Need for a shatter proof replacement for glass led to discovery of Acrylic Glass chemically known as Poly (Methyl Methacrylate) or just PMMA. This material looks like glass but is not breakable. In reality it is a thermoplastic material making it lighter and almost shock proof. This is quite easy to cut and join simply by heating or by using Superglue. Originally it was marketed in 1933 but became popular during the war due to its use in the bombers of that time for better visibility.
Initially there were drawbacks; the Acrylic material is prone to scratching. However, with research modern Acrylic material has able to overcome such issues. Acrylic Sheets in India is quite easily available through a network of Suppliers and distributors.
Acrylic material is commonly used for viewing ports in variety of areas such as planes, submarines and ATC tower etc. It is also used frequently in Aquariums. This is commonly used by police to protect the officers in riot control vehicles to save them from hurled objects without compromising on the visibility.
Acrylic material is frequently used in medical industry to make implants to replace natural bone components etc. Acrylic lens have come as boon for cataract treatment. These days original lenses are removed and a Acrylic lens placed in its place to return the vision to the suffering patients. Acrylic along with other Polycarbonate Sheets in India is bringing revolution in the medical industry. Sometimes, these Polycarbonate Sheets are known just by their trade names like Makrolon and Lexan Polycarbonate Sheets.