Concrete Pavers: Ideas, Inspiration and Information

Plastic Manufacturing: Three Finishing Options for Acrylic Glass Sheets

10 March 2017 by Benjamin Rice

Acrylic glass is a popular material in the manufacturing industry, and it is considered to be the ideal alternative to standard glass. This transparent thermoplastic is favoured primarily because the glass sheets manufactured are lightweight. This property makes the pertinent products easy to handle, transport and install. In addition, acrylic glass is not prone to shattering and breakage, which makes it ideal for use in applications where the risk of mechanical damage is high.

If you are thinking about acquiring Perspex acrylic sheet products, there are different factors that you should think about before making your order. One of these important elements is the finishing options for the plastic material because this will affect the aesthetics and even the performance of the sheets after installation in the pertinent applications. Therefore, consider this brief description of the main finishing methods to consider for your acrylic sheets.

Scraping

When acrylic sheets are manufactured and even cut, the surfaces and edges will not be flawless. In simple terms, there might be machining marks created by the fabrication and cutting equipment and the strain might also have produced some sharp edges. If this is a concern, you should consider choosing scraping as your finishing method, whether in the factory or in your worksite. Basically, this process utilised engineer's scrapers which are similar to a file to eliminate the surface imperfections. This gentle process will also eliminate sharp edges on the sheets for easier handling and installation.

Flame Polishing

If you are intending to utilise your acrylic sheets in decorative or visually prominent applications, you must ensure that the surfaces have a smooth and unembellished appearance. If this is your goal, you should select flame polishing as your finishing method for the acrylic product. The technique can be used independently or in conjunction with scraping or sanding. Basically, this method uses a specialty hydrogen and oxygen torch to melt the edges of the acrylic glass. The flame is narrow, so it can easily polish the rough edges of the sheets without causing damage to the surrounding surfaces. When performed correctly, the acrylic glass will have a smooth and glossy look.

Sanding and Buffing

Sanding is an ideal method for removing machining marks from the acrylic glass. It will also provide a matte finish which is attractive for most applications. As implied, the technique uses coarse to fine sandpaper or sanding equipment to gently scrub the surface of the imperfect edges of the sheets. After sanding, a buffing machine can be utilised to create a more polished look.

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