🧩 PMMA+ASA – Polymethyl Methacrylate + ASA Blend

(Premium technical blend with optical gloss, UV resistance, and excellent durability. Resulting from the combination of PMMA (acrylic) and ASA. It is the preferred material for automotive exterior panels that must resist years of sunlight without fading.)

🔹 What is PMMA+ASA

PMMA+ASA is a double acrylic blend consisting of PMMA (for gloss and hardness) and ASA (for elasticity and high UV resistance). It is the modern successor to painted ABS — offering a permanent glossy look without the need for painting, thermal stability, and excellent weather resistance. This material is widely used in mirrors, housings, frames, and exterior trims where gloss must remain constant even after years of exposure.

🔧 Composition

PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate): 40–60 %
ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate): 40–60 %
UV / Thermal Additives: 1–3 %
Density: 1.08–1.12 g/cm³
Softening Point: ≈ 220–240 °C
UV Resistance: Excellent (superior to ABS+PMMA).
Gloss: High, stable, no yellowing.

🚗 Where PMMA+ASA is used in the automotive industry

Component	Example parts	Observations
Exterior Decorative	Mirror caps, taillight frames, grilles	Permanent gloss, extreme UV resistance
Premium Interior	Panel frames, glossy covers	Heat-stable acrylic finish
Technical / Housings	Sensor covers, exterior protectors	Durability and controlled elasticity
Visible Design	Non-painted glossy ornaments	Does not fade in the sun

🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods

Method	Optimal Temperature	Observations
Hot Air	250 – 270 °C	Uniform melting without loss of gloss
Heat Plate (Mirror)	240 – 260 °C	Clean, smooth joint
Manual Extrusion	240 – 260 °C	Suitable for long cracks

🔩 What to Weld PMMA+ASA With (Material Compatibility)

The PMMA+ASA blend is compatible with all acrylic and styrenic materials modified with ASA or PMMA.

✅ Compatible with:

PMMA+ASA ↔ ASA / PMMA / ABS+PMMA / ASA+PMMA – ideal.
PMMA+ASA ↔ ASA+PC / ASA+PBT / ASA+ABS – good compatibility.

❌ Incompatible with:

PP, PE, PA, PVC, PS, TPO – completely different melting points.

💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:

Use PMMA+ASA rods or glossy ASA rods at 255–270 °C. Heating must be gradual; overheating can cause matting. For a perfect finish, apply a short hot air pass or fine acrylic polish.

🏭 Manufacturers and Trade Names

INEOS Styrolution: Luran® S / Luran® Gloss
Chi Mei: Polylac® ASA+PMMA
LG Chem: LUPOY® PMMA+ASA
SABIC: Cycoloy® AM / ASA Blend
Trinseo: Pulse™ ASA-PMMA

🧠 How to Identify PMMA+ASA

Engraved marking: >PMMA+ASA<, >ASA/PMMA<, >Luran<, >Kibilac<.
Glossy, smooth, rigid surface. Stable color (black, grey, silver, white gloss).
Softens at ≈ 250 °C without bubbling.
Yellow-blue flame, faint styrenic odor during burning.
ReplastMD practical test: If the part is glossy, dense, does not fade in the sun, and is marked >PMMA+ASA<, it’s a confirmed exterior acrylic blend.

🛠️ PMMA+ASA Welding at ReplastMD:

At our ReplastMD service center (Chisinau, Ciocana sector), we perform professional PMMA+ASA welding for mirror caps and exterior decorative panels, ensuring a clean, glossy, and invisible joint.