2024 Market dynamics of optical grade PMMA

At the beginning of 2024, our commonly used PMMA (pmma acrylic, polymethyl methacrylate) was affected by the price cost of MMA in the upstream market and the market situation of short supply. The PMMA has been rising from its initial price lows. Many PMMA traders say that the price of PMMA in 2024 will increase by at least US$1,000 per ton compared to last year's price. This is incredible for raw materials. As the price of PMMA rises, the supply of PMMA in the international market also faces the risk of shortage. For example, we are familiar with CHIMEI ACRYREX® PMMA, Mitsubishi Chemical (Mitsubishi Rayon) ACRYLITE®, ROHM Duran®, etc. These factories are currently producing in limited quantities due to problems with the supply of upstream raw materials for MMA.

Our lives cannot be separated from optical grade PMMA

PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) has significant advantages in many fields due to its excellent optical properties and processing characteristics. Here are some application-specific advantages:

1. PMMA has high transparency and optical properties

High light transmittance: PMMA has a light transmittance of over 90%, close to the transparency of glass, making it very popular in optical applications.

Low dispersion: Its low dispersion characteristics allow light to undergo almost no chromatic aberration when passing through it, making it suitable for use in lenses and other optical components.

2. PMMA is weather-resistant and chemical-resistant

UV Resistant: PMMA is highly resistant to UV rays, maintaining its clarity and performance in outdoor applications.

Chemical resistance: Although not as good as some other plastics, PMMA is somewhat resistant to common chemicals and solvents.

3.PMMA is easy to process

Thermoplasticity: PMMA can be softened by heating, making it easy to process such as thermoforming, injection molding and extrusion.

Smooth surface: The processed PMMA surface is smooth and bright, making it easy to carry out precise polishing.

4.PMMA is lightweight

Lightweight: PMMA has a lower density and is typically about 50% lighter than glass, making it suitable for use in weight-sensitive applications.

The optical lenses, display panels, lighting equipment, transparent casings and protective covers, car rearview mirrors, lenses, etc. in our lives cannot leave the application of PMMA.

What models of optical grade PMMA do we commonly use?

Optical grade PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) is available in a variety of models and types to meet different optical performance needs and processing requirements. Here are some common optical grade PMMA models:

1. General optical grade PMMA

ROHM Duran®: This is a highly transparent optical grade PMMA widely used in lenses and display panels.

Evonik PLEXIGLAS: Another highly transparent PMMA with good optical properties and weather resistance, suitable for various optical and display devices.

CHIEMEI ACRYREX®: CHIMEI's optical grade PMMA has been widely used in multiple industries due to its excellent optical properties, processing characteristics and weather resistance. Especially the commonly used PMMA CM205.

2.High performance optical grade PMMA

Mitsubishi Chemical (Mitsubishi Rayon) ACRYLITE®: Provides high optical quality and good processability, often used in demanding optical applications.

Altuglas® (Arkema): Extremely high transparency and low dispersion, suitable for high-end optical equipment and professional applications.

3.Special optical grade PMMA

Polymethylmethacrylate Optical Resin: This type of PMMA has specific optical properties, such as low dispersion or high refractive index, making it suitable for special optical applications.

3M Optically Clear Acrylic: For applications requiring high optical clarity, such as protective films for displays or optical transmission devices.

4. Modified optical grade PMMA

Anti-Reflective Coated PMMA: PMMA with anti-reflective coating reduces reflection in the optical system and improves optical transmittance.

UV Stabilized PMMA: Optical components that have been specially treated to improve UV resistance and are suitable for long-term outdoor use.

5.High refractive index PMMA

High Refractive Index PMMA: This PMMA has a high refractive index and is often used to make optical components such as lenses and optical fibers.

Where does the future of optical grade PMMA go?

However, with the diversified development of the supply chain, many of our companies have broken away from their previous reliance on a single raw material supplier and sought diversified supply channels overseas. In addition, faced with the problem of tight supply of PMMA and long production scheduling time, we also need to Timely adjust production strategies and purchasing strategies to deal with unexpected supply problems.

If you want to get more relevant industry information about PMMA, please contact us.

QINGDAO PRIME TRADE CO., LTD is a company with more than 20 years of experience that specializes in distributing international brand engineering plastic particles. It mainly represents: CHIMEI ABS, HANWHA TOTAL PP, SABIC PPO, and PC special materials. We have our own modification processing factory, Qingdao Primetech Plastic Co., Ltd., with a professional technical team to provide you with fast and professional services to meet the needs of customers at different levels.