Chamfering (anti-collapse/safer)
Sharp corners of transparent parts are more likely to chip and cause stress concentration; chamfering/rounding can also improve the feel and assembly safety.
Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)
Acrylic (PMMA) features "high light transmittance, good texture, and easy polishing," suitable for transparent appearance and optical display parts.
Quote checklist: Upload your 3D model and, when available, a 2D drawing. Identify the required process, material, quantity, critical dimensions, finish, appearance standard, and target delivery date.
Key Material and Manufacturing Parameters
Engineering note: Values below are typical reference ranges. Final manufacturability, tolerances, material condition, surface finish, cost, and lead time depend on the drawing, geometry, quantity, and selected process.
Upload CAD files and mark critical features for an engineering review before production.
| Process | CNC machining (plastic machining) |
|---|---|
| Material | Organic glass-PMMA (acrylic/Acrylic) |
| Common appearance | Transparent/translucent (transparent parts are more sensitive to scratches and knife marks, it is recommended to define display surface and appearance standards) |
| Machining tolerance | ±0.2 mm (If there are critical dimensions/fitting holes, please mark the tolerance or note "precision first" on the 2D drawing) |
| Minimum wall thickness | 1.0mm (transparent thin walls are more likely to deform or crack, it is recommended to appropriately thicken/reinforce key areas) |
| Service temperature | 300-600℃ (subject to project requirements and review, please consult an engineer if you need clear test indicators) |
| Tensile strength | 450-1100MPa (subject to project requirements and review) |
| Density | 7.7-8.5 g/cm³ (subject to project requirements and review) |
| Recommended order form | STEP/STP + 2D annotation (PDF/DWG) is more conducive to quickly confirming appearance surfaces and tolerances |
| Typical lead time | Relevant to size, quantity, structural complexity and finishing; clear delivery and expedited options will be given after uploading the file |
| Finishing | Chamfering, grinding, bonding, screen printing, laser engraving, polishing (transparent edge) |
Finishing
Polishing (reduces the visibility of knife lines and scratches)
More detailed polishing level control can be performed on the display surface; it is recommended to indicate "appearance priority/display surface definition" in the remarks.
Bonding (a common process for transparent assemblies)
Suitable for multi-piece splicing, transparent cover assembly and functional validation; please clarify whether the bonding position is a display surface and strength requirements.
Screen printing printing (logos and scales are clearer)
Suitable for logos, scales, warning signs, etc.; it is recommended to provide vector files and location and size instructions.
Laser engraving (durable marking)
Suitable for serial numbers, QR codes and wear-resistant logos; the laser engraving effect, contrast and depth of transparent materials need to be evaluated based on samples.
Polished (transparent edge)
Used to improve edge light transmission and appearance, often used in window parts/transparent covers/lampshade casings. Please indicate "edges/surfaces that need to be polished" in the remarks.
Why Choose Acrylic (PMMA) (CNC Machining)
Transparent appearance performs well
Suitable for window parts, lampshade casings and display-type transparent parts to facilitate "finished product-like" appearance verification.
Suitable for detail and logo processing
It can be combined with screen printing and laser engraving to achieve clear marking; it is more friendly to display parts.
Can be polished with transparent edges to enhance texture
The light transmission and appearance of the edges are significantly improved, and it is suitable for transparent parts with a clear "observation surface/display surface".
Flexible delivery for small batch machining
No mold opening is required, and it is suitable for prototypes, trial production and small batch iterations; it supports customized solutions according to appearance and tolerance requirements.
Recommended Applications
- Transparent appearance is preferred: Window parts, transparent covers, lampshade shells, display parts
- Need identification: Screen printing/laser engraving logo, scale, serial number
- High requirements for edge look and feel: Product samples that require transparent edge polishing
- Iterate in small batches: No mold opening required, quick modification and verification
Consider Another Material or Process
- High impact/fall resistance is preferred: It is recommended to evaluate more impact-resistant transparent material options
- Long term high temperature environment: It is recommended to choose a more heat-resistant material system according to the working conditions.
- The ultimate requirement for “scratch-free mirror”: Need for more stringent appearance grade control and process review
- Complex assembly bonding with sensitive display surfaces: It is necessary to plan the location of parts and bonding lines in advance
Design and DFM Guidelines
- Display surface definition: Transparent parts are more sensitive to knife lines/scratches. Please make sure the observation/display surface is clear. We can give priority to making optimization suggestions on path and clamping.
- Thin walls and sharp corners: Thin-walled transparent parts are more susceptible to deformation and cracking; sharp corners are prone to chipping, so it is recommended to add rounded corners/chamfers and avoid sudden changes in thickness.
- Hole location and assembly: If there are mating holes/locating holes, please provide 2D tolerance; it is recommended to leave sufficient assembly clearance at the assembly point of transparent parts to avoid stress cracking.
- Bonding structure: It is recommended to keep the bonding line away from the display surface and reserve positioning steps/guide structures; for projects with high bonding strength/appearance requirements, it is recommended to undergo DFM review first.
- Screen printing/laser engraving: When graphic logos are required, it is recommended to provide vector files and location dimensions; the contrast of transparent materials must be confirmed based on samples.
- Transparent edge polishing: Please specify the edges/surfaces that need to be polished and the target effect (clear/semi-transparent/allowing slight texture) in the drawings or notes.