PMMA-UV XT
Finish state
GB GB/T 7134-2008 Type 3
XT = extruded sheet, UV-stabilized
Choose the extruded sheet for high-volume light boxes and thermoformed parts: tighter thickness tolerance, lower cost and lower forming temperature, at 68 MPa tensile and 70 °C service.
Values for the XT condition
Other PMMA-UV grades and fills
PMMA-UV is listed in 6 conditions; see the grade overview at PMMA-UV.
Compare all 6 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Impact-modified UV-stabilized acrylic | Pick the acrylate core-shell impact-modified version for outdoor signs, machine covers and guard panels exposed to knocks; elongation reaches 40 % but tensile drops to 50 MPa. | — | 50 | 40 | 60 HRM |
Flame-retardant UV-stabilized acrylic sheet | Use where transparent weather-exposed panels must meet building fire ratings or vehicle interior/exterior burn classes; tensile falls to 60 MPa and elongation to 3.5 %. | 58 | 60 | 3.5 | 87 Shore D |
XTThis page Extruded sheet, UV-stabilized | Choose the extruded sheet for high-volume light boxes and thermoformed parts: tighter thickness tolerance, lower cost and lower forming temperature, at 68 MPa tensile and 70 °C service. | — | 68 | 4.5 | 90 HRM |
UV-filtering / museum glazing grade | Choose the museum glazing grade with high UV-absorber loading to block more than 98 % of UV and stop artwork, exhibits and interiors fading, while the sheet itself stays weather-resistant. | 71 | 74 | 4 | 89 Shore D |
UV-stabilized injection-molding pellet grade | Choose the UV-stabilized pellet grade when the weather-resistant part is injection moulded, such as headlamp covers, solar accessories and outdoor lenses at 72 MPa tensile. | — | 72 | 4 | — |
CastDefault As cast | Default choice: use cell-cast sheet (GS) for outdoor signage and glazing needing the highest molecular weight, best weathering and solvent resistance, and flame-polishable edges. | — | 75 | 4.5 | 95 HRM |
What is PMMA-UV XT?
PMMA-UV XT is PMMA-UV supplied in the XT condition — choose the extruded sheet for high-volume light boxes and thermoformed parts: tighter thickness tolerance, lower cost and lower forming temperature, at 68 MPa tensile and 70 °C service. PMMA-UV XT has a yield strength of 72 MPa (10.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 68 MPa (9.86 ksi) — stronger than 82% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 4.5% and the elastic modulus is 3.1 GPa (0.45 Msi). PMMA-UV XT has a density of 1.19 g/cm³ (0.043 lb/in³), heavier than 53% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 110°C (230 °F). Cast is the default condition FabDigit quotes; XT is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Polishes to a fine finish — 96/100, better than 99% of polymer grades
- Good UV / weathering resistance — 96/100, better than 98% of polymer grades
- High strength — 72 MPa (10.4 ksi), better than 82% of polymer grades
- Forms and bends easily — 82/100, better than 77% of polymer grades
Limitations
- Low fracture toughness — 1.2 MPa·√m (1.09 ksi·√in), worse than 77% 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-UV XT properties
Typical room-temperature values for PMMA-UV XT; 13 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are PMMA-UV reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among polymer grades.
Physical6
PMMA-UV XT has a density of 1.19 g/cm³ (0.043 lb/in³), heavier than 53% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 110°C (230 °F).
Mechanical16
PMMA-UV XT has a yield strength of 72 MPa (10.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 68 MPa (9.86 ksi) — stronger than 82% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 4.5% and the elastic modulus is 3.1 GPa (0.45 Msi).
Thermal11
PMMA-UV XT 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 70 µm/m·K (38.9 µin/in·°F).
Electrical7
PMMA-UV XT is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 25 kV/mm (635 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹³ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (78/100), worse than 61% of polymer grades. UV resistance is excellent.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of PMMA-UV XT takes about 103 MJ of energy and emits 5.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 54% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 2%.
Manufacturability7
PMMA-UV XT's machinability is very good (70/100, better than 74% of polymer grades); weldability good (65/100); formability very good (82/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with PMMA-UV XT
Is PMMA-UV easy to machine?
Dry-cut with sharp single-flute or polished-flute cutters at high spindle speed and low feed; regrind drills to zero rake so they do not grab and break out the exit edge. Anneal at 80 °C for 1–2 h per mm after machining to remove the stress-cracking risk.
Can PMMA-UV be welded?
Structural parts cannot be fusion welded; bond with dichloromethane/MMA monomer cement or two-part acrylic adhesive. Hot-gas and ultrasonic welding are usable but give brittle joints.
Can PMMA-UV be formed, bent or molded?
Thermoform at 150–175 °C (lower end for extruded sheet, upper end for cast) after several hours of drying at 80 °C. Dry moulding pellets 3–4 h at 80–100 °C and avoid overheating, which degrades the melt and produces gas streaks.
What surface finishes work on PMMA-UV?
Edges can be flame-polished or diamond fly-cut to an optical surface. The sheet accepts screen printing, UV spray coating and vacuum aluminising; coatings and cleaners must be free of alcohol and ammonia to prevent stress cracking.
PMMA-UV 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.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| methyl acrylate / ethyl acrylate comonomimproves thermal stability during extrusion | 0 – 4 | 1 |
| UV absorber (benzotriazole / benzophenoncore component of the weathering package | 0.1 – 1 | 0.4 |
| HALS light stabilizer | 0.05 – 0.5 | 0.15 |
| processing lubricant / release agentstearyl alcohol type, injection molding grades | 0 – 0.5 | 0.2 |
| methyl methacrylate (MMA) unitscast sheet near-homopolymer; extruded sheet has some comonomer | ≥ 95 (balance) | — |
PMMA-UV XT — frequently asked
What is PMMA-UV XT used for?
PMMA-UV XT is typically used for outdoor signage, solar collector glazing, greenhouse panels and outdoor advertising displays. In short: weathering-grade acrylic sheet; 80 °C service limit; no outdoor yellowing.
What is the yield strength of PMMA-UV XT?
PMMA-UV XT has a typical yield strength of 72 MPa (10.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 68 MPa (9.86 ksi) — stronger than 82% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is PMMA-UV XT easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (70/100, better than 74% of polymer grades). Dry-cut with sharp single-flute or polished-flute cutters at high spindle speed and low feed; regrind drills to zero rake so they do not grab and break out the exit edge. Anneal at 80 °C for 1–2 h per mm after machining to remove the stress-cracking risk.
Can PMMA-UV XT be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (65/100). Structural parts cannot be fusion welded; bond with dichloromethane/MMA monomer cement or two-part acrylic adhesive. Hot-gas and ultrasonic welding are usable but give brittle joints.
What surface finishes work on PMMA-UV XT?
Edges can be flame-polished or diamond fly-cut to an optical surface. The sheet accepts screen printing, UV spray coating and vacuum aluminising; coatings and cleaners must be free of alcohol and ammonia to prevent stress cracking.
Can PMMA-UV XT be formed, bent or molded?
Thermoform at 150–175 °C (lower end for extruded sheet, upper end for cast) after several hours of drying at 80 °C. Dry moulding pellets 3–4 h at 80–100 °C and avoid overheating, which degrades the melt and produces gas streaks.
What is the maximum service temperature of PMMA-UV XT?
PMMA-UV XT 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-UV Cast and PMMA-UV FR?
Cast is the default condition — default choice: use cell-cast sheet (GS) for outdoor signage and glazing needing the highest molecular weight, best weathering and solvent resistance, and flame-polishable edges. FR: use where transparent weather-exposed panels must meet building fire ratings or vehicle interior/exterior burn classes; tensile falls to 60 MPa and elongation to 3.5 %. Yield strength is 72 MPa in Cast versus 58 MPa in FR.
Sources
- ISO 7823-1 Poly(methyl methacrylate) sheets — cast sheets — ISO (2003)
- ASTM D4802 Poly(methyl methacrylate) Acrylic Plastic Sheet — ASTM (2021)
- PLEXIGLAS GS / XT cast & extruded sheet data — Röhm GmbH (2023)
- ACRYLITE sheet and molding compound technical data — Mitsubishi Chemical (2023)
- CAMPUS plastics — PMMA property tables — CWFG (2024)
- Engineered Materials Handbook Vol.2: Engineering Plastics — ASM International (1988)
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.