1/2" Clear Extruded Acrylic Sheet - Cut to Size
Why Choose Cut-to-Size 1/2" Clear Acrylic?
Why Choose Cut-to-Size 1/2" Clear Acrylic?
Custom cutting at 1/2" thickness delivers absolute maximum acrylic material in your exact dimensions for specialized applications that demand the upper limit of standard sheet availability. This extreme-duty sheet provides exceptional structural mass for the longest possible spans, handles significant water pressure for aquarium applications, and delivers unmatched optical clarity in your precise specifications—all cut to eliminate waste and ensure perfect fit. Our precision CNC cutting eliminates the extraordinary challenge of fabricating 94-pound full sheets on-site, ensuring clean edges and exact measurements with tolerances of ±1/8".
The 1/2" thickness offers maximum deflection resistance for extra-long unsupported spans exceeding 72 inches, provides the substantial material required for large aquarium viewing panels, and maintains acrylic's superior 92% light transmission in your precise specifications. Whether you need exact dimensions for major aquarium installations, custom sizes for architectural feature walls, specific measurements for specialty displays, or precise cuts for large-format glazing applications, cut-to-size service delivers maximum acrylic performance without the difficulty of cutting extremely thick, heavy material on-site.
Cut-to-Size Advantages with 1/2" Acrylic:
- Eliminate extreme fabrication challenges - Avoid the difficulty and safety hazards of cutting 94-pound full sheets, getting maximum-duty panels ready to install in your exact dimensions
- Maximum acrylic performance, perfect fit - Get the upper limit of standard acrylic thickness cut to your precise specifications, meeting demanding engineering or design requirements with crystal-clear transparency
- Professional precision at maximum thickness - CNC cutting delivers square corners and straight edges that maintain the exceptional rigidity and optical clarity of this extreme-duty material
- Zero waste on premium specialty material - Pay only for your exact size in this expensive, extremely heavy-duty thickness, avoiding material waste on the heaviest acrylic sheets available
- Fast turnaround on maximum specifications - Most custom cuts ship within 1-2 business days, delivering absolute maximum acrylic thickness without extended specialty fabrication lead times
Ideal Projects for Custom-Cut 1/2" Acrylic
This thickness excels in custom applications requiring maximum acrylic material with superior optical clarity. Perfect for large aquarium viewing panels in exact dimensions for commercial and residential installations, architectural feature walls requiring custom sizes for design elements, specialty displays in precise measurements for high-end retail or museum installations, and large-format replacement windows in specific dimensions for commercial buildings. The 1/2" specification provides performance that standard acrylic thicknesses cannot match—delivered in your exact dimensions with crystal-clear transparency.
Trusted Manufacturing Quality
Our clear extruded acrylic sheets are manufactured by Optix®, a premium brand from Plaskolite—one of North America's leading acrylic producers. Optix® acrylic meets ASTM D4802 standards for extruded acrylic sheet, ensuring consistent quality, optical clarity, and performance. Extruded acrylic offers excellent dimensional stability and superior optical properties, making it the professional choice for specialty applications requiring maximum material thickness with exceptional clarity.
Sizing Guidelines
Available in any width from 1" to 48" and any length from 1" to 96". The 1/2" thickness represents the upper limit of standard acrylic sheet availability and is specified only for applications with extreme requirements—large aquarium installations, architectural features requiring maximum material presence, or specialty applications where engineering calculations or design specifications mandate absolute maximum acrylic thickness. For most architectural and display applications, 1/4" or 3/8" cut-to-size provides adequate performance at substantially lower cost. Specify 1/2" custom cutting when engineering specifications, aquarium applications, or design requirements genuinely demand maximum available acrylic thickness with superior optical clarity.
Perfect Applications for Cut-to-Size 1/2" Acrylic
Perfect Applications for Cut-to-Size 1/2" Acrylic
Large Aquarium Viewing Panels
Custom dimensions for major aquarium installations requiring exact fit and extreme water pressure resistance. Substantial material thickness withstands significant hydrostatic pressure while maintaining exceptional optical clarity in your precise specifications. Professional specification for commercial aquariums, large residential installations, public aquatic displays, and architectural water features requiring both structural capacity and custom panel dimensions.
Learn More About Specialty Installations →Architectural Feature Installations
Custom-sized material for architectural feature walls, artistic installations, and design elements requiring exact dimensions with maximum material presence. Exceptional thickness in your precise specifications adds visual impact while maintaining crystal-clear transparency. Ideal for commercial lobbies, museum installations, luxury residential features, and architectural elements requiring specific measurements with substantial acrylic thickness.
Learn More About Architectural Applications →Specialty Display Applications
Custom dimensions for high-end retail displays, museum exhibits, and commercial installations requiring exact fit with maximum material presence. Substantial acrylic in your precise specifications delivers professional appearance and structural integrity. Perfect for luxury retail displays, gallery installations, and premium commercial applications requiring specific sizes where material quality and thickness contribute to presentation value.
Learn More About Display Applications →Large-Format Replacement Windows
Custom-sized panels for large commercial windows and architectural glazing requiring exact fit with extreme rigidity. Handles extra-long spans with minimal deflection while maintaining exceptional transparency in your specific dimensions. Perfect for commercial buildings, architectural projects, and large-format windows requiring the combination of clarity and structural performance in precise custom measurements.
Learn More About Window Applications →Technical Specifications - 1/2" Cut-to-Size Acrylic
Technical Specifications - 1/2" Cut-to-Size Acrylic
| Nominal Thickness | 1/2" (0.472" actual) |
| Available Widths | 1" to 48" (any increment) |
| Available Lengths | 1" to 96" (any increment) |
| Cutting Tolerance | ±1/8" (0.125") |
| Edge Finish | CNC cut, smooth edges |
| Light Transmission | 92% (crystal clear) |
| Impact Strength | 17 times stronger than glass (not suitable for high-impact applications) |
| Temperature Range | -40°F to 180°F continuous |
| Material Type | Extruded Acrylic (PMMA - Polymethyl Methacrylate) |
| Manufacturing Brand | Optix® by Plaskolite |
| Material Standard | Meets ASTM D4802 for extruded acrylic sheet |
| Surface Finish | Gloss on both sides with protective masking |
| Lead Time | 1-2 business days for most custom cuts |
| Recommended Span | 72+ inches unsupported (application dependent), 90+ inches with frame support |
| Scratch Resistance | Superior to polycarbonate (harder surface) |
| UV Resistance | Good outdoor weathering (will yellow less than polycarbonate over time) |
| Flammability | UL 94 HB rating (burns when ignited, not self-extinguishing) |
Note on Impact Resistance: While acrylic is 17 times stronger than glass, it is significantly less impact-resistant than polycarbonate (which is 250 times stronger than glass). For high-impact applications, protective barriers in high-traffic areas, or outdoor installations subject to abuse, we recommend polycarbonate cut-to-size sheets instead. Acrylic excels in applications where optical clarity, scratch resistance, and structural rigidity under static loads are priorities.
Note on Outdoor Use: Acrylic has excellent UV resistance and weathers better outdoors than polycarbonate, resisting yellowing for 10+ years. However, its lower impact resistance makes it unsuitable for applications where vandalism, hail, or impact damage are concerns. For protected outdoor applications and architectural installations with minimal impact risk, 1/2" acrylic performs excellently in custom dimensions.
Note on Aquarium Applications: For aquarium viewing panels and water features, consult engineering guidelines for proper thickness based on water depth and panel dimensions. Professional aquarium builders typically use specialized calculations to ensure adequate safety factors for hydrostatic pressure loads. The 1/2" thickness is specified for larger aquarium installations where substantial water pressure requires maximum acrylic material in custom panel sizes.
All sheets ship with protective masking on both sides to prevent scratches during fabrication and installation. Remove masking after installation is complete.
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