Clear, Cast Acrylic Tube

Description

Clear cast acrylic tube is transparent PMMA tubing for projects that need glass-like clarity in a round, hollow form. Cast tube machines, cements, and polishes well, and it is used for displays, lighting, models, covers, and other clear assemblies.

Acrylic is much lighter than glass and more resistant to impact. This tube is UV stabilized for indoor and outdoor use, and the manufacturer lists it as meeting FDA 21 CFR 177.1010 for food contact at room temperature or under refrigeration.

Advantages

• High optical clarity: for projects where visibility, light transmission, or a clean display appearance matters
• UV stabilized: suited to indoor and outdoor projects
• Strong and lightweight: high tensile strength and better impact resistance than glass, at a fraction of the weight
• Fabrication friendly: can be sawed, drilled, routed, cemented, and polished using acrylic fabrication methods
• Electrical insulator: good electrical properties for nonconductive covers and sleeves

Applications

• Retail displays, product stands, and point-of-purchase fixtures
• Signage, visual merchandising, and exhibit components
• Lighting features, fixture covers, and decorative illuminated designs
• Models, prototypes, hobby projects, and craft fabrication
• Aquarium components and displays
• Protective covers, guards, sleeves, and other clear tube assemblies

Buying Considerations

The diameter listed is the outside diameter (OD). To find the inside diameter, subtract twice the wall thickness: a 3″ OD tube with a 1⁄4″ wall has a 2 1⁄2″ ID. Heavier walls make a stiffer tube, while lighter walls can be easier to work with for decorative and display pieces.

Tubes ship in full 72″ nominal lengths. Acrylic tube is manufactured in random lengths of 71–73″, so actual length can vary by about ±1″.

Fabrication and Handling Notes

Use sharp tools designed for plastics, support the tube during cutting or drilling, and avoid heat buildup. Solvent bonding and edge polishing produce clean assemblies when done with compatible acrylic adhesives and proper preparation.

Clean with mild soap, lukewarm water, and a soft, non-abrasive cloth; avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, and ammonia-based products. Confirm suitability before using the tube in load-bearing, pressurized, safety-critical, or code-regulated applications.