cellulose acetate butyrate

[Steve Clarkson]

Got a sample from Gemini the other day that is made of cellulose acetate butyrate. The 3"x3"x1/8" piece is significantly stronger than acrylic. Has anyone cut or engraved this type of material and do you know if you can buy it in sheets.....and if so, where?

[Richard Rumancik]

I have cut thinner sheets and it seemed to cut okay. If I recall there was a bit of clouding on the edges but can't say for sure how it will look. I don't think you will get a glossy transparent edge like acrylic. Are you unable to get it from Gemini themselves? Their website is at http://www.signletters.com/Sign_Components/index.html - they SAY that they sell CAB sheet. Or maybe they can give you some distributor leads.

Here's two other possible suppliers but not much info on the sites:
http://k-mac-plastics.net/cellulose-acetate-sheet.htm
http://www.spartech.com/pep/cellulose.html

It's hard to find much info on CAB sheet suppliers. The companies that do list it don't have much info or pricing on the web. The films (less than say .030") are hard to find. This material seems to be quite a bit more expensive than ordinary acrylic (2-3 times I think) so your application needs to warrant it. It has good outdoor properties so it is used in the sign industry, also for thermoformed sign letters.

Also note that cellulose acetate and cellulose acetate butyrate are not the same so watch carefully. (But you may find various related flavours in the family which might work for your application.)

I investigated this a long time ago as I wanted thin CAB material to make drafting stencils but did not have success in finding a supplier of small quantities. If you do have any luck finding a source of small quantities be sure to report back.