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6 Most Popular Methods for Cutting Acrylic Sheets

24/05/2023

 

6 Most Popular Methods for Cutting Acrylic Sheets

Acrylic is a commonly used transparent thermoplastic material in various applications, including signage, displays, furniture, and craftsmanship. Cutting acrylic or acrylic panels allows for the creation of desired shapes, sizes, or pieces according to specific requirements. There are diverse cutting methods depending on the nature of the work and its importance. Here are the equipment used for cutting according to the work's characteristics and importance:

1.Utility Knife

A utility knife is a portable tool due to its small size compared to other equipment. However, it cannot cut acrylic deeply in one go and requires multiple passes to create a deeper groove. It is suitable for cutting thin acrylic sheets and is commonly used in conjunction with a straight edge for guiding.

2. Jigsaw

The jigsaw is another popular tool for cutting acrylic. It can cut acrylic along the intended line. The blade used is made of metal, allowing it to cut both thick and thin acrylic sheets. It can cut curves, straight lines, or follow a traced pattern. The drawback is that it requires post-processing to clean up the edges using sandpaper.

3. Circular Saw

A circular saw requires a carbide blade to ensure a smooth surface and prevent cracking.

For thin acrylic sheets (1mm-3mm), a blade with at least 80 teeth is required,
while for thick sheets (10mm and above), a blade with at least 40 teeth is needed.

This method allows for excellent waste removal, and it can cut only straight lines and rectangles. Post-cutting, the edges should be smoothed using sandpaper.

4. Grinder

When using a router, a thin or diamond-coated cutting bit is recommended for cutting acrylic. It requires skill to achieve a smooth finish, which depends on the capabilities of each individual. Routing can be time-consuming and may result in a frosted appearance and less appealing surface. It is suitable for trimming sizes and less detailed work.

5. Laser Cutter

Cutting acrylic with a laser cutter is a precise method commonly used. A high-powered laser is used to melt and vaporize the acrylic along the desired cutting path. It requires AI, CDR, or DWG files for design specifications. The laser cutter can create curved shapes, intricate designs, and smooth edges. It can cut acrylic sheets of any thickness.

6. CNC

For acrylic cutting, CNC machines are programmed to move cutting tools through the acrylic sheet according to the desired design. CNC cutting provides precision, accuracy, and the ability to create complex shapes as per the requirements. It requires CDR and AI files from a computer. It can cut acrylic sheets of various thicknesses, but the sheet needs to be securely held to avoid movement.

 

 

Precautions for Cutting Acrylic

Safety precautions should be taken when cutting acrylic
- Wearing protective goggles
- Gloves
- Dust masks.
- Perform in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling smoke.
- Use adhesive tape to protect the acrylic surface from scratching during the cutting process.

Before attempting to cut acrylic, it is advisable to practice cutting small scraps or seek professional services from experienced individuals who have expertise in working with acrylic materials to achieve the desired results.



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