Acrylic CNC Machining
CNC acrylic machining is one of the most common manufacturing techniques used to process this versatile material. But it can be challenging to work with. Fathom’s experts can help you optimize your part design and select the right materials and processes for best results. Fathom offers CNC services and expertise at multiple locations.
What is Acrylic?
Acrylic, also known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), is a clear polymer that’s often used as an alternative to glass. With a refractive index of 1.49, acrylic has even greater optical clarity than glass. It allows up to 92% of light to pass through it.
Acrylic is durable, abrasion resistant and impact resistant. It can also withstand a wide range of chemicals and it won’t deteriorate when it’s exposed to UV light. It’s not affected by high temperatures, which means it can withstand extreme weathering. That makes it a popular choice for outdoor applications.
It is also lighter and less expensive than glass.
These characteristics make CNC acrylic machining a preferred solution for prototyping and production. Acrylic is just one of the materials we machine as part of Fathom’s extensive CNC services.
Industries & Applications
Using Acrylic Parts
Acrylic CNC manufacturing is often used in industries like:
- Automotive
- Medical
- Lighting
- Electronics
- Construction
Applications of acrylic include:
- Windows
- Light fixtures and covers
- Greenhouse panels
- Motorcycle windshields
- Incubators
- Syringes
- Orthotics
- Surgical trays
- Clear medical enclosures
- Aircraft glazing
- Retail fixtures
- Displays, signs and badges
- Canopies
- Architectural facades
- See-through prototype models
CNC Acrylic Machining //
Process With Care
Acrylic is easy to machine and can be shaped using CNC mills and lathes. It can be cut into complex shapes. However, it must be processed carefully, because it is prone to stress cracking and crazing during machining and post-processing. CNC machining provides just the right amount of force to shape acrylic parts without damaging them.
For best results, use a bit that is specifically designed for acrylic cutting and use a feed rate and RPM that is optimal for your material, to prevent melting.
Acrylic becomes malleable when exposed to heat. That’s why CNC acrylic machining produces edges that need little or no post processing. It produces parts with excellent precision and repeatability and is much more efficient and cost-effective than manual machining of this brittle material.
Ask Our Experts
About CNC Acrylic Machining
CNC acrylic machining can be tricky because thin walls and certain types of complex geometries may cause it to crack. Other variables include the thickness and type of acrylic sheets, which are cast or extruded. Each type has advantages and disadvantages.
Fathom’s engineering experts will work closely with you to optimize your part design and recommend the right material and process for the best results with CNC acrylic machining.
If you have questions about acrylic or Fathom’s CNC services, ask a Fathom expert.
Choose Fathom for Acrylic CNC Machining
Fathom has the expertise and technology to meet your acrylic machining requirements.
Acrylic can be hard to machine successfully. You need a manufacturing partner that has plenty of experience with machining it successfully. Fathom’s expert engineers can advise you on design features to avoid for best results with acrylic. They can also recommend materials and processes for best results.
Fathom offers precision CNC machining services at several locations, backed by decades of expertise.
