Custom Acrylic CNC Machining
Acrylic (PMMA) Machining Service
Get custom acrylic parts in days, not months. Prolean MFG machines clear and colored acrylic for prototypes and production, with accurate dimensions, smooth surfaces, and reliable repeatability across larger orders.
Request an Acrylic Machining Quote
Share the main part requirements for an engineering review.
ISO 9001 Quality Management · Files are handled confidentially.
3 to 7 Days
Typical Lead Time
±0.10 mm
Standard Tolerance
0.8 mm
Minimal Wall Thickness*
Prototype to Production
Supported Volumes
Reliable Acrylic Production
Why Choose Us
Practical machining support from design review through inspection and delivery.
3 to 7 Day Lead Times
Fast scheduling for prototype parts and repeat production orders.
Complex Part Capability
Pockets, slots, threads, engraving, deep contours, and turned features.
Reviewed Tolerance Capability
Standard tolerance is ±0.10 mm. Tolerances down to ±0.01 mm may be achievable on selected dimensions after engineering review.
Multiple Finish Options
As-machined, sanding, polishing, vapor polishing, blasting, and engraving.
ISO 9001 Quality System
Production and dimensional inspection are managed under an ISO 9001 quality management system.
Free DFM Review
Engineering feedback on wall thickness, tool access, tolerances, and machining cost.
Material Overview
What Is Acrylic (PMMA)?
Acrylic, or polymethyl methacrylate, is a transparent engineering thermoplastic commonly used as a lightweight, shatter-resistant alternative to glass. It combines optical clarity with good weather resistance and straightforward machinability.
- Excellent Optical Clarity
- Good Weather Resistance
- Easy to Machine
PMMA is suitable for parts that need a clean appearance, controlled dimensions, and outdoor durability. Prolean MFG machines both cast and extruded acrylic to customer drawings for prototypes and production runs.
Material Data
Typical Acrylic Properties
Reference values for machined PMMA. Actual results vary by grade, supplier, and material condition.
| Property | Typical Value | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 8,038 psi | ASTM D638 |
| Elongation at Break | 2.7% | ASTM D638 |
| Tensile Modulus | 350,000 to 500,000 psi | ASTM D638 |
| Flexural Strength | 12,000 psi | ASTM D790 |
| Rockwell Hardness | M80 to M100 | ASTM D785 |
Performance Advantages
Benefits of Acrylic CNC Machining
Glass-like Transparency
Suitable for viewing windows, covers, and optical components.
Lightweight Construction
Reduces component weight compared with glass.
Dimensional Accuracy
Supports controlled mating features and assembly interfaces.
Smooth Surfaces
Machined faces and edges can be polished where required.
Complex Geometry
Pockets, contours, holes, threads, and engraved details.
Outdoor Durability
Good UV and weather resistance for exposed applications.
Low Moisture Absorption
Supports stable dimensions in typical service environments.
Electrical Insulation
Useful for covers, guards, and electrical equipment parts.
Machining Snapshot
PMMA CNC Machining at Prolean MFG
Every design is reviewed for machining access, part stability, tolerance requirements, and finish expectations before production.
| Capability | Details |
|---|---|
| Available Grades | Clear, white, black, colored, cast, extruded, impact-modified, and UV-resistant acrylic |
| Minimum Wall Thickness | 0.8 mm typical; thinner sections require geometry review |
| Standard Tolerance | ±0.10 mm. Tolerances down to ±0.01 mm may be achievable on selected dimensions after engineering review. |
| Surface Finish Options | As-machined, fine sanding, mechanical polishing, vapor polishing, bead blasting, and engraving |
| Production Volume | Prototypes, low-volume batches, and high-volume production |
| Common Applications | Displays, machine guards, instrument covers, lighting parts, medical equipment, and custom plastic components |
*Minimum wall thickness and achievable tolerances depend on part size, geometry, feature depth, material grade, and machining requirements.
Material Selection
Acrylic Grades Available for CNC Machining
Grade selection should reflect clarity, impact loading, outdoor exposure, part geometry, and the required finish.
| Grade | Strength | Clarity | Machining | Typical Use | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cast Acrylic | High | Excellent | Excellent | Precision parts and optical components | $$ |
| Extruded Acrylic | Medium | Excellent | Very Good | General-purpose components | $ |
| Impact-Modified Acrylic | Very High | Good | Good | Protective covers and industrial parts | $$$ |
| UV-Resistant Acrylic | High | Excellent | Very Good | Outdoor components | $$$ |
| Colored Acrylic | High | Opaque / Translucent | Excellent | Display and decorative parts | $$ |
Need help selecting a grade? Share the drawing, operating environment, appearance requirements, and quantity. Our team can recommend a suitable option.
Engineering Reference
Acrylic CNC Machining Design Guidelines
Use these values as general design references. Final limits depend on grade, geometry, tolerance, tool access, and machining strategy.
Minimum Wall Thickness
A minimum wall of 0.5 mm is recommended for many acrylic parts. Thin, unsupported sections may chip or deflect and should be reviewed before machining.
Minimum Feature Size
- Minimum end mill size: 0.8 mm (0.03 in)
- Minimum drill size: 0.5 mm (0.02 in)
- Smaller features may require special tooling
Maximum Part Size
- CNC milling: up to 1200 × 500 × 152 mm
- CNC turning: up to Ø152 × 394 mm
- Larger parts can be reviewed individually
Undercut Features
Square, full-radius, and dovetail undercuts can be machined where cutter access and surrounding wall strength permit.
Hole Depth
As a general rule, drilled depth should not exceed 12 times the drill diameter to support chip removal, tool stability, and hole quality.
Deep Internal Features
End-mill depth should generally remain within 10 times the cutter diameter. Larger internal radii reduce tool reach and machining time.
Design Choices That Help Control Cost
- Use standard hole and tool sizes where possible.
- Avoid deep pockets with small internal corner radii.
- Apply tight tolerances only to functional dimensions.
- Reduce unnecessary setups and inspection callouts.
Appearance & Protection
Surface Finishes for CNC-Machined Acrylic Parts
| Finish | Applicable To | Appearance / Effect |
|---|---|---|
| As-Machined | All acrylic grades | Accurate dimensions with fine tool marks |
| Fine Sanding | All acrylic grades | Smooth matte surface; typically removes 0.02 to 0.05 mm |
| Mechanical Polishing | Cast and extruded acrylic | High-gloss edges and improved surface clarity |
| Vapor Polishing | Primarily cast acrylic | Crystal-clear machined edges |
| Bead Blasting | Opaque and colored acrylic | Uniform, non-reflective matte texture |
| Laser Engraving | All acrylic grades | Permanent frosted text, logos, and markings |
| CNC Engraving | All acrylic grades | Sharp recessed details |
| Protective Film | All acrylic grades | Protects surfaces during shipping and assembly |
Finish Selection Notes
Not every finish suits every grade or critical dimension.
- Vapor polishing is generally better suited to cast acrylic.
- Mechanical polishing works with cast and extruded acrylic.
- Finish allowances should be identified on the drawing.
- Protective film can remain in place until assembly.
Typical Uses
Common Acrylic Machining Applications
- Machine Guards
- Display Components
- Instrument Covers
- Lighting Components
- Medical Equipment Parts
- Optical Components
- Electrical Covers
- Enclosures
- Light Diffusers
- Custom Plastic Parts
Controlled Acrylic Machining
CNC Milling for Clear, Accurate PMMA Parts
Stable workholding, suitable cutters, controlled feeds, and chip evacuation help limit heat buildup, edge chipping, and surface damage during acrylic machining.
Controlled cutting parameters for clean machined edges
Tool access review for pockets, holes, and internal radii
Protective handling for critical clear surfaces
Finish planning for polished or as-machined areas
Machined Part Examples
Acrylic Parts Gallery
Examples of milled, turned, threaded, polished, and optically clear PMMA components.
Start With Your Part Requirements
Need Custom Acrylic Machined Parts?
Upload your CAD model or drawing with the acrylic grade, quantity, tolerance, and finish requirements. Our engineers will review manufacturability and prepare a quotation based on your specifications.
For a Faster Review
- 3D CAD model and 2D drawing
- Acrylic grade and color
- Quantity and target delivery date
- Critical tolerances
- Surface finish and optical requirements
- Inspection documentation, if required
Engineering Answers
FAQs
Can thin acrylic sections be machined?
Yes, when wall thickness is appropriate for the geometry and machining process. Very thin or unsupported sections may require design changes to reduce chipping or deflection.
Which acrylic grade is commonly used for CNC machining?
Cast acrylic is commonly selected when edge quality and polishing are important. Extruded acrylic is often used for economical covers, panels, guards, diffusers, and enclosures.
Can machined acrylic edges be polished?
Yes. Mechanical polishing and vapor polishing are available when improved edge clarity or surface appearance is required.
Are prototype quantities available?
Yes. Prolean MFG supports prototypes, low-volume batches, and production quantities. Timing depends on part complexity, finish, and inspection requirements.
Can acrylic parts include threaded features?
Internal and external threads can be machined within suitable size limits. Metal inserts are often recommended for repeated assembly.
Can customer-supplied acrylic be machined?
Customer-supplied material can be considered after its grade, dimensions, condition, and traceability requirements are confirmed.
Are inspection reports available?
Dimensional reports, first-article inspection, and additional quality documents are available when requested with the quotation.
Can different finishes be applied to one part?
Yes. Polished, as-machined, engraved, and matte areas can be combined when each finish boundary is clearly identified on the drawing.
What information is required for a quotation?
Provide the CAD model, technical drawing, acrylic grade and color, quantity, critical tolerances, and surface finish requirements.
What happens after the design is submitted?
The design is reviewed for manufacturability. Features affecting machining time, cost, surface quality, or accuracy are discussed before production begins.