PMMA

Custom PMMA Machining Service

We offer a full range of PMMA CNC machining services with in-house machining and a vast network of resources across China. Our solutions cater to various industries, ensuring high-quality, durable, and visually clear components for prototypes and production runs.

Instant Online Quote
Competitive Price 30% cost save
High Quality and Consistency
Lead time As Fast As 3 Days
50+ Countries Shipped
ISO 9001:2015 Certified 100% PMMA Part Inspection

Our PMMA Machining Capabilities

NOBLE specializes in reliable CNC machining part prototyping and production, ranging from simple to complex projects.We combine manufacturing expertise with advanced technologies and adherence to quality requirements to bring your ideas to life. Regardless of, the end use of your PMMA parts, We can help you reach your unique goals.

Price	$$$
Lead Time	< 6days
Wall Thickness	0.045 in. – 0.140 in. (1.143mm – 3.556mm)
Tolerances	+/- 0.003 in. (0.08mm) with an included resin tolerance that can be greater than but no less than +/- 0.002 in./in. (0.002mm/mm)
Max Part Size	18.9 in. x 29.6 in. x 8 in. (480mm x 751mm x 203mm)
Available PMMA at NOBLE	Extruded PMMA (Standard Grade), Cast PMMA (High-Quality Grade), Impact-Modified PMMA, UV-Resistant PMMA, Antistatic PMMA

Characteristics of PMMA Machining Materials

PMMA is lightweight, transparent, shatter-resistant, and offers excellent optical clarity and UV stability. Easily CNC machined, it provides smooth finishes and versatility for complex shapes and custom designs. Our skilled design engineers ensure mold precision of up to 0.01mm through expert mold design.

Features	Info
Subtypes	Extruded PMMA, Cast PMMA
Process	Cutting, Drilling, Engraving, Milling and Routing, Polishing
Tolerance	+/- 0.003 in. (0.08mm) with an included resin tolerance that can be greater than but no less than +/- 0.002 in./in. (0.002mm/mm)
Applications	Automotive, Medical Devices, Aerospace…
Finishing Options	Polishing, hemical Polishing, Coating, Sand Blasting…

Pros and Cons of PMMA for CNC Machining

PMMA is a popular choice for CNC machining because of its versatility and excellent optical properties. However, like any material, it has both advantages and limitations in this context. Our team of experienced engineers can produce components that meet your precise specifications and collaborate with you to optimize PMMA parts, improving the deficiencies to enhance efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and performance.

Superior Transparency

PMMA offers exceptional optical clarity, making it ideal for applications where clear visibility is essential, such as display screens, lenses, and signage, providing high light transmission without compromising strength or durability.

Ease of Fabrication

PMMA is relatively simple to machine using CNC equipment, allowing for precise, intricate designs and smooth finishes. It’s particularly suitable for producing parts with complex shapes, requiring minimal post-processing and reducing overall production time.

Lightweight

PMMA is significantly lighter than glass, offering a practical alternative for applications where weight reduction is important without sacrificing the material’s overall strength or transparency, making it ideal for both industrial and consumer products.

Impact Resistance

Although not as tough as polycarbonate, PMMA is far more durable than glass. Its inherent shatter-resistant qualities make it safer and more reliable for applications in areas prone to accidental impacts or where breakage is a concern.

Diverse Finishing Capabilities

PMMA can be processed into a variety of surface finishes, such as high-gloss, matte, or frosted textures, offering flexibility for aesthetic customization. It’s also easy to polish to a crystal-clear finish for high-visibility applications.

Cost-Effectiveness

Compared to other transparent materials like glass or polycarbonate, PMMA is often a more affordable option, especially for large-volume production runs. It offers good performance at a lower cost, making it ideal for budget-conscious projects.

Brittleness

PMMA is prone to cracking or breaking under high stress or impact, making it less suitable for applications requiring high mechanical strength. This brittleness limits its use in more rugged or demanding environments.

Prone to Scratching

PMMA’s surface can easily be scratched, particularly during handling or CNC machining, which may affect its aesthetic and optical performance. Careful attention is needed to maintain the material’s appearance and functionality.

Limited Thermal Resistance

PMMA can only withstand moderate heat, with a glass transition temperature around 105°C. This makes it unsuitable for high-temperature applications or environments where thermal stability is a critical factor.

Yellowing Over Time

While PMMA is UV-resistant, it is still susceptible to gradual yellowing or degradation when exposed to prolonged sunlight or harsh environmental conditions. This limits its use in long-term outdoor applications where visual clarity is critical.

Careful Handling Needed

PMMA requires careful handling during both the CNC machining process and in post-processing steps to avoid cracking or damaging the material. The brittleness of the material demands extra attention to ensure part integrity and finish quality.

Lower Impact Resistance

Though tougher than glass, PMMA does not offer the same level of impact resistance as some other plastics like polycarbonate. This makes it unsuitable for applications where high-impact strength is essential.

Types of PMMA Machining Materials

PMMA materials, including extruded, cast, impact-modified, UV-resistant, and antistatic grades, offer unique properties for CNC machining. Each type varies in optical clarity, impact resistance, and environmental performance, and we utilize different processing techniques to maintain quality and precision for specific applications.

Extruded PMMA (Standard Grade)

Extruded PMMA is produced by forcing molten PMMA through a die to form sheets or rods. It is less expensive than cast PMMA but offers slightly lower optical clarity and surface finish. It’s commonly used for less demanding applications where cost is a primary concern.

Tensile Modulus: 3,200–3,500 MPa

Tensile Strain (Yield): 4–8%

Rockwell Hardness (R-scale): M80–M90

Heat Deflection Temperature: 180–190°F

Cast PMMA (High-Quality Grade)

Cast PMMA is known for its superior optical clarity and smooth surface, making it ideal for high-end applications like optical lenses and displays. CNC machining provides precise cuts and high-quality finishes, often requiring polishing for optimal clarity.

Tensile Modulus: 3,500–4,100 MPa

Tensile Strain (Yield): 6–10%

Rockwell Hardness (R-scale): M90–M100

Heat Deflection Temperature: 190–200°F

Impact-Modified PMMA

Impact-modified PMMA enhances impact resistance while maintaining optical clarity. It’s suitable for outdoor signage and automotive parts. CNC machining is effective, but extra care is needed to avoid cracking, especially in high-stress areas, due to its inherent brittleness.

Tensile Modulus: 2,500–3,000 MPa

Tensile Strain (Yield): 5–10%

Rockwell Hardness (R-scale): M80–M90

Heat Deflection Temperature: 180–190°F

UV-Resistant PMMA

UV-resistant PMMA resists yellowing and degradation from prolonged sun exposure, making it ideal for outdoor applications like signage. CNC machining is similar to standard PMMA, but care is needed to avoid overheating, which could compromise its UV protection properties.

Tensile Modulus: 3,200–3,600 MPa

Tensile Strain (Yield): 5–8%

Rockwell Hardness (R-scale): M85–M95

Heat Deflection Temperature: 180–200°F

Antistatic PMMA

Antistatic PMMA prevents static buildup, making it ideal for electronics and cleanroom environments. CNC machining is straightforward, but special care is needed to maintain its static-dissipating properties, ensuring parts are free from contamination during machining.

Tensile Modulus: 3,200–3,500 MPa

Tensile Strain (Yield): 6–9%

Rockwell Hardness (R-scale): M90–M100

Heat Deflection Temperature: 190–200°F

Surface Finishing Options for PMMA Machining

Surface treatments enhance the durability and appearance of custom PMMA parts, providing protection against corrosion and wear. At NOBLE, we offer various treatments tailored to your specific aesthetic and functional needs, ensuring consistent quality from prototyping to production through meticulous materials handling, machining, finishing, and CMM testing.

Polishing

Working on metal and hard plastics, our polishing uses highly efficient machinery to get our parts between Ra 0.8~Ra0.1 for a cleaner surface.

Chemical Polishing

Utilizes chemical reagents to selectively dissolve uneven areas on the surface of a sample, thereby eliminating grinding marks and achieving an etching and flattening effect.

Laser Carving

Helpful in brand recognition or parts organization, we use laser carving that applies various printing methods during full-scale production to quickly embed barcodes, lettering and logos on the parts.

Anodizing (for Colored Finishing)

To increase surface hardness and dissipate heat, we use anodizing techniques to enhance the look of parts and blend well for painting and priming.

Powder coating

We apply a thin layer of protective polymer with the corona discharge phenomenon to give our part a lasting finish that protects from impacts and prevents wearing down.

Custom PMMA Machining Parts Display

Check out our over a decade of custom PMMA machining, including precision PMMA prototypes and parts from our valued customers.

Applications of PMMA CNC Machining

If you are looking for a rapid prototyping manufacturer or a CNC machine shop to fabricate small, medium-volume, or mass-production products, NOBLE is an ideal choice.Our well-trained and experienced staff manufactures parts in line with drawings on modern CNC machines, with the highest accuracy and processing quality in all sizes.In addition, we provide professional design considerations for your CNC machining projects.

Want to get the most professional and fastest service for your CNC machining project? Upload your CAD files now and obtain a quote!