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PMMA-FR XT-FR

Grade

GB GB/T 7134-2008 Type 4

XT-FR = extruded FR sheet

Lower-cost FR sheet with tighter thickness tolerance and easier thermoforming/solvent bonding; slightly lower heat and solvent resistance than cast.

Premium cost $$$

Values for the XT-FR condition

Other PMMA-FR grades and fills

PMMA-FR is listed in 8 conditions; see the grade overview at PMMA-FR.

Compare all 8 grades and fillsHide
Grade · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %Hardness
Impact-modified FR
For FR glazing and covers that must survive handling/impact; trades stiffness, hardness and heat resistance for 2–4× notched impact.—452560 HRM
Low-smoke FR
Use when smoke density and toxicity limits (EN 45545 HL2, GB/T 8627) govern, not just ignition resistance.5456388 Shore D
UL 94 V-0 grade
Pick when a V-0 listing at 1.5–3 mm is mandatory (electrical enclosures, rail interiors); accept lower clarity and toughness.—553—
XT-FRThis page
Extruded FR sheet
Lower-cost FR sheet with tighter thickness tolerance and easier thermoforming/solvent bonding; slightly lower heat and solvent resistance than cast.58604.586 Shore D
Halogen-free FR
Choose for RoHS/REACH-sensitive rail, marine and electronics parts where halogenated FR and corrosive smoke are prohibited.58603.587 Shore D
UV-stabilized FR
Adds HALS/UV absorbers to offset yellowing of the FR package for exterior signage, canopies and skylights.6164488 Shore D
UL 94 V-2 grade
Standard commercial FR acrylic where B1 / V-2 is sufficient and transparency must stay near virgin PMMA.6366488 Shore D
CAST-FRDefault
Cast FR sheet
Default choice for architectural glazing, partitions and signage that must pass B1 / UL 94 V-2 fire tests with high clarity.—684.5—

What is PMMA-FR XT-FR?

PMMA-FR XT-FR is PMMA-FR in the XT-FR grade — lower-cost FR sheet with tighter thickness tolerance and easier thermoforming/solvent bonding; slightly lower heat and solvent resistance than cast. PMMA-FR XT-FR has a yield strength of 58 MPa (8.41 ksi) and a tensile strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) — stronger than 66% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 4.5% and the elastic modulus is 3 GPa (0.435 Msi). PMMA-FR XT-FR has a density of 1.21 g/cm³ (0.0437 lb/in³), heavier than 60% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 103°C (217 °F). CAST-FR is the default condition FabDigit quotes; XT-FR is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Polishes to a fine finish — 95/100, better than 98% of polymer grades
  • Good UV / weathering resistance — 80/100, better than 86% of polymer grades
  • Easy to machine — 72/100, better than 76% of polymer grades

Limitations

  • Low fracture toughness — 1 MPa·√m (0.91 ksi·√in), worse than 87% of polymer grades
  • Limited service temperature — 70°C (158 °F), worse than 77% of polymer grades
  • Limited ductility — 4.5%, worse than 75% of polymer grades

PMMA-FR XT-FR properties

Typical room-temperature values for PMMA-FR XT-FR; 26 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are PMMA-FR reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among polymer grades.

Physical6

PMMA-FR XT-FR has a density of 1.21 g/cm³ (0.0437 lb/in³), heavier than 60% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 103°C (217 °F).

Density1.21 g/cm³0.04 lb/in³
Glass Transition (Tg)103°C217 °F
Water Absorption (24 h)0.3%
Water Absorption (Saturation)2%
Refractive Index1.49
Light Transmission89%

Mechanical16

PMMA-FR XT-FR has a yield strength of 58 MPa (8.41 ksi) and a tensile strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) — stronger than 66% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 4.5% and the elastic modulus is 3 GPa (0.435 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus3 GPa0.44 Msi
Shear Modulus1.2 GPa0.17 Msi
Bulk Modulus5 GPa0.73 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.37
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)60 MPa8.7 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)58 MPa8.4 ksi
Elongation at Break4.5%
Compressive Strength100 MPa14.5 ksi
Compressive Modulus3 GPa0.44 Msi
Flexural Strength95 MPa13.8 ksi
Flexural Modulus2.9 GPa0.42 Msi
Shear Strength52 MPa7.5 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)1 MPa·√m0.91 ksi·√in
Izod Impact, Notched16 J/m0.3 ft·lbf/in
Hardness, Shore D86 Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M85 HRM

Thermal11

PMMA-FR XT-FR is rated for continuous service to 70°C (158 °F). It conducts heat at 0.19 W/m·K (0.11 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 68% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 72 µm/m·K (40 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity0.19 W/m·K0.11 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity1,470 J/kg·K0.35 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)72 µm/m·K40 µin/in·°F
Max Service Temperature (continuous)70°C158 °F
Min Service Temperature-40°C-40 °F
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa88°C190 °F
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa78°C172 °F
Vicat Softening Point (B50)96°C205 °F
Flammability (UL 94)V-2 at 3 mm typical; GB 8624 B1
Limiting Oxygen Index27%
Max Service Temperature (short-term)95°C203 °F

Electrical7

PMMA-FR XT-FR is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 25 kV/mm (635 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹³ Ω·m.

Electrical Resistivity1×10¹³ Ω·m3.94×10²⁰ µΩ·in
Dielectric Strength25 kV/mm635 V/mil
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)2.8
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)0.02
Volume Resistivity1×10¹⁵ Ω·cm
Surface Resistivity1×10¹⁵ Ω
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)600 V

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is very good (82/100), better than 56% of polymer grades. UV resistance is very good.

Corrosion ResistanceVery good82/100
UV / Weathering ResistanceVery good80/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood against dilute acids/alkalis, water, aliphatic hydrocarbons and mineral oils; attacked or stress-cracked by ketones, esters, chlorinated solvents, aromatic solvents and alcohols (methanol, IPA).

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of PMMA-FR XT-FR takes about 105 MJ of energy and emits 6.6 kg of CO₂ — more than 54% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)105 MJ/kg45,142 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)6.6 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water280 L/kg33.6 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content0%

Manufacturability8

PMMA-FR XT-FR's machinability is very good (72/100, better than 76% of polymer grades); weldability good (62/100); formability very good (75/100).

MachinabilityVery good72/100
WeldabilityGood62/100
Formability (cold)Very good75/100
PolishabilityExcellent95/100
Mold Shrinkage0.5%
Melt Flow Rate3.5 g/10 min
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)235°C455 °F
Mold Temperature (typ.)70°C158 °F

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with PMMA-FR XT-FR

Is PMMA-FR easy to machine?

Machines and laser-cuts cleanly with sharp positive-rake tools, high speed and low feed; anneal at 75–80 °C before and after machining to avoid crazing, and avoid coolants containing alcohols.

Can PMMA-FR be welded?

Not fusion-welded in practice — join by solvent cementing (methylene chloride/MMA syrup) or acrylic structural adhesives; hot-gas and ultrasonic welding possible but give lower-strength joints.

Can PMMA-FR be formed, bent or molded?

Thermoform sheet at 140–160 °C after drying 2–4 h at 80 °C; injection mold at 210–245 °C melt / 55–85 °C mold and keep residence time short so the flame retardant does not decompose and discolor.

What surface finishes work on PMMA-FR?

Flame- or diamond-polish edges for optical clarity; can be screen-printed, hard-coated for abrasion resistance or vacuum-metallized — avoid solvent-based cleaners that craze the surface.

PMMA-FR chemical composition (wt %)

Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
flame retardant (organophosphate ester /type determines halogen-free vs halogenated variant4 – 1810
antimony trioxide (synergist, halogenateomitted in halogen-free grades0 – 31
impact modifier (acrylic core-shell rubbimpact-modified variants only0 – 150
UV absorber / HALS, processing aids0.1 – 10.4
poly(methyl methacrylate) (MMA units)base resin; cast grades may include small methyl acrylate comonomer≥ 80 (balance)—

PMMA-FR XT-FR — frequently asked

What is PMMA-FR XT-FR used for?

PMMA-FR XT-FR is typically used for rail vehicle glazing, building interior panels, fire-rated signage and public transit windows. In short: fire-rated acrylic sheet; V-0 and low-smoke options; narrow processing window.

What is the yield strength of PMMA-FR XT-FR?

PMMA-FR XT-FR has a typical yield strength of 58 MPa (8.41 ksi) and a tensile strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) — stronger than 66% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 8 listed tempers.

Is PMMA-FR XT-FR easy to machine?

Yes — machinability is rated very good (72/100, better than 76% of polymer grades). Machines and laser-cuts cleanly with sharp positive-rake tools, high speed and low feed; anneal at 75–80 °C before and after machining to avoid crazing, and avoid coolants containing alcohols.

Can PMMA-FR XT-FR be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated good (62/100). Not fusion-welded in practice — join by solvent cementing (methylene chloride/MMA syrup) or acrylic structural adhesives; hot-gas and ultrasonic welding possible but give lower-strength joints.

What surface finishes work on PMMA-FR XT-FR?

Flame- or diamond-polish edges for optical clarity; can be screen-printed, hard-coated for abrasion resistance or vacuum-metallized — avoid solvent-based cleaners that craze the surface.

Can PMMA-FR XT-FR be formed, bent or molded?

Thermoform sheet at 140–160 °C after drying 2–4 h at 80 °C; injection mold at 210–245 °C melt / 55–85 °C mold and keep residence time short so the flame retardant does not decompose and discolor.

What is the maximum service temperature of PMMA-FR XT-FR?

PMMA-FR XT-FR is rated for continuous use to about 70°C (158 °F), and briefly to 95°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between PMMA-FR CAST-FR and PMMA-FR V2?

CAST-FR is the default condition — default choice for architectural glazing, partitions and signage that must pass B1 / UL 94 V-2 fire tests with high clarity. V2: standard commercial FR acrylic where B1 / V-2 is sufficient and transparency must stay near virgin PMMA. Yield strength is 58 MPa in CAST-FR versus 63 MPa in V2.

Sources

  1. UL 94 Tests for Flammability of Plastic Materials — UL Solutions (2021)
  2. ISO 4589-2 Determination of burning behaviour by oxygen index — ISO (2017)
  3. Engineered Materials Handbook Vol. 2: Engineering Plastics — ASM International (1988)
  4. CAMPUS plastics datasheets — PMMA (ISO 10350 property set) — CWFG (2024)
  5. Cast and extruded flame-retardant acrylic sheet technical data — Röhm / Mitsubishi Chemical / Chinese sheet producers (2024)

Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.