Acrylic CNC Machining
Crystal-Clear Parts
Transform raw acrylic (PMMA) sheets into precision optical components with our expert CNC machining. Achieve water-clear transparency, tight tolerances, and polished finishes for light pipes, lenses, display cases, and decorative parts.
- Optical Polishing for Water-Clear Finish
- Tolerances: ±0.05mm Standard, ±0.02mm Precision
- Max Part Size: 1200mm x 600mm x 50mm
- Fast Delivery: 5-7 Days for Standard Orders
Optical polishing to Ra<0.1μm. 92% light transmission.
Acrylic Surface Finishes
From as-machined to optical-grade polished, we offer finishes to match your application requirements.
As-Machined Finish
Visible tool marks, matte/frosted appearance. Most cost-effective option for non-visual parts.
Semi-Polished Finish
Buffed edges with translucent clarity. Good balance of cost and visual quality for functional parts.
Optical Polish Finish
Crystal-clear transparency with mirror-like edges. Essential for light pipes, lenses, and premium displays.
Common Acrylic Applications
Light Pipes & Guides
LED light distribution, indicator lights, backlit panels
Optical Lenses
Camera housings, protective windows, magnifiers
Display Cases
Museum displays, retail showcases, electronics enclosures
Lab & Medical
Flow cells, sample holders, microfluidic devices
Acrylic (PMMA) Material Properties
Technical specifications for CNC machined acrylic parts.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Light Transmission | 92% (for clear grades) |
| Density | 1.19 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | 70-75 MPa |
| Heat Deflection (HDT) | 95°C @ 1.8 MPa |
| UV Resistance | Excellent (better than PC) |
| Standard Tolerance | ±0.05mm |
| Max Part Size | 1200mm x 600mm x 50mm |
Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate
| Property | Acrylic (PMMA) | Polycarbonate (PC) |
|---|---|---|
| Optical Clarity | 92% (Superior) | 88% |
| Impact Resistance | Moderate | 250x Glass (Superior) |
| UV Resistance | Excellent | Poor (yellows) |
| Scratch Resistance | Better | Poor |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Best For | Displays, lenses, signage | Safety guards, impact-prone parts |
Acrylic Machining FAQ
Can you achieve water-clear edges on machined acrylic?
Yes. We offer optical polishing that produces crystal-clear, water-clear edges with a surface roughness of Ra < 0.1 μm. This is essential for light pipes, lenses, and premium display applications.
What's the maximum thickness you can machine?
We can machine acrylic up to 50mm thick from standard sheet stock. For thicker parts, we can laminate and bond multiple sheets. Our max part envelope is 1200mm x 600mm x 50mm.
Do you offer colored or tinted acrylic?
Yes. We stock clear, frosted, black, and white acrylic. Custom colors and tints (including fluorescent and specialty grades) are available on request. Lead time may be slightly longer for specialty materials.
Crystal-Clear Acrylic Parts
Upload your CAD file for an instant quote. We'll machine your acrylic parts with precision and deliver them polished to perfection.
Get Acrylic QuoteAcrylic CNC service buyer fit
Acrylic CNC is best for clear PMMA prototypes, polished covers, light pipes, fixtures, and cosmetic panels. Define polished faces, scratch tolerance, quantity, and packaging early because clear acrylic exposes handling marks.
Clear covers, display blocks, optical windows, light guides, medical device mockups, fixtures, panels, and transparent housings.
PMMA and clear plastics need careful clamping, cutter choice, chip control, polishing, and protective packaging.
Specify clear polish, frosted surfaces, tapped holes, countersinks, bonding edges, and cosmetic faces before quote approval.
Clarify scratch tolerance and shipping protection because clear acrylic shows handling marks more than opaque prototypes.
What to send before quote
- ✓STEP file and 2D drawing
- ✓Clear or colored acrylic grade
- ✓Polished and cosmetic faces
- ✓Quantity
- ✓Scratch protection requirement
Quality proof to request
- ✓Cosmetic surface photos
- ✓Edge polish review
- ✓Critical dimension check
- ✓Packaging before shipment
Related buyer pages
Phone-photo process evidence
These images are used as practical visual proof points: shop-floor process, inspection, part review, packing, and quote-ready evidence rather than polished stock photography.
Buyer FAQ
What tolerance is realistic for acrylic CNC machining?
General acrylic prototypes often use wider tolerance than metal CNC parts because PMMA can chip, flex, or show stress marks; critical dimensions should be marked on a drawing.
Can clear acrylic parts be polished?
Yes. Buyers should mark which faces need optical polish, edge polish, frosted finish, bonding, or scratch-free cosmetic handling.
What files help acrylic CNC quotes?
STEP files, 2D drawings, material grade, polished-face notes, quantity, and packaging expectations help reduce quote ambiguity.