PMMA这个圈子，水比你想象的深。
同样叫“亚克力粒”，一吨价差能拉出小两千。便宜那档，熔指飘忽、透光发黄，做广告灯箱白天看还行，晚上一亮灯，色差一眼就露馅。贵的那档，正牌进口料一吨顶两吨用，可采购一翻报价单就皱眉。
中间夹着一档货，行话叫“副牌”。有人当捡漏，有人当烫手山芋。说白了，不是PMMA水太深，是很多人压根没搞懂副牌和回料的边界。这篇把这事说透。
亚克力这东西，头部产能攥在少数几家手里
PMMA学名聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯，老百姓叫亚克力、有机玻璃。它牛在透光率能到92%上下，比普通玻璃还透一档，硬度、耐候、表面光泽都在线，做灯箱、导光板、车灯透镜、医疗器械外壳都离不开它。
全球PMMA产能约316.6万吨/年，集中度很高，前几家海外厂占了大头。按产能口径看，三菱化学（含原三菱丽阳与璐彩特）、德国罗姆、中国台湾奇美这三家排在海外厂头部阵营，份额都在一成上下到一成三；阿科玛、住友、LG系紧随其后。你品你细品——这材料看着遍地都是，真正能稳定供货的，就那么几家。
副牌不是回料，别再被“便宜货”三个字吓住
先说清楚，副牌到底是什么。
副牌，是同一厂家、同一牌号产品里，出厂检验没完全达到正牌技术指标的那部分。同一批聚合产物，检验全过的贴正牌标签，个别指标小幅超标的，就是副牌。它还是原厂原生聚合粒子，分子结构和正牌一致，只是熔指、色相、透光、灰分这类指标差一口气。
它的来源就四个：装置开停车的头尾不稳定料、牌号切换的过渡料、工艺波动导致个别指标小幅超标的批次、副线尾料。
边界要划清：正牌全指标达标；副牌个别指标小幅偏离、基材同源；回料是加工边角料再造粒，已经受过一次热历史；再生料是废旧塑料回收，性能波动大。拿副牌当再生料骂，或者拿再生料当副牌用，都是外行。
三菱化学：把光学级PMMA做到全球头部
三菱化学这一家，得算上原三菱丽阳和璐彩特（Lucite International）。代表牌号商标是Acrypet，璐彩特系走Diakon。按2024年产能口径，三菱丽阳璐彩特系约占全球13%，排在头部。
它的强项在光学级：导光板、车灯透镜、显示面板，对透光、雾度、色差要求极高的活儿，它接得住。它的副牌，大多是光学级里色相或透光小幅浮动的批次，基材纯度高，做配色件、对色差要求不苛刻的结构件很合适。
罗姆Röhm：Plexiglas背后那个德国厂
一提Plexiglas，老采购都熟。这牌子现在归罗姆Röhm GmbH，德国厂。它的前身，就是赢创工业的甲基丙烯酸酯业务，2019年独立分拆出来。按券商研报口径，它产能约40万吨/年，和奇美、三菱咬得很紧。
它家副牌的特点是浇铸级、挤出级都有，耐候体系成熟。户外用、卫浴、建筑采光这一类，副牌只要耐候指标在线，性价比很实在。要提醒一句：户外件别只看价格，黄变起点这一项，副牌之间差别不小。
奇美实业：Acryrex，通用亚克力的老熟人
中国台湾奇美，PMMA牌号商标叫Acryrex，常见牌号CM-205、CM-207、CM-211这一类。按2024年产能口径，它约占11.28%，排在全球前列。
它家量大面广，走的是通用注塑、挤出路线。副牌多是色相略偏、熔指小幅浮动的批次，调色友好，做广告灯箱字牌、日用品、一般光学件很对路。懂行的都知道，做内件和配色件，奇美副牌省心。
买PMMA副牌，这三个坑别踩
头一条，别把“透光率”这一项让出去。PMMA的命就是透光，副牌可以接受色相略偏，但透光率掉太多，灯箱就发闷。
第二，熔指要对上你的设备。同牌号副牌熔指小幅浮动，对薄壁长流程件影响明显，进厂必测。
第三，分清大包装和小包装。量产走大包装，打样、小批量走小包装，别为了凑吨袋硬上你吃不完的量。
说到底，验收就一句话：熔指、透光、雾度三项进厂先测，同牌号留样，批次能追溯。
科隆仓库现货｜PMMA可溯
主推品牌：三菱化学、罗姆、奇美
主要牌号：Acrypet/Diakon、Plexiglas、Acryrex
包装规格：大包装、小包装均有现货
仓库现货通常在3000-6000吨：小包副牌备货500-800吨、箱装副牌备货200-400吨、大包料/吨包料备货2500-4800吨
供应保障：原厂原包直采
选型口诀＋一个成都的案子
给你一套能直接抄的口诀：
1. 做导光板、车灯透镜——认光学级，别省透光率；
2. 做广告灯箱、字牌——通用注塑副牌够用，重点验色相；
3. 做户外建筑采光——认准耐候级，副牌也要看耐候指标；
4. 做配色件、内件——普通副牌性价比高；
5. 熔指、透光、雾度三项进厂必测；
6. 量产走大包装，打样走小包装；
7. 同牌号留样，批次可追溯。
成都有家做广告灯箱与导光板的客户，之前为压成本掺了一批来路不明的“亚克力回料”，做出来的灯箱晚上亮灯后色差肉眼可见，整片街区十几个点位返工，损失近二十万。后来改用罗姆Plexiglas系副牌，按透光率和雾度逐批留样，色差投诉从高峰时段的8%降到0.5%以内，单灯箱综合成本还下来一成多。
这就是选料的分寸——不是越便宜越好，是把“亮灯之后会不会被看出色差”这件事在投产前锁死。宁波市科隆新材料有限公司做进口PMMA副牌多年，类似灯箱、导光板、医疗外壳的案子一年接几十起，说白了就是帮你把“白天看不出来、晚上露馅”这种坑，在量产前填平。
这一篇的核心就一句：PMMA副牌三步验——透光率先看、黄度指数再测、熔指对上薄壁件再下单。
互动：你被PMMA色差坑过吗？
做灯箱的、做导光板的、做医疗件的，谁没被色差坑过？
是亮灯之后整片偏黄？还是厚薄差导致一半暗一半亮？或者熔指不对，薄壁件干脆打不满？
In the PMMA circle, things are murkier than you think.
Also called 'acrylic pellets,' the price difference per ton can nearly reach two thousand. The cheap kind has unstable melt flow and yellowish transparency; it works okay for advertising lightboxes during the day, but once the light is on at night, the color difference is immediately obvious. The expensive kind uses genuine imported material, and one ton of it is equivalent to using two tons of the cheaper kind, but just looking at a procurement quote will make you frown.
In the middle, wedged in with a batch of goods, is what insiders call 'secondary brand.' Some people see it as a bargain, others as a hot potato. To be frank, it's not that PMMA is too complex, it's that many people simply don't understand the boundary between secondary brand and recycled material. This article explains this matter thoroughly.
As for acrylic, the production capacity at the top is concentrated in the hands of just a few companies.
The chemical name of PMMA is polymethyl methacrylate, which is commonly called acrylic or organic glass. Its strength lies in a light transmittance of around 92%, which is higher than ordinary glass. Its hardness, weather resistance, and surface gloss are all excellent, making it indispensable for light boxes, light guide panels, car headlight lenses, and medical device casings.
The global PMMA production capacity is about 3.166 million tons per year, with a high concentration, and the top few overseas manufacturers account for the majority. In terms of production capacity, Mitsubishi Chemical (including the former Mitsubishi Rayon and Lucite), Germany's Röhm, and Taiwan's Chi Mei are at the forefront among overseas manufacturers, each holding around 10% to 13% of the market; Arkema, Sumitomo, and the LG group closely follow. Think about it carefully—you can see this material everywhere, but in reality, only a few companies can supply it reliably.
Secondary cards are not recycled materials, don't be scared by the words 'cheap goods'
Let's make it clear first: what exactly is a sub-brand?
Sub-brand refers to the portion of products from the same manufacturer and the same brand number whose factory inspection did not fully meet the official brand's technical specifications. For the same batch of polymer products, those that pass all inspections are labeled with the official brand, while those with individual indicators slightly exceeding the limits are labeled as sub-brand. It is still the original polymer particles from the manufacturer, with a molecular structure identical to the official brand, only that indicators like melt index, color, transparency, and ash content fall slightly short.
There are only four sources: unstable material at the start and end of machine startup and shutdown, transitional material from grade switching, batches with slight exceedances of individual indicators due to process fluctuations, and leftover material from the secondary line.
Boundaries must be clear: the main brand fully meets all standards; the secondary brand slightly deviates in some indicators but has the same base material; reprocessed material is made by re-pelletizing scrap from processing and has already undergone one thermal history; recycled material comes from recycled plastic waste and has large performance fluctuations. Criticizing secondary brand as if it were recycled material, or using recycled material as a secondary brand, is amateurish.
Mitsubishi Chemical: Making optical-grade PMMA a global leader
Mitsubishi Chemical should be considered to include the former Mitsubishi Rayon and Lucite International. The representative brand trademark is Acrypet, while Lucite International operates under Diakon. According to 2024 production capacity data, Mitsubishi Rayon Lucite International accounts for about 13% of the global market, ranking among the top.
Its strength lies in optical grade: light guide plates, car lamp lenses, display panels; for tasks that require extremely high standards of light transmission, haze, and color difference, it can handle them. Its secondary products are mostly batches from the optical grade that have slight fluctuations in hue or light transmittance. With high base material purity, they are very suitable for making colored parts or structural components where strict color difference requirements are not necessary.
Röhm: The German Company Behind Plexiglas
When it comes to Plexiglas, the veteran buyers are familiar with it. This brand now belongs to Röhm GmbH, a German company. Its predecessor was Evonik Industries' methacrylate business, which was spun off independently in 2019. According to brokerage research reports, its production capacity is about 400,000 tons per year, competing closely with Chi Mei and Mitsubishi.
The subsidiary brand's特点 is that it has both cast-grade and extrusion-grade, and its weather resistance system is mature. For outdoor use, bathroom, and architectural lighting, as long as the subsidiary brand's weather resistance indicators are on point, the cost-performance ratio is very solid. One thing to note: for outdoor parts, don't just look at the price; in terms of the yellowing threshold, there is quite a difference between subsidiary brands.
Chimei Industrial: Acryrex, a familiar name in general-purpose acrylic
Chimei in Taiwan, China, has PMMA grades branded as Acryrex, with common grades such as CM-205, CM-207, and CM-211. According to 2024 production capacity data, it accounts for approximately 11.28%, ranking among the top in the world.
The company produces large volumes with a wide range, following the general injection molding and extrusion route. Its sub-brands are mostly batches with slightly off color tones and minor fluctuations in melt index, which are easy to color-match, making them suitable for advertising lightbox signs, daily necessities, and general optical parts. Industry insiders all know that for making internal parts and color-matched components, Chi Mei's sub-brands are worry-free.
Buying PMMA secondary brands, avoid these three traps
First point, don't give up on the 'light transmittance' factor. The essence of PMMA is light transmission; an off-brand can tolerate slight color deviation, but if the light transmittance drops too much, the lightbox will feel dim.
Second, the melting index must match your equipment. Slight variations in the melting index of the same grade and sub-brand can have a significant impact on thin-walled long-process parts, so it must be tested upon arrival.
Third, differentiate between large and small packaging. Mass production uses large packaging, while samples and small batches use small packaging. Don’t force yourself to buy more than you can consume just to fill a ton bag.
Ultimately, the acceptance boils down to one sentence: measure the melt index, light transmittance, and haze at the factory first, keep samples of the same grade, and ensure batch traceability.
Cologne Warehouse Spot | PMMA Traceable
Main recommended brands: Mitsubishi Chemical, Rohm, Chi Mei
Main brands: Acrypet/Diakon, Plexiglas, Acryrex
Packaging specifications: both large and small packages are in stock
The warehouse usually has 3,000-6,000 tons of spot goods: 500-800 tons of small-pack secondary brand in stock, 200-400 tons of boxed secondary brand in stock, and 2,500-4,800 tons of bulk/ton-packed materials in stock.
Supply Guarantee: Direct procurement from the original factory with original packaging
Selection mnemonic + a case from Chengdu
Here's a set of mnemonic formulas that you can copy directly:
1. Make light guide plates and car lamp lenses — ensure they are optical grade, don’t skimp on light transmittance;
2. Make advertising light boxes and signboards — standard injection-molded sub-brands are sufficient, with a focus on checking the color.
3. For outdoor building lighting—make sure it is weather-resistant, even sub-brands should be checked for weather resistance specifications;
4. Make matching parts and internal parts — ordinary secondary brands offer high cost-performance.
5. Melt index, light transmittance, and haze must be tested upon entering the factory;
6. Mass production uses large packaging, while samples use small packaging;
7. Keep samples of the same grade, with traceable batches.
There is a client in Chengdu who makes advertising lightboxes and light-guiding panels. Previously, in order to cut costs, they mixed in a batch of unknown-source 'acrylic recycled material.' The finished lightboxes showed visible color differences when lit at night, causing rework at more than ten locations in the entire block, resulting in a loss of nearly 200,000 yuan. Later, they switched to Rohrm Plexiglas subsidiary brand, keeping samples of each batch according to light transmittance and haze. Color difference complaints dropped from 8% at peak to less than 0.5%, and the overall cost per lightbox decreased by more than 10%.
This is the measure in selecting materials—not the cheaper the better, but to lock in whether 'color differences can be noticed after the lights are on' before production. Ningbo Cologne New Materials Co., Ltd. has been producing imported PMMA secondary brands for many years, handling dozens of projects a year for items like light boxes, light guide plates, and medical casings. Simply put, they help you fill the traps of 'looks fine in the day, reveals flaws at night' before mass production.
The core of this piece is just one sentence: The three-step verification for PMMA secondary brand—first check the light transmittance, then measure the yellowness index, and finally match the melt index with the thin-walled parts before placing an order.
Interaction: Have you ever been tripped up by PMMA color differences?
Those who make light boxes, light guide plates, or medical parts, who hasn't been troubled by color differences?
Is the whole area yellowish after the light is on? Or is it because of thickness differences, causing one half to be dark and the other half bright? Or is it due to incorrect molding, so that the thin-walled part simply cannot be filled completely?
