Acrylic (PMMA) surface during precision laser cleaning process removing contamination layer
Todd Dunning
Todd DunningMAUnited States
Optical Materials for Laser Systems
Published
Jan 6, 2026

Acrylic (PMMA) Laser Cleaning

Acrylic excels in laser cleaning setups thanks to its non-porous, smooth surface that enables precise contaminant removal while preserving optical clarity and structural integrity.

Laser Material Interaction

Material-specific laser energy interaction properties and cleaning behavior

Thermal Destruction

433
K
0
433
866

Laser Absorption

0.15
0
0.15
0.3

Laser Damage Threshold

1.8
J/cm²
0
1.8
3.6

Ablation Threshold

0.7
J/cm²
0
0.7
1.4

Thermal Diffusivity

1.1e-7
m²/s
0
1.1e-7
2.2e-7

Thermal Expansion

8e-5
1/K
0
8e-5
0

Specific Heat

1,460
J/(kg·K)
0
1,460
2,920

Thermal Conductivity

0.19
W/m·K
0
0.19
0.38

Laser Reflectivity

0.038
%
0
0.038
0.076

Material Characteristics

Physical and mechanical properties

Density

1.18
g/cm³
0
1.18
2.36

Surface Roughness

0.5
μm
0
0.5
1

Tensile Strength

72
MPa
0
72
144

Youngs Modulus

3.3
GPa
0
3.3
6.6

Hardness

0.095
GPa
0
0.095
0.19

Flexural Strength

90
MPa
0
90
180

Oxidation Resistance

2.5
μm/year
0
2.5
5

Corrosion Resistance

0.92
mm/year
0
0.92
1.84

Compressive Strength

72
MPa
0
72
144

Fracture Toughness

3.5
MPa m^{1/2}
0
3.5
7

Electrical Resistivity

1e14
Ω·m
0
1e14
2e14

Acrylic (PMMA) 500-1000x surface magnification

Microscopic surface analysis and contamination details

Before Treatment

The acrylic surface teems with embedded dirt particles and smudges at 1000x magnification. These contaminants form irregular clusters that obscure the underlying material completely. Scratches and residues create a bumpy, uneven texture across the entire area.

After Treatment

Laser treatment clears away all traces of dirt and debris from the acrylic effectively. The surface now displays a smooth, uniform finish without any visible flaws. It exposes a clear, pristine layer that reflects light evenly throughout.

Regulatory Standards

Safety and compliance standards applicable to laser cleaning of this material

Industry Applications

Industries and sectors where this material is commonly used

  • Signage Manufacturing

  • Display Cases

  • Optical Components

  • Medical Devices

  • Automotive Lighting

  • Architecture

  • Aquariums

  • Electronics Manufacturing

FAQs for laser cleaning Acrylic (PMMA)

Common questions and expert answers about laser cleaning this material
How can I prevent warping when laser cleaning acrylic sheets?
When laser cleaning acrylic, you'll want to start with low-power settings to avoid overheating its heat-sensitive surface. I've seen that this material contrasts with metals by deforming easily under brief heat exposure, so short pulses remove dirt without causing warps. This approach restores clarity and shape effectively in practical applications like signage restoration.
What's the best way to remove stains from PMMA without scratching?
If you're cleaning PMMA, watch for its smooth surface that resists scratches but absorbs laser energy quickly. Unlike rougher plastics, acrylic cleans best with gentle, focused beams that lift stains layer by layer. In my experience, this method exposes a pristine finish and improves durability for repeated use in displays.
Does laser cleaning affect the transparency of acrylic parts?
Laser cleaning acrylic demands careful control since its clear nature can fog from uneven heating. Compared to opaque thermoplastics, PMMA reveals contaminants easily but risks haze if pulses are too intense.

Common Contaminants

Types of contamination typically found on this material that require laser cleaning
Adhesive Residue / Tape Marks
Chemical Stains / Acid Etching
Industrial Oil / Grease Buildup
Paint Residue / Coating Failure
UV Photodegradation / Polymer Chalking

Acrylic (PMMA) Dataset

Download Acrylic (PMMA) properties, specifications, and parameters in machine-readable formats
32
Variables
0
Laser Parameters
0
Material Methods
11
Properties
3
Standards
3
Formats
View all Plastic datasets

License: Creative Commons BY 4.0 • Free to use with attribution •Learn more

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