🧩 PMMA-EX – Extruded Polymethyl Methacrylate

(An economical and easily processable variant of acrylic, obtained through continuous extrusion. It maintains the high transparency and gloss of cast PMMA but has a more uniform molecular structure and is easier to cut, mill, and thermoform. Ideal for covers, frames, and decorative automotive applications.)

🔹 What is PMMA-EX

PMMA-EX (extruded polymethyl methacrylate) is a form of acrylic obtained through continuous extrusion into sheets, rods, or plates, unlike cast PMMA (PMMA-C).

The extrusion process produces a more uniform and flexible material with precise dimensional tolerances, making it ideal for mechanical processing and thermoforming. While slightly softer and less chemically resistant than cast PMMA, the extruded version offers an excellent quality-to-price ratio for aesthetic and optical components.

🔧 Composition

• Polymethyl Methacrylate (MMA): 98–100 %
• UV / Thermal Stabilizer Additives: 0.5–2 %
• Density: 1.18–1.20 g/cm³
• Softening Point: ≈ 95–105 °C
• Melting Point: ≈ 160–180 °C
• UV Resistance: Excellent (does not yellow with solar exposure).
• Transparency: 92–93 % (high optical clarity).

🚗 Where PMMA-EX is used in the automotive industry

Component	Example parts	Observations
Headlights / Taillights	Diffusers, covers, secondary lenses	Good transparency and optical finish
Decorative Interior	Frames, caps, glossy panels	Stable gloss and easy processing
Indicators / Logos	Colored transparent parts	Easy to cut and form
Prototypes / Custom	Protective plates, housings	Easy to thermoform

🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods

Method	Optimal Temperature	Observations
Hot Air	220 – 240 °C	Rapid melting, strict control to avoid bubbles
Heat Plate (Mirror)	200 – 230 °C	Clean joint without visible deformation
Chemical Bonding	—	Recommended for clear finishes (acrylic solvent)

🔩 What to Weld PMMA-EX With (Material Compatibility)

Being extruded acrylic, compatibility is similar to standard PMMA, but attention to temperature is required to avoid warping.

✅ Compatible with:

• PMMA-EX ↔ PMMA / PMMA-HI / ABS+PMMA / ASA+PMMA / PC+PMMA – good bond.
• PMMA-EX ↔ Cast Acrylic (PMMA-C) – fully compatible.

❌ Incompatible with:

• PP, PE, PA, PVC, PS, simple ABS, TPO – different melting points.

💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:

Use transparent PMMA rods at 230–240 °C with a low hot air flow. Heating must be uniform — air bubbles can easily appear in extruded material. For aesthetic results, chemical bonding (Acryfix / Acrisolve) is preferable.

🏭 Manufacturers and Trade Names

• Röhm / Evonik: Plexiglas® XT
• Arkema: Altuglas® EX / Extruded
• Mitsubishi: Perspex® XT / Lucite® Extruded
• Chi Mei: Acrypet® EX
• SABIC: Lexan® PMMA-EX

🧠 How to Identify PMMA-EX

• Engraved marking: >PMMA<, >PMMA-EX<, >PLEXIGLAS XT<.
• Glossy surface, very uniform, rigid. Scratches easily but doesn’t crack suddenly.
• Softens at ≈ 100 °C and melts cleanly without large bubbles.
• ReplastMD practical test: If the part is transparent, glossy, but softens quickly under hot air and shows uniform deformation, it’s confirmed extruded acrylic (PMMA-EX).

🛠️ PMMA-EX Welding at ReplastMD:

At our ReplastMD service center (Chisinau, Ciocana sector), we perform professional PMMA-EX welding and bonding for acrylic lenses, interior decorative frames, and transparent plates, ensuring an invisible joint and perfect optical gloss.