Acrylic is a notable material in CNC machining. CNC machining acrylic is well-known for its wide range of significant advantages. Right from the capability to produce complex parts to achieving excellence in accuracy, acrylic CNC machining is the right choice in the arena of machining.
This blog will try to reveal the reasons that make acrylic a standout choice in CNC machining. Moreover, we will also look into the reasons that led to the popularity of a CNC machining company in Chennai for acrylic machined parts.
Key Features and Benefits of CNC Machining Acrylic
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which is commonly called Acrylic is a rigid and thermoplastic substance often used as an alternative to standard glass. This clear polymer is recognized for its transparency and strength and is widely used for applications that demand improved durability and clarity, for example: safety glasses.
There are various grades of acrylic used in CNC machining acrylic and each one will have its own set of specific properties, making them best for certain applications.
Unique features that make acrylic a popular alternative to glass:
- 50% Lightweight than glass
- Highly machinable
- Very affordable
- Extreme impact resistance
- Versatility
- Easy availability
- Surface Hardness
About the material
- Transparent or opaque in an unfinished state
- You can get it in black, white, and various colours
- Scratch-resistant plastic
- eco-friendly
- 100% recyclable
- Extremely tough
Before we move to explore more about CNC machining acrylic, let us look into the properties of the material.
| Properties | Value |
| Density | 1.17 to 1.20 (g /cm3) |
| Tensile Strength | 72 to 80 MPa |
| Tensile Modulus | 2,500 to 3,000 MPa |
| Softening Temperature | 100°C to 115°C |
| Resiliency | Good |
| Melting point | 2300C |
| Elongation a break | 20-55% |
Why CNC machining to cut acrylic?
Typically there are numerous manufacturing processes ideal to cut acrylic. However, CNC, (Computer Numerical Control) machining is considered optimal as it utilizes precise cutting tools to cut and shape the raw material into desired parts.
When speaking about CNC machining acrylic, it is an extremely precise process and is also known for quick and effective results. Since acrylic is a strong and rigid substance, CNC machining is regarded as the process of cutting the material.
Multi-point cutting tools, like 5-axis CNC machining, can move along various axes and this allows the machining process to cut from diverse angles and give you unparalleled precision. Acrylic comes under the group of high-performance plastics. The high impact resistance of the material that requires optimal handling strength proves that a CNC unit is the right solution for cutting.
Reasons that make CNC machining acrylic an excellent choice for varied applications
- Material Compatibility
Acrylic is a thermoplastic and is good with CNC machining. With the help of advanced CNC machining, it is possible to fabricate and shape acrylic to desired finished parts.
- Improved production rate
When it comes to cutting acrylic, CNC machining is the perfect solution. This is especially true when manufacturing smaller batches of acrylic parts. When compared with conventional manual processes, acrylic CNC machining is fast and efficient.
- Produces precision parts
CNC-machined parts are extremely precise and can achieve tight tolerances. Particularly when cutting rigid materials like acrylic, CNC machining acrylic is the ultimate solution.
- Uniformity
CNC machining is fully automatic and computerized. This means you can expect to replicate precision in all parts. CNC machined parts are highly reliable in values and dimensions and thus acrylic cutting using CNC machines ensures uniformity in outputs.
- Reduced waste
Acrylic cutting using CNC machining ensures applying a sufficient amount of force indicating that there is no irreversible damage. Apart from the best sides of quick and precise parts, CNC machining for acrylic avoids more wastage in the manufacturing process. In addition, the life span of acrylic components is improved.
CNC machining Acrylic – Various machining operations suitable for acrylic
The versatility of acrylic makes it optimal for an array of CNC machining processes, which include:
CNC Milling Acrylic
This is a very adaptable machining for acrylic and it involves removing acrylic materials by using a rotating cutting tool. This process enables the achieving of complex and 3-D shapes.
CNC Turning Acrylic
In this process, materials are removed from the acrylic workpiece which is revolving and the cutting tool involved possesses a single rotating point. This is ideal for producing symmetric shape parts.
CNC Drilling Acrylic
This precise method is helpful in creating holes in acrylic materials. CNC drilling acrylic helps in creating clean and burr-free holes.
CNC Engraving Acrylic
This approach is used for etching detailed graphics, patterns and text into the material surface. This could stand for adding aesthetics or functional features to the part.
Benefits of using CNC machined acrylic parts
Thanks to the CNC machining acrylic, this go-to material offers a range of advantages.
Transparency
Acrylic components allow up to 92% of light rays to pass into them. This increases the transparency of the parts than certain thermoplastics and glass grades.
Weather resistance
Acrylic can withstand extreme environmental conditions such as prolonged exposure to heat, wind and rain. Thus these parts are ideal for outdoor applications.
UV Stability
Acrylic parts have high resistance to UV light exposure. Hence, applications such as open-air exposure can use CNC machining acrylic parts.
Ease of machining
Acrylic is very easy to cut and shape. When comparing other materials, acrylic CNC machining is cost-effective and efficient.
Surface Hardness
The lightweight, hard and durable acrylic possesses superior dimensional stability. The surface hardness properties ensure the longevity of the parts.
Applications of Acrylic CNC machining
Automotive and Transportation
The properties of the material like impact resistance and clarity have a dominant role in the automotive and transportation sector. Applications such as instrument clusters, light covers and interior accents can be achieved with CNC machining acrylic.
Construction and Architecture
The UV resistance of the acrylic parts makes them ideal for various applications in the construction industry such as canopies, building doors, facade designs and window profiles.
Medical
Acrylic components are pure and also easy to clean. Hence they are highly beneficial in applications such as cabinets, incubators and various medical devices.
Aerospace
The lightweight and sturdy characteristics of acrylic components make them fit for the aerospace sector to fulfil accurate specification requirements.
Consumer Electronics
The durability and aesthetic appeal of the material allows the production of sleek and durable parts such as touchscreen, enclosures and protective covers.
Conclusion
Though acrylic is highly appreciated for its diverse useful characteristics, yet, the challenge lies in cutting the material with a cautious approach. CNC machining acrylic makes this task effortless and seamless. Acrylic is one of the best materials to be processed with CNC machining. PMMA, polymethyl methacrylate or acrylic offers various industries a broad range of benefits if it is combined with CNC machining.
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