Kingston Brass Features Top-of-the-Line PMMA Acrylic for Bathtubs and Other Products

Here at Kingston Brass, many of our bathtubs are constructed with an acrylic material called poly methyl methacrylate, which reigns supreme among the acrylic family.

Poly methyl methacrylate, while certainly a mouthful, is known as the harder acrylic and goes by many commercial names, but it’s most commonly referred to as PMMA in both the scientific and plumbing communities.

Simply put, PMMA is a type of acrylic – or clear plastic – that is shatterproof, providing a preferable alternative to glass. Because this material is highly stable and can withstand weathering and shock, it can serve many purposes.

You know those window barriers around hockey rinks that keep fans safe from getting smacked in the face with flying pucks? That’s PMMA. This material is also used in aircraft canopies and windows, domed skylights, and windshields on boats as well as the stoplights and taillights on automobiles.

Compared to glass, the PMMA material is more transparent and therefore a better substitute when it comes to windows. While glass windows can become harder to look through when it’s made too thick, PMMA windows can be as thick as 13” and will still be transparent.

One shining example of the acrylic’s superior quality and structural integrity can be seen at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Northern California. The observation window of the aquarium’s Open Sea exhibit is one large piece of acrylic that’s 54-feet long, 15-feet high and 13” thick for.

“Big exhibits need big exhibit windows, and the Aquarium has one of the largest around. The acrylic window in the million-gallon Open Sea exhibit has a viewing area 54 feet long by 15 feet tall and 13 inches thick,” according to Monterrey Bay Aquarium, adding: “Most of the exhibit windows are made of acrylic, not glass, because acrylic panels can be made larger, lighter and more transparent than glass.”

In households, essential items such as sinks and bathtubs are often constructed out of this fine acrylic material as it makes for a smooth, non-porous exterior. To make a bathtub using PMMA the acrylic is molded into a fiberglass shell using a heat and vacuum system that’s later transformed into a single integral unit.

PMMA’s proven ability to be the best in terms of crack prevention and strength can be seen on full display among all of Kingston Brass’ acrylic tubs from the Aqua Eden Collection. One standout model is the Aqua Eden 67” Freestanding Tub.

Furthermore, many of Kingston Brass’ solid surface white stone products like bathtubs, apron front farmhouse sinks and vessel sinks also contain PMMA.

For more than 20 years Kingston Brass has worked to bring customers the finest products possible using only the best materials. That sentiment is made particularly apparent throughout the company’ line of acrylic tubs, which are made with the incomparable material that is PMMA.