PLEXIGLAS® MOLDING COMPOUNDS FOR OPTICAL APPLICATIONS, ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

PLEXIGLAS® molding compounds are the material of choice whenever light needs to pass through covers unobstructed, illuminate large light guides or reach its intended destination with precision through delicately structured lenses. Röhm’s brand polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) also adds surprising effects to displays and gives electronic devices an elegant look.

BENEFITS OF PLEXIGLAS® MOLDING COMPOUNDS FOR OPTICS, ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

Optical purity and the high light transmission it provides are a decisive factor in selecting the right materials for optical applications, electronics and communication. PLEXIGLAS® molding compounds impress with high transparency and a light transmission of up to 92 percent. This unexcelled transparency is only reduced by the reflection loss of four percent each on the light entry and exit surfaces, due to physical factors. In combination with the good flow properties and high reproduction accuracy of even the smallest structures, PMMA enables the production of sophisticated lenses and delicately structured surfaces. PMMA’s high transparency and excellent transmittance are also invaluable when used in display covers and measuring devices, as well as for visual aids and magnifying glasses.

At the same time, PLEXIGLAS® molding compounds give manufacturers freedom of design – since the material is absolutely crystal clear in its initial form, it can be colored at will. Examples include PMMA covers colored in neutral gray that only become visible when turned on, or black, high-gloss molding compounds formed into elegant frames and pedestals for televisions or computer monitors.

PLEXIGLAS® molding compounds from Röhm provide these benefits for optical applications, electronics and communication:

High brilliance and transparency (92% light transmittance)
High reproduction accuracy
Highest surface hardness of all thermoplastics
Outstanding UV and weather resistance
High abrasion resistance
Can be processed with all common thermoplastic processes
High chemical resistance and easy to clean
Absolute colorlessness, for precise and virtually unlimited coloring options
Long-lasting color stability
100% recyclable

APPLICATIONS OF PLEXIGLAS® MOLDING COMPOUNDS FOR OPTICS, ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

Optics

Lenses
Magnifying glasses
Prisms

Display applications

Display illumination
Display covers
Displays with a black-panel effect

Measuring devices

Vials
Flow meters

Housing parts

Frames
Pedestals

PLEXIGLAS® molding compounds for the highest optical demands

Simply brilliant – their high optical purity and unexcelled light transmittance make PLEXIGLAS® molding compounds ideal for meeting the highest optical demands in optics and display applications. Offering precise processing and precise mold surface reproduction, the material enables the production of structured surfaces and even large PMMA lenses. The light-guiding properties of PLEXIGLAS® create high luminance in back-lit units – while the high transparency gives an unobstructed view of the information shown behind display covers.

PLEXIGLAS® molding compounds for hidden displays

A “secret-until-lit” function or “black panel” effect is when a dark, high-gloss cover, for example on a hi-fi unit, can transform into a display. PLEXIGLAS® molding compounds in special neutral gray colorings are ideal for this. Display covers made from these special molding compounds can accurately show the entire color spectrum of the LEDs behind them.

PLEXIGLAS® molding compounds for long-lasting components

Components for optical applications, electronics and communication made from PLEXIGLAS® molding compounds ensure a perfectly clear view and high-quality look that last. From low-maintenance covers for touch displays to high-gloss housing parts for electronic devices, from robust lenses for reading glasses to unbreakable vials in spirit levels: PLEXIGLAS® provides the best possible protection for long-term use. After all, PMMA has the highest surface hardness of any thermoplastics and is resistant against a wide variety of chemicals. Modified to be impact-resistant, PLEXIGLAS® Resist combines the proven benefits of the basic types with higher impact resistance and improved break resistance or stress crack resistance. Components made from PLEXIGLAS® molding compounds are also resistant to UV and weathering, remaining transparent and colorless or colorfast.

PLEXIGLAS® is the resource-efficient solution

PLEXIGLAS® molding compounds contribute to sustainable product design: PMMA is not only extraordinarily durable, it is also completely recyclable – in almost identical quality. Manufacturers can recycle and use post-industrial PMMA waste in their own production processes or choose PLEXIGLAS® proTerra M5 molding compounds containing 30% recycled material, thereby reducing their product carbon footprint. PLEXIGLAS® proTerra 8N molding compounds also reduce resource consumption and CO2 emissions by replacing fossil raw materials with ISCC-PLUS*-certified raw materials – without sacrificing any of the material’s proven performance.

PLEXIGLAS® MOLDING COMPOUNDS FOR OPTICAL APPLICATIONS, ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

PLEXIGLAS® basic grades

Depending on the type, our basic PMMA molding compounds have different physical properties such as flow capability and heat deflection temperature under load. They can be processed using all common thermoplastic processing methods.

PLEXIGLAS® basic grades

PLEXIGLAS® oq

For premium optical components, the molding compounds PLEXIGLAS® 7N and 8N can be supplied in “tested optical quality” on request.

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PLEXIGLAS® proTerra

PLEXIGLAS® molding compounds with lower carbon footprint and the proven high performance of Röhm’s brand PMMA.

PLEXIGLAS® proTerra

PLEXIGLAS® Softlight

PMMA molding compounds with different diffuser effects for uniform, glare-free light scattering. They provide fascinating lighting effects from backlit covers to ambient lighting. AMECA listed for automotive lighting.

PLEXIGLAS® Softlight information and data sheets

PLEXIGLAS® Edgelight

PMMA molding compounds optimized for edge lighting – even over longer distances. Uniform light extraction over the entire part surface without additional scattering foils or microstructures. Components made of PLEXIGLAS® Edgelight are crystal clear and transparent when the light is switched off. AMECA listed for automotive lighting.

PLEXIGLAS® Edgelight information and data sheets

PLEXIGLAS® Hi-Gloss

Opaque colored PMMA molding compounds for injection-molding of components with high-gloss, Class A surfaces. Amongst others available in a special black color for piano black applications.

PLEXIGLAS® Hi-Gloss information and data sheets

PLEXIGLAS® Resist

Impact-modified PMMA molding compounds for applications that combine the benefits of PMMA with improved stress crack resistance. Suitable for extrusion, co-extrusion and injection molding.

PLEXIGLAS® Resist

PLEXIGLAS® Molding compounds

Seeing and being seen: optical Elements for LED headlamps made of PLEXIGLAS® and PLEXIMID® molding compounds

Materials used as optical elements in car headlamps must satisfy stringent requirements—as in the case of the three PLEXIGLAS® and PLEXIMID® molding compounds in the LED Intelligent Light System from Automotive Lighting, which Mercedes-Benz is installing in its C-Class.

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