What is PMMA?
PMMA is an abbreviation of the word Polymethyl methacrylate. This in turn is formed from the words polymer and methyl methacrylate. It is a transparent plastic. The material is also called acrylic, oroglass, altoglass, perspex or plexiglass. Plexiglas will sound more familiar to most. The material is used in many different ways, as it offers various advantages. PMMA allows approximately 90 per cent of light through. Because of this, it is often used as a substitute for glass. Unfortunately, the material also has a number of minor drawbacks.
Benefits
As previously mentioned, PMMA has several advantages, especially when compared to the alternative glass. The first advantage is that the material is simply a lot lighter. Another advantage is that it is easy to produce in different shapes. This also ensures that the material is so versatile. The material is also easy to glue. Finally, and perhaps the most important advantage, compared to ordinary glass, it allows more light through. PMMA therefore gives you a better light pattern.
Cons
Where a material has several advantages, there are always some minor disadvantages. The material is not as hard, which makes it more susceptible to scratches compared to glass. It is also less heat resistant. This does not matter when used in combination with LED lighting, as LED lighting does not lose energy to heat. Finally, PMMA is flammable.
PMMA at TRALERT®
Within the range LED lights PMMA is often found in TRALERT® lamps. As it is a substitute for glass, you encounter the material in the lens of the lamp. This is the case within different categories of LED lights. For example in the LED work lights maar ook bij enkele LED warning lights. Een laatste voorbeeld is bij de LED rear lights. Sommige achterlichten van TRALERT® zijn namelijk naast de PMMA lens ook voorzien van ABS behuizing.
At TRALERT® the PMMA lenses are continuously tested by the technical department. The lenses are compared with similar products. The tests have shown that the lenses can withstand bumps and blows much better. Especially when compared to cheaper alternatives.