What kind of drill bit do you use to drill plexiglass?
Diamond Dusted Drill Bits The bits come with a 60 degree points and 0 degree rake. Diamond dusted bits are good for stack drilling or drilling multiple layers of plexiglass or plastic materials.
Can you drill acrylic plexiglass?
It is possible to drill acrylic with regular metal drill bits; however, the likelihood of melting, chipping, cracking or breaking the acrylic is much higher. Ensure you go slow, stop often to cool the drill and always support the sheet.
What drill bit works best for plastic?
spur-point bits
The most effective drill bits for plastics are spur-point bits, also known as dowel bits. They are specifically angled to make smooth cuts in the material. A spur-point bit has a central point and spurs that keep the bit aligned, maintaining a clean, neat hole.
How do you drill an acrylic sheet without cracking it?
Drill the panel with a piece of solid material (i.e. timber) beneath the Acrylic for support. Try to keep firm downward pressure (hands or clamps) on the panel whilst drilling through to avoid the Acrylic lifting or pulling up the drill bit suddenly. Turn off any hammer setting on the drill. Drill all holes slowly.
Do you need a special drill bit for acrylic?
It takes a special drill bit to properly drill through Plexiglas, Lucite, Acrylite, or Perspex acrylic sheet. Metal drill bits will not work as they are made to bite into the metal as they are pushed into it. If they are used on acrylics they will chip and cause other damage to the plastic.
Does acrylic crack when drilled?
Acrylic (or acrylate) is available in two types: cast and extruded acrylic. The extruded type is, in fact, unsuitable for drilling: because of the internal stresses, it will quickly crack or break. Drilling it is not impossible, but great caution is required.
What kind of drill bit to use with Plexiglas?
Conical drill bits are perfect for use with thin PLEXIGLAS® sheets and PLEXIGLAS® corrugated sheets and tubes. These result in slightly conical holes, which prevent chipping on the exit side of the hole.
Do you have to wear safety goggles when drilling plexiglass?
Wear safety goggles. Acrylic chips can easily fly off during drilling and be a health hazard. Buy a plexiglass drill or plexiglass drill bits that can be used with a regular drill. These bits have a different geometric structure that is designed to puncture acrylic more easily and they are less likely to melt plexiglass.
What should feed rate be for plexiglass drill?
Aim for a feed rate of about 3.5 inches (89mm) per minute. Acrylic drill bits will produce plastic shavings. Once they start to surround the drill bit, you can stop and remove them to get a better view of what you are doing.
What’s the best way to drill a hole in plexiglass?
Place your plexiglass sheet on top of a piece of scrap plexiglass, (one that is already ruined), or a piece of Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF.) This will make it less likely that you will chip the back of the board or scratch it when the drill bit goes through. Clamp both sheets to a secure surface.