6 Tips on Polycarbonate Sheet CNC Cutting with High Degree of Accuracy

Accuracy of carved polycarbonate products is not just inherent to the CNC machine but also dependent on how the machine is used.

People wholly relying on the notion that some machines are more accurate than others are an epitome of the proverb “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.”

One has to consider several points for a highly accurate?CNC cutting polycarbonate sheet. Some tips for achieving a perfectly carved PC product are detailed below:

1.Make a rough cut

Polycarbonate being a flexible material is likely to compress under CNC cutting and spring back once the pressure is reduced. Therefore, it is better to band the jigsaw to the approximate shape before trimming the PC sheet. The approximate shape should be an oversized version of the actual shape to reduce the spring back at the final cut, thereby helping to achieve an accurate imprint.

2.Create a balance between spindle and feed speeds

Softer plastics are best routed with lower spindle speeds ranging from 12,000 rpm to 18,000 rpm along with a high feed speed. This approach generates a chip and reduces churning of waste materials during?CNC cutting. The mixing of waste materials is responsible for heat build-up and reduction in the surface quality of PC sheets due to the weld back of the waste. Drawing out dust from the router also helps to improve the quality of the cut.

3.Use small cutting tools to engrave a thin pattern

The correct size of cutting tools plays a vital role in the polycarbonate sheet CNC routing process. Using large tools on teeny-weeny patterns will affect the accuracy and finishing of the product. Therefore, to achieve high-accuracy results when inscribing a thin pattern, use small cutting tools with tiny angle and nose.

4.Eliminate problems with high-quality tools

Possessing supreme quality tools should be your first priority in the polycarbonate CNC cutting process. Tools that break quite often require immediate attention. The breakage could be due to incorrect carving settings, such as rail and motor precision, plate material hardness, and fixture.

5.Don’t be in a hurry

Tasks done in haste will ruin the product for sure. For maximum results, use small shank tools with low-power spindle motors and a cutting speed that is sufficient to maintain minimal resistance in high-speed milling.

6.Maintain CNC cutting/routing data

Good bookkeeping will help you avoid chaos, maintain a healthy warehouse of tools, and achieve a higher degree of accuracy when cutting a PC sheet. You can create a spreadsheet listing all the tools you have, outlining their geometry, and making a note of the measurements you have taken in the previous projects.

In addition to the aforementioned tips, frequently checking up on your computers and their software is essential. Many a time, the CNC machines are fine, but your computers end up being the real culprits. So, in case you are wondering the reason for not achieving that flawless inscription on your polycarbonate sheet, it’s time to handcuff your computers.

If you are developing a product, and looking for a reliable manufacturing partner, Honyo prototype?is always here to work with you.??

From offering a free quote, comprehensive design for manufacturing review, producing your parts in-house with carefully inspected raw materials, to multiple finishing services and careful final inspection, we offer complete manufacturing solution under one roof.Let’s?push?this?forward

[email protected] whatsapp:86-13530642995