Thermoplastic molding - clearer than glass
Acrylic (PMMA), popularly known as plexiglass or Perspex, is our semi-finished product for further processing into finished products. We heat, shape, bend and assemble sheets, tubes, bolts and profiles — from displays and light panels to large flybridge windshields.
Acrylic is weather and UV resistant — in clear form clearer than glass
Vacuum, twin sheet, high pressure and drape forming under the same roof
Also polycarbonate (PC) and PET when acrylic is not the right choice
TECHNOLOGY
What is Thermoplastic Molding?
Thermoplastic forming – or “drape forming” – is a process in which a heated sheet of plastic softens and drapes over a tool under gravity or light manual pressure. The method is particularly valued for its ability to create smooth curves, preserve optical clarity, and avoid material stress that can occur with vacuum forming.
Acrylic (PMMA) is particularly well suited to this process. In its clear form, acrylic can be clearer than glass, and the material is weather and UV resistant. It can withstand heating and shaping into complex geometries without compromising its optical properties, and it has good adhesive properties so that we can assemble multiple parts into one finished product with clean joints.
We have all the equipment to produce acrylic details – including laser cutting, shaping, gluing, milling and polishing. We also work with other transparent materials such as polycarbonate (PC) and PET, and the material is available in many colors, surfaces and different qualities.
Acrylic is used in many display products and in advertising and illuminated signs, in boat windows and solariums, and is often vacuum-formed into bathtubs, shower floors and other sanitary equipment – in addition to artwork, interior details and decor.
CAPACITY
What we can deliver.
OPTICAL CLARITY
Up to 92% light transmission
IMPACT RESISTANCE
10 X Stronger than glass
THICKNESSES
From sheets of 1 - 25mm
for blocks up to 600mm
UV RESISTANCE
Does not yellow in sunlight
PMMA – extruded (XT)
Affordable and easy to heat-form – displays, signs, decor and light panels.
PMMA – cast (GS)
Better optics and chemical resistance – demanding displays and art.
PMMA colored / opal
Illuminated signs and decorative elements in a wide range of colors and finishes.
Polycarbonate (PC)
When impact resistance matters more than pure optics – windows, covers, screens.
PET / PETG
Clear alternative for thermoforming, machining and food contact.
ABS / HIPS
Cost-effective for cabinets, covers and interior panels.
AREAS OF USE
Plexx has supplied thermoplastic molded elements to:
Display and decor
Display products, table signs, sales displays and interior details in clear or colored acrylic – for example sales displays for Hardangerbestikk.
Advertising and illuminated signs
Signs, light boxes and front plates in opal and colored PMMA – laser cut, thermoformed and edge polished.
Windows and plumbing
Boat windows, flybridge screens, solariums as well as vacuum-formed bathtubs, shower floors and other sanitary equipment.
Artwork/lighting design
Artwork, lighting design and decorative elements in acrylic – shaped to play on light and transparency, with up to 92% light transmission.
WHEN TO USE THERMOPLASTIC FORMING
Choose thermoplastic molding when…
You need optical clarity – often clearer than glass
The product must be placed outdoors and must withstand weather and UV.
The design combines cutting, thermoforming and bonding
You want lighter products – about half the weight of glass
The volume is prototype to medium series, or large unique parts
WHY ACRYLIC
Eight characteristics that provide opportunities
01
Optical clarity
Slipper gjennom opptil 92 % av lyset – klarere enn glass. UV-bestandige typer gulner ikke i sollys.
02
Lower weight
Veier omtrent halvparten så mye som glass av samme tykkelse – enklere å håndtere og installere.
03
Impact resistance
Ca. 10 ganger mer slagfast enn vanlig glass – sikrere der knusningsrisikoen er høy.
04
Versatility
Kan varmes opp og formes uten å miste optiske egenskaper. Finnes i mange farger, tykkelser og overflater.
05
Easy to machine
Can be cut, milled, lasered, drilled, glued, polished and hot-bent with a good finish.
06
Weather resistance
Withstands wind, water and temperature fluctuations – suitable for outdoor use over many years.
07
Chemical resistance
Resistant to many common chemicals and cleaning agents. Cast PMMA (GS) is more resistant than extruded (XT).
08
Can be recycled
Thermoplastic that can be remelted and reused – fits into modern ESG requirements.
Windshields for the boating industry and insurance companies
Plexx has expertise and extensive experience in making large, complex windshields and flybridge screens for both large and small boats. We supply to Sunseeker, Princess, Fairline, Goldfish, Hydrolift, Kvernø and Ryds, among others.
The screens are usually manufactured in acrylic or polycarbonate, and can be chosen in different colors or completely clear. The thickness varies from 5 mm to 25 mm - we have a state-of-the-art machinery to produce this type of plastic detail.
MATERIAL
Acrylic or polycarbonate
PLATE THICKNESS
5 – 25mm
COLORS
Clear or colored
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about thermoplastic molding
Cast PMMA is more chemically resistant than extruded PMMA. The optical properties of cast PMMA are better than extruded PMMA. Extrusion can be done on sheets up to 25mm, but has better thickness tolerance than cast.
It depends on the geometry, volume and surface requirements. Drape forming is most economical for smooth curves and low volumes. Vacuum forming provides more complex geometry. Twin sheet is used for hollow, rigid structures. High pressure provides sharp radii and fine textures. Send us a drawing – we will recommend the right method.
Acrylic (PMMA) in clear, colored and opal versions, polycarbonate (PC), PETG, ABS, HIPS, HDPE and PP. We help you choose the right material based on requirements for optics, impact resistance, chemicals and temperature.
For flybridge windshields and similar large parts we work in 5 – 25 mm. For vacuum and twin sheet forming we typically cover 1 – 12 mm sheet thickness. We also supply acrylic blocks from 30 to 600mm.
Yes. Low tooling costs for drape and vacuum forming make us well suited for both prototypes, small series and large one-off deliveries.
Yes. Send us STEP, DWG, PDF or a sketch, and you will receive a technical assessment, material selection and estimate back from the technical department.
Yes. UV-resistant acrylics do not yellow with prolonged exposure to sunlight, and the material can withstand wind, water and temperature fluctuations for many years.
Yes. We have a complete workshop for gluing, milling, polishing, edge processing and assembly – you get finished products, not just shaped sheets.