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What is acrylic glass/Plexiglass?
Acrylic glass is known as a clear thermoplastic. It is often used as a feathery and shatter-resistant option to normal glass. Despite this, it is not technically a type of glass, yet it is still categorized as acrylic glass.
Acrylic sheets are the organic synthetic polymer of methyl methacrylate. This material first came in to being in 1928 in high-end laboratories by highly competitive scientists. It was brought to the market for the first time in 1933. Acrylic sheets are often preferred because of its multiple benefits and its sturdiness.
Similarly, Plexiglas is also a clear thermoplastic. It is different because it is a type of acrylic glass. Although it is quintessentially clear, it can be colored into various hues to make it appealing. Hence, acrylic glass has different names. Each of them has different properties, and these properties are worth trying for different needs.
Is Acrylic is safe or not?
Ideally, any glass should be handled by professionals to prevent any mishandling and unforeseen events. However, if you believe you are a brave soul who can delve into anything, perhaps this is it. Get your gloves out and get ready to explore your hidden talents.
Best Ways To Cut Acrylic Glass/Plexiglass Yourself
The truth is, acrylic glass is all the rage in the modern-day, and it is so for the right reasons. Whether you are a DIY fanatic or a professional builder, acrylic glass is sought out by every person. Moreover, this popularity stems from the wide variety it offers. Choose it as clear plastic or a colored one! It has glass-like clarity, strength, and resistance. Hence, working with acrylic sheets is interesting but not difficult.
All you need to cut these acrylic sheets are power saws, acrylic dowels, and hand saws. So, are you ready to find out the procedure?
Cutting with a hand saw
Mostly, people prefer to cut their acrylic glass using a hand saw. However, this technique demands absolute and unwavering attention. A concentration that must stick to the acrylic glass. Therefore, it is advisable to use a saw with uniform and even teeth to achieve that perfect look.
Cutting with a scoring knife
Perhaps, this is one of the easiest methods to cut an acrylic glass. This process does not require the usage of any power saws or any other heavy-duty electrical machinery. Nevertheless, to complete this process certain measures and steps are required. So, firstly, mark the area of the sheet you want to cut. Make sure the lines are straight.
Next, using a scoring knife, cut a fine groove in the acrylic sheet. Scoring works best on acrylic sheets with a size of than ¼ (6.3mm) or less. Further, place the sheet over the sturdy edge with the scored side up. To assure that it stays put, secure the sheet if needed. Turn the overhang side of the sheet with prompt and even motion. Make sure you are vigilant in this part because one tends to make mistakes here. As the sheet bends, the score will intensify, and the crack will propagate through the sheet. Hence, this bending process will result in the separation of two pieces with relatively straight, clean and proper edges.
And voila! Your acrylic glass has broken into two pieces!
Cutting using a jigsaw
A highly recommended and preferred tool for cutting acrylic sheets is a jigsaw. This is a small handheld tool that can cut the sheet with a straight blade by functioning up and down in a fast motion. However, if you intend to cut the acrylic into a non-linear way, then jigsaw is the answer to all your woes?
It helps to achieve precise results by accurately cutting the edges into similar curves and angular forms. It is advised to experiment with the fixing of a particular machine to get the maximum results. If done so currently, we assure you, your acrylic glass will cut as required.
Cutting using a band-saw
Cutting an acrylic glass/ plexiglass with a band saw is not that difficult after all. A band saw is ideal for cutting complicated shapes and curves. While using a band saw, it is significant to properly select the blade and feed rate of the machine. These steps are essential to minimize the risk of melting and breaking of the sheet. So, a band saw works best with a thickness of 0.472 inches or more. This helps to achieve clean and proper edges while retaining the edges of the material.
Cutting with a laser
Laser systems are an apt way to achieve a sophisticated and defined cutting of the acrylic glass or plexiglass. This is a highly recommended option to cut the desired design. When connected to a computer, the laser cutter works miraculously.
It works fine with a printer to replicate the design/ image on the piece of acrylic glass. On the other hand, if you need to create intricate, detailed and highly creative shapes with acrylic then using a laser is highly recommended.
So, if you are skeptical of your skills, behold! Cutting an acrylic glass or plexiglass is no big deal. This process is not difficult and requires no special skills or tools either. Some dealers may provide you with the exact sizes and shapes you require, but not all can do so. Very often, you may face an issue of undesirable outcomes. So, why suffer when you can do it yourself?
Further, knowing the procedure of cutting an acrylic glass can save your time, energy and even money. Full sheets often cost lesser than smaller pieces, so save up the extra ones for other times. Small shelves in the house could be covered using the leftover acrylic glass sheets.
Plexiglass and acrylic glass sheets come in various sizes and thicknesses. Ranging from one-tenth to an inch up. Generally, an acrylic glass used for glazing has a thickness of one-tenth in total. Always remember, the thicker the panel, the more shatter-resistant and sturdy it is. So, if you are looking forward to sturdy and durable plexiglass, order a thick one.
Whether you choose the sawing or scribing method to cut acrylic glass, you will need to be careful. This process might not be too dangerous, but anything to do with some sort of glass needs utmost concentration. In both cases, cutting should be done with a protective paper on every side. In fact, the protective paper should not be removed until all the work is done, and it is actually installed. While glazing, one has to peel the paper off to put the sheet in its place.
For newbies, we absolutely recommend resorting to scribing. Scribing tools are readily available everywhere and we kid you not; the process is easy and safer than you think. For all those trying to cut acrylic glass or Plexiglas for the first time, worry not. This guide can help you get through most of the cutting part. So, get ready to be your own hero, and install acrylic glass wherever you want.
