How to Cut Perspex at Home
Perspex is rigid and brittle. Compared with glass it does not shatter easily, and it is even used for machine guarding; it is considered an ideal replacement for glass around children (child safety gates) and even meets aviation standards.
The following article explains how to cut Perspex at home, with small and large Perspex sheets.
Let’s start with the preparations for cutting Perspex:
Buy Perspex sheets 2–3 mm thick, have a black marker ready for marking the sheet, and get a measuring tape.
For cutting – a special Perspex-cutting knife / carbide-tipped saw / metal diamond disc / utility knife (suitable for 2 mm thickness)
For rounding corners – a file / emery cloth / sandpaper
For sanding – sandpaper
1. Leave the protective film on the Perspex until cutting is finished
From the moment you buy the sheet, leave the protective film on the surface.
Perspex is hard to break, but it can be scratched.
That is why all Perspex sheets are sold with a protective film attached to the surface, to protect it during transport
2. Place the sheet on a clean work surface
3. Take measurements for the cut
Mark the part you are going to cut with a black marker.
4. Just before cutting
Place the part you marked outside the work table (parallel to the floor, in the air)
and clamp the other part to the table with a bench clamp or a heavy block to stop it moving.
5. Start cutting
With a special knife for cutting Perspex, a carbide-tipped saw (table saw), a metal diamond disc, or a utility knife (– suitable for 2 mm Perspex). Start cutting the sheet with the marked part outside the work surface.
6.For smooth edges
Sand with sandpaper. If you want to round the corners, emery cloth or a file will do the job.
Now you can remove the film and clean the Perspex
[wp-svg-icons icon=”gift” wrap=”i”] Tips
Depending on their size, Perspex sheets can be heavy, so support them fully so they don’t sag and bow.
Perspex should be cut at an even pace; if you slow down or stop halfway, burn marks may appear on the surface of the material.
Make sure the work area is well ventilated and, if necessary, wear a respirator.
Don’t feel like learning how to cut Perspex at home? We’ll be happy to do it for you – you can always contact us on 09-7657079
All rights reserved to Shivuk Shay Perspex Industries and the world of laser.