Thin acrylic sheet

[Robert E Mason]

Hi all,

I am trying to source thin acrylic sheet, namely 0.8mm and 0.4 or 0.5mm (think that is about 0.06" and 0.03" respectively for the Imperial measurement types). I did a search on the forums and the question has been asked before but several years ago and it appears that the suppliers mentioned either no longer stock that material or sell it in small quantities and want a fortune for it.

I can find the 3mm and 6mm stuff easily at local distributors and 1.5mm doesn;t seem too much of a problem either but I can't find the thinner stuff anywhere. Well I can, but HesaGlas is very expensive and need to buy a lot at once. I'm wanting 8'x4' sheeets but willing to buy smaller if that's all that's available, it will be getting cut anyway for the laser.

I'm in Calgary, Alberta if that's of help.

Thanks

Robert

[Tony Lenkic]

Robert,

Check with these suppliers:

In Calgary you have Proveer
In Edmonton ND Graphics, Johnston plastic
Toronto - EM plastics, Sabic

[Robert E Mason]

Tony,

Thanks for that. I check into those companies and the smallest any of them seem to sell is 1.5mm. It appears it isn't a distributor problem, the manufacturers just don't seem to make the thinner stuff any more. There is a Sabic right around the corner from me but the smallest they sell is 3mm, which is a shame as I can walk to them :) I can get the thin stuff from Notz or from Astra Products in NY but was hoping to avoid that if at all possible due to expense.

Robert

[Darryl Hazen]

Robert,

Does it have to be acrylic? How about vue-graph sheets? Maybe it would help if you can tell us what the application is.

[Robert E Mason]

Sorry, should have been more helpful with my original post :)

I make architectural and engineering scale models. Just setting up my own shop. It has to be acrylic as that is the best material for what I do with regards to strength, joining, able to buy it in clear and opaque etc. I need the thinner stuff for doing windows so it has to be clear, be able to join to other acrylic parts and accept a paint which rules out a large number of alternatives.

[Tony Lenkic]

Robert,

Look for acetate sheets. These sheets are mfg. in thickness of 0.003 to 0.020
For window cutouts they may work.

[Richard Rumancik]

Robert, as it is difficult to obtain thin acrylic you will have to accept that it will be more costly as compared to say 1/8" sheet. But if you really want/need it then I would suggest contacting Rowmark and see what the can do for you. It may not be a catalog item but they indicate that they will make specials. If you are willing to buy 32 or 64 sq feet at a time perhaps they will be able to do something. Some of their products are multi-layer so they will sell a core or cap layer if you need it. This is what they say:

"Can't find exactly what you're looking for?
We can build different combinations of cap and core in most product lines, as well as develop custom colors. Contact your authorized Rowmark distributor or speak with one of our customer service specialists . . ."


On a square-foot basis you might pay $4-8 per square foot as a guess but that is probably what you are faced with.

You could also consider some of the off-the-shelf Rowmark or IPI products for architectural use. There are lots of colors and textures available and some of the products could be used to advantage. You could vector or raster shapes on the materials and the pre-colored material might avoid secondary operations. Also the reverse-engrave material might work to advantage.

On this page they show clear/clear and matte/clear in 1/32 and 1/16" thicknesses as stock items.
http://www.rowmark.com/laser/Reverse_Lasermark/reverselasermark.asp

You might also consider ABS as some of the Rowmark material is ABS. It cuts with the laser and bonds well.

[Robert E Mason]

Thanks for the help all. I will give Rowmark a try, I didn't realise they did clear even after looking at their website, I guess I was looking with my eyes closed :)

[Doug Novic]

Robert,

I buy my clear acrylic at Lowes. It cuts great. Just double check the label to make sure it is acrylic. Cost is a lot cheaper than online ordering. Size from .08 on up.

Doug