Plexiglas UF-4
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