Plastic post-processing: cutting and drilling

author: Universe plastic

2024-09-23

Cutting and drilling are common workflows in the post-processing of injection molded plastics. Different plastic materials have different hardness, toughness and brittleness. Appropriate methods and tools need to be selected during processing to ensure accuracy and surface quality.

Cutting and drilling plastics is a challenging process. The following Universe Plastics engineers share common techniques and precautions when cutting and drilling plastic parts.

Common tools and processing methods for plastic cutting

1. Laser cutting

Laser cutting is suitable for a wide range of plastic materials and provides very high precision and clean cut edges. Especially suitable for cutting thin sheets and complex-shaped plastics, such as acrylic (PMMA), ABS, PETG, etc.

2. Sawing

For thicker plastic parts, use tools such as band saws, circular saws, and jigsaws to cut them. Suitable for PP, PVC, ABS and other materials.

3. Band saw

Band saws are suitable for cutting thicker, larger plastic sheets and can handle straight or curved cuts.

4. Circular saw

Circular saw blades with fine teeth can be used to cut plastic. The fine teeth reduce debris and ensure a smooth edge.

5. CNC cutting

CNC machine tools are suitable for high-precision cutting and complex geometric shapes, and are widely used to process hard plastics (such as ABS, PC) and foam plastics (such as EVA).

Plastic cutting precautions

1. Cutting speed

Excessive speed may cause plastics to melt or burn, especially thermoplastics such as PP, PE and PVC. Therefore, the rotational speed and feed rate of the cutting tool must be controlled.

2. Cutting temperature control

Some plastics are very sensitive to temperature, such as acrylic. Excessive temperatures during cutting can cause the plastic to melt or cause rough edges. Therefore coolant (such as water or air flow) may be necessary during the cutting process.

3. Prevent cracks and burrs

When cutting harder plastics (such as PC, POM), cracks or burrs may appear. These problems can be reduced by using sharp tools and appropriate feed rates.

Common tools and processing methods for plastic drilling

1. Ordinary electric drill

A standard electric drill can be used to drill holes in most plastic materials, but choose a drill bit that is suitable for the plastic material. It is recommended to use a carbide or high-speed steel drill bit, which can effectively reduce the heat generated by friction, thereby preventing the plastic from melting. It is recommended to use plastic-specific drill bits, which have a smaller helix angle to help reduce heat build-up and chip accumulation. Twist drill bits are suitable for softer plastics (such as PVC, PP), but the drilling speed needs to be carefully controlled.

2. Manual drilling machine or bench drill

For locations that require precise drilling, use a hand drill or fixed bench drill to maintain hole location accuracy and depth consistency.

3. CNC drilling

CNC drilling is suitable for high-precision, batch processing scenarios, and can automatically complete drilling operations. It is especially suitable for engineering plastics and composite materials.

Things to note when drilling plastics

1. Drilling speed and feed rate

Excessive drilling speed can cause the plastic to melt and clog the drill bit. It is recommended to reduce the drill speed and use coolant or lubricant (such as water or air) to prevent excessive temperatures.

2. Pre-drilling and graded drilling

For large diameter holes, it is recommended to pre-drill the hole with a small drill bit first, and then use a larger drill bit to enlarge the hole diameter. This will reduce the risk of cracks and bit sticking.

3. Plastic fixation

When drilling, the plastic workpiece should be firmly fixed on the workbench to avoid vibration and movement and ensure the location and shape of the hole are accurate.

4. Prevent cracking

For brittle plastics (such as PMMA, PC, etc.), edge cracking is prone to occur when drilling, especially when the hole diameter is large. It is recommended to apply tape at the starting point of drilling, or use a smaller angle drill bit to reduce impact.

Summarize

Whether cutting or drilling, choosing the right tools, controlling processing conditions, and using a cooling system when necessary are the keys to ensuring the quality of plastic processing.

Dongguan Universe Plastic Factory has more than 15 years of experience in plastic manufacturing and processing. It has a professional team and advanced processing equipment, and can provide high-quality and cost-effective plastic manufacturing services.

If you are looking for professional plastic manufacturing and processing services, please contact us for the latest service information.

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