a process for polymerizing acrylic monomers is disclosed . the process involves providing a reactor which is generally in the shape of a screw type reactor having temperature control means thereon . the reactor is continually charged with a supply of acrylic monomers having a viscosity of 10 poises or less at ordinary temperature . the acrylic monomers are continually moved through the reactor by turning of the screw within the reactor in order to cause the acrylic monomers to continually contact renewed surfaces within the reactor . the temperature in the reactor is controlled within two or more zones within the reactor in order to increase the viscosity of the acrylic monomers in the reactor by rapid polymerization within an initial area and then allow polymerization to proceed to one or more additional areas in the reactor to a prescribed rate of conversion . polymerized product is continuously removed from the reactor .