Plexiglas UF-4

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Description

[ Plexiglas ] A registered trademark for a type of UV filtering acrylic sheeting produced by Arkema. Plexiglas® UF-4 is clear and blocks about 90% of the UV radiation. Transmission starts at 385nm. Plexiglas® UF-4 typically has better visible light transmission and slightly better edge color than Plexiglas® UF-3.[1] It is typically used as a cover for fluorescent lights.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Plexiglas® G [Arkema]; UF-4 Plexiglas; Plexiglas® UF-3 [Arkema]; Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA); UV filtering acrylic sheeting

Personal Risks

Grinding, sanding, and/or sawing can cause dust which may result in respiratory hazard. Also, the product may release fumes and/or vapor of variable composition, depending on processing time and temperature.

Arkema: SDS

Applications

Plexiglas® G UF-4 is used for a variety of exhibit related applications:

  • Fluorescent light cover
  • Vitrines
  • Glazing/framing

Collection Risks

Link(s) to Oddy Test results posted on AIC Wiki Materials Database Pages for individual materials below:

Plexiglas G (no UV filtering) tested in 2019.

Working Properties

A variety of saws can be used to cut Plexiglas®: circular, band, scroll, saber, hole, and veneer saws. Routers can also be used on Plexiglas®. Plexiglas® can also be turned on a lathe to give a semi-matte surface. When drilling, best results are obtained when using a modified standard twist drill. Specially ground drills for Plexiglas® acrylic sheet are available.[2]

After cutting Plexiglas® acrylic sheeting it is often desirable to scrape the edges to remove nicks or burrs and improve the appearance.[3]

Plexiglas® can be joined using methylene chloride (solvent-dissolving acrylic), acetoxy cure silicone sealants, or an epoxy; these joints are strong enough for loadbearing for medium to heavy weights, but bending acrylic sheeting is stronger. Plexiglas® acrylic sheeting is a thermoplastic and can be shaped once pre-heated between 325°F and 350°F, but the sheets can be cold formed as well by springing the material into a curved channel support.[4]

Forms and Sizes

Information from the Arkema Plexiglas® G UF-3, Plexiglas® G UF-4 Brochure:

Sheet sizes: 48x96”, 60x96”, and 72x96”.

Thicknesses: 0.118, 0.177, 0.236, 0.354, and 0.472”.

Resources and Citations

  • Arkema Plexiglas® Website
  • Kaela Nurmi, contributed information, MWG group, 2020.
  • Marjorie Shelley, The Care and Handling of Art Objects, The Metropolitan Museum, New York, 1987
  • Book and Paper Group, Paper Conservation Catalog, AIC, 1984, 1989