For best results use another tool like.
Cutting acrylic sheet with a router.
Clamp down the straight edge on the cut line.
The router is guided around a precut template pattern that is fastened to the acrylic sheet.
First of all use a similar rpm.
Below are 8 important guidelines.
Adjust the length of the router bit so that it cuts completely through the thickness of the plexiglass sheet.
However there are some basic things you need to know in order to ensure success and give you a smooth finish when cutting acrylic on your stepcraft cnc system unlike wood acrylic will have a sweet spot in terms of speeds feeds and depth per pass that you want to be aware of.
Cutting acrylic with your industrial cnc router step 1.
Make sure that the acrylic is held down securely.
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.
All you need is a thin acrylic sheet a straight edge that is longer than your cut clamps and a scoring knife.
The actual machining of acrylic on a cnc router is in many ways similar to machining polycarbonate.
Pull the blade towards you along the line.
Here a few tool options for cutting acrylic.
These bits are made especially for cutting acrylic.
Cutting acrylic by hand is the easiest way to go for a beginner who isn t familiar with power tools.
The template is typically held to the sheet using vacuum or two sided adhesive tape.
When cutting acrylic you won t get the best result using wood cutting bits as cutting and chip removal.
The majority of acrylic blanks are milled.
Place the router base onto the plexiglass.
Clamps may also be used to hold the template to the material and moved when necessary.
Score the line in the acrylic with a plastic scoring blade.
Insert the acrylic cutting bit into the router and lock it into place.
Routers can be used to cut acrylic for both curved and straight cuts.
Templates can be made from plywood fiberboard or rigid plastic.
This is the most common method and since saw blades are easy to find it s a great option for everyone.
Once you ve fixed acrylic into place it s time to cut to the chase so to speak.
