Table of contents

1. Decorative panels

PMMA decorative panels are used as wall, ceiling, and furniture finishing elements. They combine functionality with aesthetics, allowing light transmission and creating visual effects.

Technical parameters

Thickness range 3–12 mm
Most common 5–8 mm
Surface finish Clear, frosted, tinted

Design constraints

  • Mounting holes: minimum 1.5× material thickness from edge
  • Creep: panels >1200 mm require additional support

2. Furniture fronts

PMMA furniture fronts are an alternative to glass and lacquered MDF panels. They offer high aesthetics at considerably lower weight.

Technical parameters

Thickness range 4–8 mm
Standard thickness 5 mm
Minimum thickness 4 mm (below: deflection, vibration)

Mounting:

  • Hinges with protective pads (prevent scratching)
  • Soft-close runners (reduce vibration on closing)

Note

Fingerprints on polished surfaces are a common complaint. Solution: matte finish or anti-fingerprint coating.

3. Partitions

PMMA partitions are used in offices, retail spaces, and service environments. They combine a dividing function with maintained transparency.

Technical parameters

Sound insulation (8 mm PMMA) Approx. 26 dB
Structural calculation required Height >2000 mm

4. Display elements

PMMA display elements serve for product presentation in shops, museums, and exhibitions. They include vitrines and risers of various sizes.

Vitrines

  • Enclosed: require ventilation holes to prevent condensation
  • Open: easier to maintain, less dust protection

Risers

  • Tabletop: height 100–250 mm
  • Freestanding: height 350–500 mm

Load table

Panel thicknessMax. point load
3 mm0.5 kg
8 mm2.0 kg

5. Material limitations

Temperature

  • Maximum: up to 70 °C
  • Optimal: up to 50 °C
  • Advice: do not use near heat sources (halogen lamps, radiators)

Thermal expansion

Expansion cost-efficient

PMMA ~70×10&supmin;&sup6;/°C
Compared to steel 7× greater

Practical implication

A 1000 mm PMMA panel subjected to a 30 °C temperature change will change dimension by approx. 2 mm. Expansion gaps in fixings are essential.

Chemical resistance

Substances to avoid:

  • Acetone
  • MEK (methyl ethyl ketone)
  • High-concentration isopropyl alcohol

UV degradation

Material typeOutdoor durability
Standard PMMA2–3 years
UV-stabilised PMMA10–15 years

6. Common design mistakes

MistakeConsequenceSolution
3 mm frontsDeflection, vibration during useMinimum 4 mm, recommended 5 mm
Unsupported spans (600 mm)Deflection under loadMinimum 10 mm or add supports
Joints without expansion gapsCracking with temperature changesMounting holes 2–3 mm oversize

Critical

Rigidly fastening large panels in metal frames leads to buckling in summer and cracking in winter. Always design with expansion tolerances.

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Related pages

PlexiSystem Encyclopedia — Furniture Elements
Last updated: January 2026