The Plastic 12x12 inch Density Transparent Black Acrylic 2mm is a precision-grade polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA / Plexiglass) sheet engineered for high-precision laser cutting, CNC routing, electronic display windows, infrared (IR) filter bezels, and modern instrument enclosures. Sized to a square 12 × 12-inch profile (approx. 305 mm × 305 mm) with a nominal 2.0 mm gauge thickness, it combines structural rigidity, impact resistance, and weatherability while weighing less than half the weight of traditional glass. Formulated with a specialized dense smoke-black tint, it appears semi-opaque and reflective under ambient light—discreetly concealing internal electronics, wiring harnesses, and unlit display bezels—while allowing active OLED, LCD, vacuum fluorescent, and high-brightness LED readouts, as well as optical infrared signals, to pass through with sharp contrast.

Specifications

• Material Type: Premium Cast / Extruded Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA / Acrylic / Plexiglass)
• Sheet Dimensions: 12 × 12 Inches (Approx. 304.8 mm × 304.8 mm / Square Foot Footprint)
• Nominal Thickness: 2.0 mm (±0.2 mm manufacturing gauge tolerance)
• Color / Optical Tint: Density Transparent Black / Smoked Gray (Translucent tinted acrylic)
• Surface Texture: Dual-Sided High-Gloss Mirror-Smooth Finish
• Visible Light Transmittance (VLT): Approx. 20% to 30% (Provides high optical contrast against ambient room glare)
• Infrared (IR) Spectral Permeability: Highly transparent to near-infrared wavelengths (850 nm to 940 nm bands)
• Tensile Strength: ≥ 68 MPa to 76 MPa
• Flexural Modulus: Approx. 3000 MPa to 3300 MPa
• Density: Approx. 1.18 g/cm³ to 1.20 g/cm³
• Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT): Approx. 85°C to 100°C (Softening point ~105°C)
• Continuous Working Service Temperature: -40°C to +80°C
• Surface Masking: Dual-sided protective peel-off kraft paper or clear polyethylene (PE) film
• Fabrication Compatibility: CO2 laser cutters/engravers, CNC flatbed routers, scroll saws, scoring blades, and localized thermal line heaters
• Net Weight: Approx. 220 g to 235 g per sheet

Features

• High-Contrast Display Window: The dense smoke tint visually hides internal hardware, PCB traces, and bare solder joints under ambient light, revealing only illuminated digits, graphics, and indicator lamps.
• Infrared (IR) Transmission: Readily passes 850nm and 940nm near-infrared signals, making it an ideal protective cover for IR remote control receivers, proximity sensors, and optical transceiver bezels.
• Flame-Polished Laser Edges: Absorbs CO2 laser energy cleanly to vaporize along cut paths without charring or burring, producing glass-like, polished edges directly from the cutting bed.
• High Shatter Resistance: Delivers up to 10 times the impact resistance of standard mineral float glass, safeguarding sensitive internal display modules and instrumentation.
• Thermal Forming Pliability: Readily softens along narrow heated bands (140°C to 160°C) with a line-strip heater or heat gun, allowing precise, clean 90° bends for custom angled desktop enclosures and meter stands.

Common Applications

• Electronic Instrument Enclosures: Sleek top covers, side panels, and smoked-glass aesthetic housings for custom audio amplifiers, DACs, benchtop power supplies, and DIY microcontrollers.
• Display Front Panels: High-contrast viewing bezels for OLED/LCD screens, 7-segment LED counters, and digital panel meters on industrial equipment consoles.
• Infrared (IR) Sensor Windows: Protective external plates for IR receiver modules, home automation hubs, security system panels, and robotic optical obstacle sensors.
• Custom Computer Modding: Smoked side-panel windows, custom cable-management covers, and illuminated accent plates for desktop PC cases.
• Scale Models & Architectural Exhibits: Precision laser-cut tinted windows, structural partitions, modern facade mockups, and illuminated signage boxes.

Usage Tips

• Protective Masking Management (CRITICAL):
  • Do not peel off the protective kraft paper or PE film prior to laser cutting, CNC routing, or drilling.
  • Keeping the film intact prevents vaporized acrylic residues, smoke condensates, and machine bed scratches from marring the glossy tinted surface. Remove the mask only after all machining and edge deburring are complete.
• CO2 Laser Cutting Parameters:
  • Dark tinted acrylic absorbs 10.6 μm CO2 laser energy very efficiently; run at moderate speeds with active air assist (10 to 15 psi).
  • Air assist prevents flame flare-ups and clears vaporized gases from the kerf, ensuring clean, melted-glass edges without thermal distortion.
• Drilling Recommendations: Use specialized plastic drill bits (60° to 90° tip angle with a zero-to-negative rake) or dull the cutting lips of standard twist drills. Always clamp a scrap piece of solid wood or MDF beneath the sheet to support the bottom face and prevent breakout cracking.
• Solvent Welding Protocol: Standard cyanoacrylate (superglue) off-gasses during curing, causing unsightly white blooming and cloudiness on tinted surfaces. Use water-thin acrylic solvent cement (methylene chloride base) with a precision needle applicator to create clean, chemically welded joints.
• Cleaning & Maintenance Precautions: Never wipe acrylic with rubbing alcohol, acetone, lacquer thinner, or ammonia-based glass sprays, as these chemical solvents cause immediate micro-crazing, stress fractures, and surface hazing. Clean exclusively with lukewarm water, mild liquid dish soap, and a soft microfiber towel.