Precision and durability are key parameters in today’s first-impression manufacturing world, especially when working with diverse materials like acrylic. Acrylic (also called PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate)) is one of the few plastics that can serve as a true asset in its highly transparent plastic offering stunning optical clarity, high strength and resistance to UV radiation and weathering. No matter what type of application, whether it be medical equipment, lighting solutions, display panels or building forms, CNC machining acrylic offers excellent accuracy and finish with unsurpassed ability over any complex part.
As Shibaura has worked with many materials, such as Acrylic, certain qualities set the standard. In this blog post, we focus on CNC machining for cutting and milling acrylic and how it’s used in more advanced, demanding applications.
Why is CNC Machining Acrylic Most Preferred?
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining provides very good accuracy for acrylic cutting. It thus reduces the risk of stress cracking (and crazing) from conventional methods of manual or laser cutting, and in fact, acrylic-cutting by CNC gives a difference between the two techniques in terms of speed and control.
CNC manufacture of acrylic offers;
Great dimensional accuracy
Fine, polished surface finishes
Less wastage due to controlled material removal
Repeatability for large production runs
Whether it’s a prototype or running into production, it ensures repeatable quality that the medical, electronics and automotive industries have come to expect.
CNC Milling Acrylic: Right Tools for Right Results
CNC Milling Acrylic requires a very sharp tool that is maintained very precisely. Carbide tools are generally the go-to type for durability and surface finish without melting the acrylic. O-Flute End Mills are designed specifically for plastic and have good chip flow. There’s a lot less chance of cracking or a poor surface finish from their design.
When planning to cut or mill acrylic, keep in mind:
Modern geometry: Rake angles must be around 5 degrees, and clearance angles must be 2 degrees.
Ramp down entry: If you are going to do plunge cutting, you need to avoid ramping and use it as a way to reduce tool pressure and cut the material away.
Coolant or air blast: An air blast in a gentle manner is not necessary for every application, but this can be used to clear the chips and keep the acrylic cool, therefore preventing surface defects.
Key Considerations When CNC Machining Acrylic
To get an absolutely perfect finish and accurate measurements, you should follow these tips:
1. Choose the Right Type of Acrylic
Different types of acrylic materials have different hardness, impact resistance and optical properties. You should choose the right material for your application – whether you need it for optical devices, medical devices or display panels.
2. Adjust Feed Rate and Spindle Speed
The feed rate has a direct relation to the cutting quality. If the feed rate is high, chipping may occur, or the part may be dislodged. If the feed is too slow, melting or crazing could occur. Finding the balance keeps the cuts smooth and reduces wear for the tool.
3. Ensure the Tools are Aligned Correctly And Set Correctly
Cutting tools must be set to the right rotation and depth of cut. If this is done wrong, you will have poor finish quality or a loss of feature accuracy.
4. Only Use Sharp, New Tools For The Task Assigned
Do not use worn tools or tools that have worked on metals in the past. Dull and chipped tools lead to poor finishing and stress the acrylic. Dedicated tools ensure a clean edge and high clarity.
Applications of CNC Acrylic Cutting
Due to its transparency and strength, acrylic CNC machining is utilized in innumerable industries:
Medical: Flow meters, incubators, test kits, surgical trays
Electronics: Protective screens, LED housings
Construction: Skylights, window panels, decorative installations
Retail & Signage: Displays, POS stands, illuminated signs
These components will require exceedingly high accuracy and aesthetic quality, both delivered through CNC machining.
Trust Shibaura for Expert CNC Acrylic Machining!
At Shibaura Machine India, we couple state-of-the-art CNC machinery with profound material knowledge, assuring that your acrylic parts are delivered with the utmost precision and reliability. We manage every detail in the CNC machining acrylic process, from tool selection to feed rate optimization.
Our CNC experts will assist you in selecting the ideal machining strategy and acrylic grade for your needs, whether for custom prototyping or large-scale production. Contact us now to see how our CNC machining services can take your next acrylic project to the next level.
