 0.35 |
| DURABILITY | |||
| Heat Resistance | 80ºC x 100hr | No Change | |
| Cold Resistance | -40ºC x 100hr | No Change | |
| Humidity Resistance | 60ºC x 90% x 100hr | No Change | |
| Thermal Cycle | -40ºC <> 80ºC (10 cycles) | No Change | |
| ELECTRICAL | |||
| Surface Resistivity | w | 10^16 | |
| CHEMICAL | |||
| Methyl Alcohol (50%) | No Change | ||
| Ethyl Alcohol (50%) | No Change | ||
| Soap Aqua Solution | No Change | ||
| Toluene | Dissolved | ||
| Acetone | Dissolved | ||
| Benzene | Swollen | ||
| Ethylene Dichloride | Dissolved | ||
| OTHER | |||
| Pencil Hardness | 2H | ||
| Adhesion | K-5400 | ||
| FLAMMABILITY | |||
| Fire Resistivity | UL standard | >=0.8mm Thickness | 94HB |
Ready to Get Started with UV-Transmission Acrylic Filters?
Whether you need standard UVT acrylic sheets, custom sizes, optical coatings, or fabricated finished parts, our team can help configure CLAREX UV-transmitting acrylic to meet your exact ultraviolet performance requirements.