What are the main applications of acrylic sheets?

The research, development and application of acrylic sheets have a history of over a hundred years. As early as 1880, the polymerizability of methacrylic acid was discovered; in 1901, the research on the synthesis of polyacrylate was completed; in 1927, attempts were made to realize industrial production using the aforementioned synthesis method; and in 1937, the industrial production of methyl methacrylate was successfully developed, marking the beginning of large-scale manufacturing of acrylic sheets. Owing to its excellent toughness and light transmittance, acrylic sheets were applied to aircraft windshields, tank viewfinders and other components during World War II. A common example in daily life is that mobile phone screens are typically made of optical-grade acrylic.

Acrylic sheets are mainly used for engraving, decoration and handicraft making. Extruded acrylic sheets are usually applied in the production of advertising signs, light boxes and the like. PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate, the main component of acrylic sheets) boasts advantages such as light weight, low cost and easy molding. Its molding methods include casting, injection molding, machining, thermoforming and so on. Among these, injection molding is particularly notable for enabling mass production with a simple process and low cost. Therefore, the application of acrylic sheets has become increasingly widespread, covering fields such as instrument parts, automobile lamps, optical lenses and transparent pipes.

In the construction industry, acrylic (also commonly referred to as "organic glass" in this context) is mainly used in lighting structures, roofs, canopies, staircases and interior wall panels. Its application in lampshades for expressway and high-grade road lighting, as well as in automobile lighting fixtures, is also expanding rapidly. With the construction of hotels, guesthouses and high-end residential buildings in major cities, lighting structures have developed at a fast pace. Lighting structures made of extruded acrylic sheets feature high overall structural strength, light weight, high light transmittance and excellent safety performance. Compared with inorganic glass lighting devices, they possess significant advantages.

In the field of sanitary ware, acrylic can be used to produce bathtubs, washbasins, vanity tables and other products. Acrylic bathtubs have been widely used due to their luxurious appearance, strong sense of depth, easy cleaning, high strength, light weight and comfortable user experience. Acrylic is the best new material for manufacturing sanitary ware after ceramics. Compared with traditional ceramic materials, in addition to its unparalleled high-gloss finish, acrylic has the following advantages: good toughness and resistance to breakage; strong repairability—just wipe the sanitary ware with a soft foam dipped in toothpaste to make it look as good as new; soft texture that avoids the icy cold feeling in winter; and bright colors that can meet the personalized needs of different tastes. Sanitary ware such as basins, bathtubs and toilets made of acrylic are not only exquisitely designed and durable, but also environmentally friendly—their radiation level is almost the same as that of the human body's own bones. Acrylic sanitary ware first appeared in the United States, and since 2008, it has accounted for more than 70% of the global market.

Acrylic is also widely used in a variety of fashionable and high-quality products, including handbags, waist chains, watches, high-heeled shoes, shoe heels, hair accessories, brooches, bracelets, buttons, earrings, necklaces, rings, pendants, photo frames, paperweights and more—with endless potential for further development and expansion. Due to its high processability, good surface hardness and transparent luster, acrylic is often used by designers in combination with various other materials for the design of all kinds of exquisite containers, enhancing the texture and practicality of these containers. Examples include delicate containers for lipsticks and cosmetics, as well as daily necessities such as massagers, jewelry boxes and fans. By leveraging the cool texture of acrylic and integrating creative designs, acrylic materials are perfectly presented in a wide range of fashionable and high-quality products.