Dichroic Acrylic: A Guide to the Unique Color Shifting Material

Introduction to Dichroic Acrylic

Dichroic acrylic refers to a type of acrylic material that displays dichroic properties. This means that dichroic acrylics appear to change color based on the angle from which they are viewed. The optical phenomenon responsible for this property makes dichroic acrylic visually striking and appealing for a wide range of applications.

What Is Dichroic Acrylic?

Dichroic acrylic, sometimes called dichroic glass, is created by adding multiple ultra-thin layers of metallic oxides to molten acrylic material. Some of the metals used include titanium, zirconium, chromium, aluminum, silicon, magnesium, gold, and silver.

When light rays strike these metallic oxide coatings, certain wavelength bands become strengthened through interference effects while others become weakened. The result is an acrylic material that selectively transmits and reflects light to produce shifting colors depending on the viewing angle.

Unique Properties of Dichroic Acrylic

The dichroic effect in acrylic materials leads to some unique and desirable properties that make dichroic acrylic useful across domains like art, design, architecture, and more.

Some key properties include:

• Vibrant, multi-colored look
• Color shifts depending on angle
• Reflective metallic-like sheen
• Customizable color effects
• Highly transparent
• Durable yet lightweight
• Easily formable using heat

These attributes lend dichroic acrylic well to decorative items, lighting fixtures, jewelry, 3D art pieces, tableware, accents, and installations where visually-changing effects are desired.

Working With Dichroic Acrylic

There are several techniques used for shaping, molding, and finishing dichroic acrylic to bring out its best visual potential. Here is an overview of methods for working with this material:

Cutting and Sanding

Dichroic acrylic sheets can be precision cut to size using table saws, circular saws, laser cutters, or CNC machines. The cut edges can then be lightly sanded using fine grit sandpaper to remove rough areas. Gentle sanding also enhances the dichroic effect.

Polishing

After sanding, polishing using dichroic polish brings out a high-gloss, mirror-like shine from dichroic acrylic. Mechanical buffing or hand polishing works well. The polishing process enhances the metallic dichroic colors.

Gluing

Standard acrylic adhesives can be used for gluing dichroic acrylic pieces together. Solvent welding techniques involving solvent cements are also commonly used to fuse dichroic acrylic. Care should be taken to avoid over-exposure to solvent vapors released from cements and glues during the bonding process.

Thermoforming

Heating dichroic acrylic makes it highly pliable for reshaping using custom molds through a process called thermoforming. After slowly heating the material, vacuum pressure or mechanical force presses it into negative mold shapes to set curved forms and 3D shapes.

Applications of Dichroic Acrylic

The unique visual properties of dichroic acrylic lend themselves well to a variety of arts, crafts, design, and decor applications. Some popular uses include:

Jewelry

Dichroic acrylic is widely used in jewelry pieces ranging from pendants to earrings and bracelets. Its ability to reflect metallic rainbow colors makes it eye catching in jewelry design.

Decor Items

Home goods designers often incorporate dichroic acrylic elements into vases, tableware, lamps, clocks, wall art, and sculptures to add visual interest and color.

Architectural Accents

Dichroic acrylic adds aesthetic flair when used in building features such as color shifting tiles, decorative divider panels, light fixtures, balustrades, wall accents, and more in both commercial and residential spaces.

Event Decor

The vibrant colors and ambient lighting effects possible with backlit dichroic acrylic pieces make it popular for stage backdrops, trade show displays, exhibition designs, window displays, and event decor elements.

Lighting Fixtures

Lighting fixture designers often specify dichroic acrylic for lamp covers, chandeliers, sconces, and other fixtures to add hue changing effects. The transparency of dichroic acrylic also softly diffuses light.

Getting Dichroic Acrylic

Many specialty plastics suppliers offer standard and custom dichroic acrylic materials. Sheets, blocks, tubes, and rods can be purchased. Variations like double-sided dichroic acrylic for enhanced shifting effects are also available.

Aside from pre-manufactured stock, bespoke dichroic color patterns, sheet dimensions, and shapes can also be special ordered.

Dichroic acrylic is easy to work with for designers, artists, and fabricators. With proper cutting, polishing, molding, and installation techniques, it offers incredible creative possibilities for infusing color shifting radiance into projects spanning jewelry, lighting, architectural details, decorative items, art, and more.

FAQs

What causes the color shifting property of dichroic acrylic?

The color shifting effect in dichroic acrylic is caused by ultra-thin layers of metallic oxides that are vapor deposited onto the acrylic surface during manufacturing. These layers selectively reflect and transmit light rays to produce differing colors from various angles.

Does dichroic acrylic fade over time?

Properly cared for dichroic acrylic does not fade significantly over time. The color shifts are produced by the embedded metallic coatings rather than surface dyes or pigments, so the effects remain vivid for years unless directly exposed to abrasion or chemicals that can damage the dichroic layer.

Is it difficult to fabricate products with dichroic acrylic?

Dichroic acrylic is not much more difficult to work with than standard acrylic. It can be cut, sanded, polished, bonded with adhesives, thermoformed, and machined using similar techniques as regular acrylic plastic. Care must be taken to avoid overheating and exposing the dichroic coating to solvents.

Where is dichroic acrylic produced?

Germany and the United States have been among the early pioneers in dichroic acrylic technology and manufacturing since the 1950s. Today high quality dichroic acrylic is produced by suppliers globally including Europe, USA, Japan, China, and Taiwan before being distributed internationally.