Acrylic CNC Services
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About Acrylic CNC Machining
Acrylic is a thermoplastic, which means it can be melted and modified without losing its basic material properties. One of the main advantages of acrylic resin compared to other transparent plastics is that it does not discolor from prolonged exposure to sunlight. In addition, it is lighter and more impact-resistant than glass. One of the key weaknesses of acrylic compared to glass is that it is not suitable for high temperature applications.
Acrylic is an optically clear, lightweight, UV stable plastic with excellent strength and stiffness. These properties make it an ideal substitute for glass in many applications. Acrylic processing is widely used in the automotive industry as well as in the field of test and measurement.
Acrylic At a Glance
| Application | Acrylic is mainly used as a low-cost and lightweight glass alternative. Applications include instrument dial covers and vehicle lamp covers. |
| Advantages | High impact resistance, optically clear, retains clarity with exposure to UV light |
| Disadvantages | Easily scratched |
| Lead Time | Lead time is generally a minimum of 3 days. However, this can increase depending on availability or if the parts are to be internationally manufactured. |
| Price | $ |
| Tolerances | Machining tolerances of 0.010” (0.25 mm) are achievable. |
| Wall Thickness | A minimum wall thickness of 0.03” (0.8 mm) is achievable. This can vary depending on the ratio of wall thickness to planar dimension. |
| Max Part Size | The maximum size of the part is determined by the machines available and the complexity of the part. |
Acrylic
Acrylic is a tough material with many advantages over glass. First of all, acrylic can be very easy to process while glass cannot. This gives you the option to manufacture acrylic CNC parts when the task requires complex geometry and a high level of optical clarity in the final part. The clarity of acrylic makes it ideal for inspection Windows, chemical test hardware and instrument covers.
General Acrylic Properties
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Shore D) | Heat Deflection Temperature (°C) | Melting Point (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-85 | 1-85 | 90 | 73-109 | 102-122 |
Finishes
Surface treatments are rarely applied to CNC machining of acrylic acid, as most affect the inherent optical properties of the material. If a coating is required, choose one that enhances these properties.
After forming: Any visible tool marks will appear as swirls.
Sandblasting: The acrylic surface is sandblasted to reduce visible tool marks.
Custom polishing: Acrylic can be polished for additional clarity.
Cost-saving Design Tips
Acrylic is an easily available material, but care should be taken to design within the limitations of available materials, as described below.
Design standard size: Acrylic acid is usually supplied in sheets of varying thickness, as well as in extruded forms such as tubes and solid rods. If the required part is too large, consider splitting it into multiple parts and then gluing or fastening it together after machining.