Some useful tips for cutting plastic acrylic using a router or cnc machine are discussed in this video.
Cutting acrylic sheet with router.
If you don t have one of several types of power saws available to use if you have a router it is possible to cut plexiglass with it provided you have the correct blade designed to make a flush cut a variable speed router when done right will cut plexiglass the heat generated by both power saws and router bits is enough to melt some of the plastic polymer material that comprises plexiglass.
This requires a polishing bit to finish it off even if you can.
These bits are made especially for cutting acrylic.
We recommend using a bit that is specifically designed for cutting acrylic.
Place the router base onto the plexiglass.
This will ensure that the acrylic is fastened as solid as possible which will minimize any movement flex or vibration.
Insert the acrylic cutting bit into the router and lock it into place.
Using your ruler as a guide run a plastic scoring blade along the cutting line trying to make one continuous line with gentle even pressure.
When routing in multiple passes on thicker materials there will be a line in the finish for each pass you cut through the acrylic.
Guideline 2 use the right bit.
You will never get the best results using wood bits to cut acrylic as cutting and chip removal is key.
Adjust the length of the router bit so that it cuts completely through the thickness of the plexiglass sheet.
When cutting acrylic you won t get the best result using wood cutting bits as cutting and chip removal.
Pull the blade towards you along the line.
Here a few tool options for cutting acrylic.
Make sure the cutting attachment is cutting straight up and down and not at an angle.
With a steady hand you can cut plexigla.
Score the line in the acrylic with a plastic scoring blade.
Cutting acrylic with your industrial cnc router step 1.
Follow the line in front of the tool instead of concentrating on the cutting edge itself this will help to stay in a straight line.
Freeze material for an hour before cutti.
Routers can be used to cut acrylic for both curved and straight cuts.
Begin cutting along the line you made when preparing the acrylic sheet.
For best results use another tool like.
Make sure that the acrylic is held down securely.