PERSPEX® undergoes laser testing

Laser cutting of acrylic glass

PERSPEX^® is one of the most recognised acrylic materials in the world. Over the years, 3A Composites has developed a wide range of products. In the laser test, we examined PERSPEX^® and the variants PERSPEX^® CC, PERSPEX^® XT and PERSPEX^® XT re. PERSPEX^® is a cast acrylic sheet with a wide range of colour and texture options for various applications. PERSPEX^® CC (Continuous Cast) is a continuously cast acrylic sheet. In contrast to the cell casting process, PERSPEX^® CC is cast between two stainless steel conveyor belts arranged horizontally one above the other. The casting compound then reacts under constant pressure to form an endless GS strip. The resulting exceptional thickness tolerance and optimum flatness for thinner sheets are convincing advantages, in addition to the excellent optical clarity and surface quality. In contrast, PERSPEX^® XT is a fully extruded acrylic sheet with great versatility, while PERSPEX^® XT re is an extruded acrylic sheet made from at least 95% recycled PMMA sheet waste.

eurolaser has taken a closer look at this material. The properties of the different variants during laser processing were tested in eurolaser’s own application lab.

Benefits of cutting PERSPEX® with CO₂ lasers:

Smooth, crystal-clear cut edges in one operation (no flame polishing necessary) – even for inner contours.
No clamping or fixing of the acrylic sheets necessary
Less breakage and waste as laser cutting is a contactless process
No acrylic chippings – less waste and less cleaning required

Practically radius free laser cutting of inner contours for virtually all acrylic sheet thicknesses
Processing of acrylic glass with protective foil possible – with no material damage
No tool wear, producing a constantly high quality cut

Crystal clear, smooth cut edges in a single process

Scope of application in comparison

PERSPEX^® CC is the ideal material for applications which require excellent optical clarity, surface quality and exceptional thickness tolerance.

Advantages of PERSPEX^® CC compared to PERSPEX^® XT:

Better laser processing performance with insignificant melting lip
Uniform shrinkage in length and width when heated
Optimum sheet flatness even in thin thicknesses
Better resistance against chemical and/or mechanical stresses

More information regarding the difference between CC and XT

Extruded acrylic sheets with increased abrasion resistance

PERSPEX^® XT HC is an extruded acrylic sheet with an abrasion-resistant coating on one or both sides in brilliant transparency, which is particularly suitable for flat applications. Thanks to the special coating, the sheets are less sensitive to scratches and more resistant to many chemicals and solvents.

PERSPEX^® XT HC is used, for example, in furniture construction (e.g. in kitchens), in shop fitting and exhibition stand construction and for a wide variety of glazing applications - wherever increased abrasion resistance and chemical resistance are required.

In terms of processing, PERSPEX^® XT HC can be used in much the same way as the standard version of PERSPEX^® XT. Due to the surface coating, PERSPEX^® XT HC is not suitable for hot bending, hot forming or outdoor use.

However, processing with a CO₂ laser is still possible and delivers very good results.

eurolaser has tested the following PERSPEX^® materials from 3A Composites for their laser cutting ability:

PERSPEX^®