PMMA / Acrylic Lighting Extrusion Profiles
Acrylic extrusion for lighting – chosen for light transmission, UV stability and the fine surface detail that diffusers and lenses need.
Why this material is used in lighting
PMMA – acrylic – is the default optical material in lighting. It transmits more light than polycarbonate, it holds fine prism and lens geometry accurately, and it resists the UV yellowing that eventually dulls lesser materials.
That combination is why diffusers, linear lenses, prismatic panels and decorative covers are nearly always acrylic. If the part is seen, or if the light has to be clean, PMMA is usually the answer.
The limitation is toughness. Acrylic is more brittle than PC, so where a profile can be struck we either move to polycarbonate or co-extrude a PMMA optical surface onto a PC body.
Material properties that matter in a luminaire
| Light transmittance | Higher than PC - the main reason to choose PMMA |
|---|---|
| UV stability | Excellent; resists yellowing over long service life |
| Surface detail | Replicates fine prism and lens geometry accurately |
| Impact resistance | Lower than PC - specify PC where impact matters |
| Heat resistance | Lower continuous service temperature than PC |
| Surface options | Clear, matte, frosted, embossed, prismatic |
| Colour | Clear, opal, tinted, or matched to RAL / Pantone |
| Process | Single-material and co-extrusion with PC |
Where it is used
- LED diffusers and diffuser covers
- Linear LED lenses and optical profiles
- Prismatic and micro-prism glare-control panels
- Decorative and architectural covers
- Light-guide sections for edge-lit luminaires
- Signage and light-box faces
Design notes
- Acrylic and PMMA are the same polymer - the names are interchangeable
- Specify PMMA where transmission and long-term clarity are the priority
- Move to PC, or co-extrude, where the profile can be struck
- Prism geometry holds best in acrylic - design optical surfaces with this in mind
- UV-stable grades make PMMA suitable for exterior and signage use
Frequently Asked Questions
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