Poly(methyl methacrylate), known commonly as acrylic, is a transparent thermoplastic polymer. Acrylic is a choice material for laser cutting due to the ease with which it is machined. Some desirable qualities of PMMA include high light transmission and the aesthetic appeal of transparency. PMMA is widely used for illuminated as well as non-illuminated display signs. Trophies and memorabilia often use cast acrylic as the base material due to the high visual contrast produced by engraving the material. Furthermore, acrylic is often used as a shatterproof glass substitute. It is more weather resistant than other plastics as polystyrene and polyethylene and therefore often found in outdoor applications.