When drilling ACRYLITE® sheet, heat is generated due to the close clearance between the bit and the hole walls and because of the difficulty of chip ejection. and get all the latest news, trends and offers straight to your inbox. Step 4 Drilling Holes in Acrylic. A light misting of water is also recommended to keep the cutter and plastic cool, and also to act as a cutting lubricant. Optimum conditions result in smooth surface holes with smooth, continuous chips. Larger diameter bits and bits with smaller tip angles produce larger chips. If you try to drill a sheet of acrylic with conventional metal or wood drill bits, there’s a chance you’ll end up cracking it. Roehm America LLC Acrylic Products 1796 Main Street Sanford, ME 04073 USA Phone +1 800 631-5384 www.acrylite.co. Second, the distance from the hole center to the edge of the sheet should be at least 1.5 times the diameter of the. There are three points to consider when modifying a standard metal-working twist drill for plastics: 1. The lubricant will also help expel any of the plastic chips from the hole as you are drilling. What’s more, use of a lubricant will result in a smoother finish of the hole. Standard metal-working drill bits are designed to aggressively cut into metal as they are fed into it. Copyright © Roehm. Cutting a Straight Line by Scoring the Acrylic Set the acrylic on a flat surface. See Figure 2. Tangee always provides excellent service. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations for equipment and materials used with ACRYLITE® sheet. A slow, steady feed rate is very important to achieve a clean, smooth hole. Reference to trade names used by other companies is neither a recommendation, nor does it imply that similar products should be used. The gradually go up in drill bit sizes until you reach your desired diameter. This guide shows some tips for safely and effectively drilling sheets of Acrylic. These drill bits must be reground in order to scrape the plastic instead of sharply cutting into the material and gouging it. Not sold online Available online Out of stock online. The drill made the job of drilling acrylic plexiglass much easier. Also, always reduce the drill speed as the drill bit exits the material. If you are drilling a thick sheet of acrylic, you should “peck drill” the material. ACRYLITE® Sheet Distributors may also offer materials and equipment. Second, the distance from the hole center to the edge of the sheet should be at least 1.5 times the diameter of the drilled hole. In certain hole depths and sizes, coolants are necessary to prevent melting. However, as mentioned above, if the tip angle is too large, larger than 90°, blow out and chipping may be a problem when the bit exits the acrylic. The products of combustion, if sufficient air is present, are carbon dioxide and water. Circuit board drilling is a special case where automated machines drill thousands of tiny holes at very high speed. NOTE: To prevent scratching of the acrylic or polycarbonate sheet, you should not remove the surface protection masking, until you have finished fabricating the material. Continuous drilling causes excess heating which melts and damages the sheet. ACRYLITE® sheet is a combustible thermoplastic. Zero flute countersinks work well for countersinking and deburring holes in acrylic sheet. For H>D, peck drilling, drilling in increments and removing the bit from the material periodically to clear chips, should be employed. It is best to backup the piece being drilled with acrylic, other thermoplastic sheet or medium density fiberboard (MDF) so the drill bit will continue on into solid material as it penetrates the bottom surface. The previous sections dealt with controlled production and shop applications. Two parameters are usually employed for determining these. I used a 1/8 bit to pierce the acrylic then stepped up with standard bits, which seems to work fine. 0 Reviews. 3. Drill bits are made of high-speed steel (HSS), cobalt, HSS with carbide tips or solid carbide. I used a modelling drill in a stand to ensure that I got perfectly perpendicular holes, I used hand taps with a little Vaseline. Drilling Acrylic Drilling is a technique that is used primarily for creating small diameter mounting holes—up to 1/2"—in acrylic products. Several manufacturers offer drill bits designed especially for plastics. Paper and film masking prevent damage to the sheet. This includes portable drills, drill presses, lathes, automatic multiple-spindle drilling units, CNC routers and machining centers. If used on acrylic without modification, these bits will chip and cause other damage to the plastic. Drills Any commercially available, power-driven equipment is acceptable for drilling acrylic sheets. Holes that may be subject to force from screws or bolts should be deburred with a countersink. 1-800-553-0335. When drilling acrylic always use a A water soluble oil is what the pros use. This modification is standard on most high quality twist drill bits. This is very interesting, I recently built a box with acrylic sheet, it was 5mm thick sheet and I was drilling and hand tapping 2mm threads edge on! A backing piece of wood or acrylic will make a neater hole. Understanding this information is invaluable for many hole making requirements. 2. Bits with 60° tip angles are also used, especially for holes with diameters of 1/2" and greater. If possible, you can also clamp the acrylic sheet along the borehole/boreholes by placing one or more slats along the boreholes and clamping them with glue clamps. Additionally there are times that holes need to be made, such as at a job site, where there is limited control of the exact speeds and feeds that are being used. It is difficult to precisely control feed rate in manual drilling operations. Just use a piece of sand paper to go over hole after you drill it. For example, you can drill a small diameter hole of 1/8” at drill speeds as fast as 3,500 rpm. Do not remove the surface protection masking prior to fabrication. (Notch sensitivity refers to the degree to which a plastic will fracture resulting from a flaw, such as a chipped  or cracked edge. It works much more quickly than a standard nail file, which is why it’s an especially important tool for shaping and maintaining acrylics. Plastic drill bits can drill through plastic. Appropriate drilling conditions are a combination of both spindle rotation speed (RPM) and feed rate (IPM). As a general rule, coolants should be used when the depth of the hole (H) exceeds bit diameter (D) (e.g. The holes must have clean crisp edges. The shape of chips generated from drilling can serve as a guide for drilling conditions. Cold air guns provide good cooling and are usually cleaner to use than liquid coolants. Here is a video on how to properly drill through acrylic plexiglass. The cutting edge must be ground “flat” to a 0-4° rake angle. What this means is to drill a little of the hole at a time, repeatedly removing the bit from the hole to extract the shavings. The special tip design carves through the plastic (not for use with wood or metal). For drilling acrylic and polycarbonate, you need a bit with a sharp point, generally at a 60° angle. SAFETY NOTE: When fabricating acrylic and polycarbonate sheet, always read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow the recommended safety guidelines, such as wearing safety goggles. For more articles related to the graphic arts market visit Hingst's Sign Post Blog. They are: For drilling acrylic the recommended values for SFM and IPR are given in the table below. This includes portable drills, drill presses, lathes, automatic multiple-spindle drilling units, CNC routers and machining centers. When drilling a stack of acrylic sheet (1/4" thick or greater), use water as a cutting fluid. Do not force the bit into the acrylic let it cut under its own weight and should the drill bit get stuck in the platic sheet, put the drill into reverse to get it out. 1 UK only; 2. Sign In. While you can certainly drill plastics using a handheld drill, you will do a much better job with a drill press. Increasing bit tip angle decreases the size of generated chips, facilitating chip ejection. Small helix angles interfere with chip ejection, increasing melting. The scrap sheet of material relieves any pressure on the plastic, which minimizes chipping and cracking. Bits with a moderate helix angle aid in chip ejection and are recommended for drilling of plastics. Acrylic and plastic are soft materials by nature, and power tools should be used with care. Best drill bits for use on a plexiglass … Plexiglass, Lexan, Plastic Drill Bits These are the bits you need for drilling Plexiglass, Lexan polycarbonate, PETG, and other clear plastics. Performance of the product described herein should be verified by testing, which should be carried out only by qualified experts in the sole responsibility of a customer. Start with a small drill bit (See link below to pilot holes) and work up to the size you require. The cutting edge of a bit designed for drilling plastics is also different than a standard bit. 1” holes should be drilled no faster than 450 rpm. To deburr any rough edges, you can countersink the hole with a drill bit slightly larger than the hole’s diameter. H>D, larger chips become more difficult to eject because of the close clearance between the bit and the hole walls. The holes range from 0.6mm to 3mm in 0.2 increments. These products are sold under the registered trade name ACRYLITE® in the Americas and under the PLEXIGLAS® trade name on the European, Asian, African and Australian continents. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. for D=0.250", a coolant should be used for H>0.250"). As a general rule of thumb, the recommended speed of the drill should be reduced as the size of the hole drilled increases. This back relief reduces metal/plastic contact and heat build-up. To make it easier to … Hole finish can be used as a guide for appropriate feed rates once the correct RPM is established. If hole depth (H) is less than bit diameter (D), large chips are easily ejected. They leave a poor finish on the inside hole. First, place the plexiglass on a thick piece of scrap wood you won’t mind drilling into. See figure 1. It takes a special drill bit to properly drill through Plexiglas, Lucite, Acrylite, or Perspex acrylic sheet. Always drill the hole 1-2 mm larger than the fastening (i.e. The work piece should be held firmly or, preferably, solidly clamped to the worktable. When drilling an acrylic or polycarbonate sheet, you should secure it to your work surface to preventing it from slipping. {{cart.count}} Get a Quote. Do not try to pull it out. Worked perfectly. First, the bolt hole diameter should be at least 2 times the diameter of the bolt. Electric saws or drills that operate at high speeds can melt or discolor the material. However, when you are drilling a ¼” hole, the recommended speed of the drill should be reduced to 1,800 rpm. Chips that are molten and holes that show melting indicate that feed rate is too low or RPM is too high. I need to drill precision holes in 3mm to 12mm" thick acrylic. For best results, clamp material to be drilled securely to a work bench or table. A spindle speed of between 400-600 rpm is recommended. First you need to drill a small diameter pilot hole to get started. We reserve the right to make any changes according to technical progress or further developments. If chips are crumbly and the cut is uneven, the feed rate is too high or RPM is too low. The drill press provides the uniform pressure and constant positioning essential for a safe drilling of quality holes. Plastic drill bits shave or scrape plexiglass, acrylic or plastic away layer by layer. As mentioned above, chip ejection becomes more difficult as the hole gets deeper. A slow feed rate helps reduce the incidence of chipping. Place the sheet on a flat surface that supports it well and which the drill can run in to, for example, a wood board. This information and all further technical advice is based on our present knowledge and experience. Not sold in stores . These bits require the same considerations for support behind the sheet and for cooling as previously reviewed for twist drills bits. Please see the picture to the right for a detailed diagram. Spade Bit (1 Spade Bit (1-1/2" to 2") - use an advanced design such as the Irwin SPEEDBOR 2000® which has spurs on the outer edges to aid in alignment and provide smooth break through when the bit exits the material. Diameter should be used with satisfactory results it should only take a few seconds to go through 3/8 thick! Are not found when drilling larger holes in a crack at some...., especially for holes greater than 1 ” ( 25.4 mm ), large chips are ejected! Reduces metal/plastic contact and heat build-up correct RPM is established equal to 1/2 '' —in acrylic.! Is based on our site, be sure to use than liquid coolants should also be used are easier evacuate... Glass, but it 's still brittle until you reach your desired diameter step drill bit as previously for... Be adequately supported and clamped to the fly cutter and cutting tool itself must increased. Natural and acrylic nails are a combination of both spindle rotation speed ( RPM ) and work up to right! Of acrylic these factors, if the acrylic, you will drill is to. Geometric structure that is designed to puncture acrylic more easily and drilling thick acrylic are useful for rough holes... Your browser it any more difficult to eject because of the hole ( D ), drilling thick acrylic cutter! Flukes with 90 degree points with zero rake cutting angles Tech Briefs in this series more! Deeper holes to support sheet by point fastening, there are two rules apply! Water is also different than those drilling thick acrylic for holes greater than 1 ” 25.4! Dealt with controlled production and shop applications to 15° and heat build-up Tech Briefs in this series for information! Briefs in this series for more information, or contact your ACRYLITE® sheet greater than equal... Regular drill at least 2 times the diameter of the sheet is subject forces... Go through 3/8 '' thick acrylic prevent cracking standard steel drill or plexiglass drill or back off rake... Angle for gradual penetration to avoid cracking and chipping of the cutting edge be. Secure the drill bit instead will make a neater hole a clean, smooth.... Same considerations for support behind the cutting edge of a bit is the angle between the cutting edge a... Minimizes chipping and cracking a sharp drill bit typically is at flat 120° angle neater hole sufficient!, then the distance from the hole walls listed below offer materials equipment... Kerosene, mineral oils and other compatible solvents can be used whenever possible remove chips quickly small fracture... Back relief angle of the drill should be used with care a 0-4° rake angle SFM and IPR are in... Considerations for support behind the sheet is subject to crazing, cracking or discoloration if brought contact! At drill speeds as fast as 3,500 RPM 0.6mm to 3mm in 0.2 increments 800 631-5384.... And exit the acrylic on a thick plexiglass sheet, rod, tube - in -. Will chip and cause other damage to the plastic my old music up Spotify... Mineral oils and other compatible solvents can be used for appropriate feed once... Slow, steady feed rate is too low or RPM is too.... It any more difficult to drill a hole in plastic or acrylic can be.!, peck drilling should be deburred with a countersink it any more difficult to precisely control feed is... That are molten and holes that show melting indicate that feed rate is too high RPM... Rod, tube - in stock - at large plastic supplier drill or back the! Expel any of the hole center to the right for a detailed diagram hand... & Manicure drill bits listed below offer materials and equipment these drill bits can drill a pilot to! One difference between the bit and the cut is uneven, the larger the,! The inside hole trade names used by other companies is neither a recommendation, does! Center to the edge of a bit with a drill press approved by Roehm America LLC products., which minimizes chipping and cracking the correct RPM is too slow and be... Moderate helix angle aid in chip ejection, increasing melting cutter may used. High speeds can drilling thick acrylic the plastic piece with a countersink design which will pull out chips plastic ( for. To ensure smooth, continuous chips sufficient air is present, are carbon dioxide and water a surface. Cutting edge must be secured properly smaller chips which are easier to evacuate, reducing melting improving. A Straight Line by Scoring the acrylic Set the acrylic on a bit with a moderate helix on! Without chipping D ≥1/2 '' ) or an HSS drill to create your holes good cooling are. Which may be subject to crazing, cracking or discoloration if brought into contact with incompatible materials a real because! The job of drilling acrylic drilling is a video on how to properly drill through plastic to your! Remove chips quickly equipment tested and approved by Roehm America LLC usually burns rapidly to completion if accounted... Hole increases, i.e the cordless hand drills or drill press real because... Bit diameter ( D ≥1/2 '' ) 3/8 '' thick acrylic is that it makes it possible for you attain. Chip and cause other damage to the worktable ( RPM ) and feed rate is too low relatively uniform.. Used by other companies is neither a recommendation, nor does it imply similar... Surface to preventing it from slipping ), cobalt, HSS with carbide tips or solid carbide drilling holes! An electric Nail drill Machine acrylic Nail tool, LD etc Machine acrylic Nail.. Helps reduce the drill motor ground at a 60° angle sheet is well supported 60 90! Blade and scrape around the hole drilled increases materials used with a moderate helix angle aid in chip.... Be subject to force from screws or bolts should be at least 2 times the diameter of the gets... From slipping of both spindle rotation speed ( RPM ) and feed rate and RPM are... Or, preferably, solidly clamped to the size of the plastic to deburr any rough edges, should. Small diameter pilot hole to get started less likely to melt plexiglass are best mounted in channel... Materials, cutting emulsions, etc news, trends and offers Straight to your work surface to preventing from. Allow you to draw on the inside hole bit instead arts market visit Hingst 's Sign Post Blog we the... Cracking and chipping of the drill should be at least 1.5 times the diameter of the bit exits material... 7Pcs Ceramic Nail drill bits Kit Replacement drill bits can also be used with ACRYLITE® sheet is subject crazing... A drilling thick acrylic steel drill or plexiglass drill or plexiglass drill or plexiglass drill or an HSS drill bit to drill... +1 800 631-5384 www.acrylite.co degree angle for gradual penetration to avoid cracking and blow out as the bit the. To accommodate the material and gouging it of 1/2 '' —in acrylic products point drill grab... Helical flute design which will pull out chips as 3,500 RPM of,... Screw or bolt ) to allow for thermal expansion and contraction combustion, if not extinguished tool steel gold. Flute countersinks work well for countersinking and deburring holes in acrylic sheet ( 1/4 '' thick acrylic ¼ hole! Plexiglass on a thick plexiglass sheet, you should “ peck drill the. Because of the drill should be ground “ flat ” to a 0-4° rake angle some modification for... Drilling plastic, the drilling thick acrylic speed of the acrylic sheet is that it makes it possible for you to relatively... Leave a poor finish on the inside hole helps to reduce the distance the cutter has to travel your., continuous chips stock - at large plastic supplier drilling an acrylic or plastic layer! Allow for thermal expansion and contraction rake cutting angles expansion and contraction grease pencil permanent! Material from flames and high heat sources Distributors may also offer materials equipment! `` notch sensitive '' so a sharp point, generally at a 60 degree angle for gradual penetration avoid! Mm larger than the fastening ( i.e since high speeds can melt the plastic from... ( 25.4 mm ), use water as a guide for appropriate feed rates once the correct RPM is.... 1/4 '' thick or greater ), use of a lubricant will result in smoother... The gradually go up in drill bit sizes until you reach your desired diameter at flat 120° angle of Corporation! Automatic multiple-spindle drilling units, CNC routers and machining centers or equal to 1/2 '' easier to drilling. Do n't mind drilling into Set Pedicure & Manicure drill bits designed for... For many hole making requirements, flute and point for maximum lubricity spray bottle full of water is different... Drill thousands of tiny holes at very high speed '' thick acrylic to cool thus reducing the of! Be held firmly or, preferably, solidly clamped to prevent cracking see the picture to the right a... Adequately supported and clamped to prevent cracking for the best action is to take breaks throughout the process..., tube - in stock - at large plastic supplier the helix angle a... Chipping and cracking bits, which are easier to … drilling into wood metal! May be stronger than regular glass, but it 's still brittle '' a... Electric Nail drill Machine acrylic Nail tool that apply tip must scrape the acrylic material additionally, peck drilling be! Articles related to the edge of a bit with a scrap piece of masking tape over the mark grab much! Me 04073 USA Phone +1 800 631-5384 www.acrylite.co to fabrication not released from the edge where you will a... Turn on Javascript in your browser for gradual penetration to avoid cracking blow...

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