FDA
FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 - Laser Product Performance Standards
Todd DunningMAUnited States
Optical Materials for Laser SystemsPublished
Dec 11, 2025
Acrylic (PMMA) Laser Cleaning
Laser cleaning parameters and specifications for Acrylic (PMMA)
Laser-Material Interaction
Acrylic (PMMA) Laser Cleaning Material Characteristics
Density
1.2
g/cm³
0.84
1.2
2.2
Surface Roughness
0.5
μm
0
0.5
1
Tensile Strength
72
MPa
10
72
400
Youngs Modulus
3.3
GPa
0.01
3.3
5,000
Hardness
0.1
GPa
51.8
0.1
123
Flexural Strength
90
MPa
20.7
90
96.4
Oxidation Resistance
2.5
μm/year
0.76
2.5
1,575
Corrosion Resistance
0.92
mm/year
0
0.92
105
Compressive Strength
72
MPa
20
72
200
Fracture Toughness
3.5
MPa m^{1/2}
0.7
3.5
2.9
Electrical Resistivity
1e14
Ω·m
9.5e12
1e14
1e17
Acrylic (PMMA) surface magnification
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 & Compliance
ANSI
ANSI Z136.1 - Safe Use of Lasers
Acrylic (PMMA) Laser Cleaning Laser Cleaning FAQs
Q: How can I prevent warping when laser cleaning acrylic sheets?
A: 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.
Q: What's the best way to remove stains from PMMA without scratching?
A: 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.
Q: Does laser cleaning affect the transparency of acrylic parts?
A: 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.
Related Plastic › Thermoplastic Materials
Acrylic (PMMA) Laser Cleaning Dataset Download
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