Customers
Served
Parts
Manufactured
Countries
Shipped
Manufacturing
Partners
CNC machining produces parts with excellent mechanical properties, accuracy and repeatability from metal and plastic. 3-axis & 5-axis CNC milling available.
Excellent mechanical properties,High accuracy & repeatabillity
Greater geometry restrictions than 3D printing
Price | $ |
---|---|
Lead Time | < 10 days |
Wall Thickness | 0.75 mm |
Tolerance | ±0.125mm (±0.005″) |
Max Part Size | 200 x 80 x 100 cm |
Ultimate tensile strength (MPa) | 55 - 83 |
---|---|
Yield strength (MPa) | 64 -80 |
Young's modulus (modulus of elasticity) (GPa) | 2.76 - 3.3 |
Elongation at break(%) | 3 - 6.4 |
Hardness (Rockwell) | 64 - 105 |
Density (g/cm³) | 1.19 |
---|---|
Maximum service temperature(°C) | 70 - 80 |
Thermal expansion coefficent (10-6/°C) | 50 - 90 |
Thermal conductivity (W/(m⋅°C)) | 0.19 - 0.2 |
Common applications | Displays , Signages |
Clarwe provides a wide range of surface finishes through its acrylicmachining service, designed to elevate the quality of each machined component. Each finish is specifically chosen to improve both the mechanical characteristics and the visual appeal of the acrylic parts.
Acrylic is a durable synthetic material widely utilized across numerous industries, from construction to signage. It is known for its transparency and high clarity, providing an alternative to glass with the added benefit of being less prone to breakage. Acrylic is lightweight and easily shaped, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, such as windows, displays, and protective barriers. Its ability to resist UV light and environmental conditions ensures its longevity, even when exposed to outdoor elements.
In addition to its industrial uses, acrylic is also favored for its rapid-drying properties and vibrant pigmentation when applied in various production processes. It can be easily manipulated to create different textures and effects, and it adheres well to a variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, and plastic. The material's versatility, combined with its cost-effectiveness and ease of use, makes it a popular choice in both manufacturing and commercial settings, where durability and clarity are essential.
CNC machining of acrylic encompasses several processes, including cutting, milling, drilling, and engraving, each designed to achieve precise results for various applications. In the cutting process, CNC routers or laser cutters are typically used to shape acrylic sheets to specific sizes, with careful adjustments to feed rates and spindle speeds to prevent damage like melting or chipping.Milling is used to shape acrylic into complex forms by removing material with rotating tools to produce grooves, cavities, and contours. Drilling operations ensure accurate hole placement, requiring specialized bits to prevent cracking, while controlling feed rates and ensuring proper cooling are essential to avoid overheating. Engraving involves removing material from the surface to produce detailed text, logos, or patterns, often using small engraving tools or lasers.
To achieve high-quality results when machining acrylic, careful attention must be given to factors such as tool speed, sharpness, and cooling techniques. As acrylic is athermoplastic material, heat buildup can lead to issues like warping or melting, so controlling these factors is crucial. The proper selection of tools, such as high-speed steel or carbide bits for drilling and engraving, along with air cooling or mist systems, helps maintain the integrity of the material. By adjusting machining parameters according to the type of acrylic—whether cast or extruded—CNC machining ensures the production of precise acrylic components for a variety of industries, including signage,automotive, and consumer products.
Post-processing of acrylic is an essential step to ensure the final product meets quality and aesthetic standards. Common post-processing techniques include polishing, sanding, and cleaning.Polishing is used to restore the clarity and shine of acrylic surfaces, which can become dull or scratched during machining. This can be done using polishing compounds and buffing wheels to achieve a smooth, glossy finish. Sanding is typically performed to remove any rough edges or surface imperfections after cutting or milling, with various grit sandpapers used to gradually smooth the surface. After sanding or polishing, the acrylic is thoroughly cleaned to remove dust, debris, or residues from the post-processing steps, ensuring that the final product has a clean and polished appearance.
In addition to polishing and sanding, other post-processing methods may include heat bending or gluing. Heat bending involves applying controlled heat to the acrylic to bend it into a specific shape without causing it to crack or deform. Gluing is used for assembling multiple acrylic parts or attaching acrylic to other materials, where specialized adhesives for acrylic are employed to form strong, durable bonds. These post-processing techniques help to refine the final product, enhancing both its functionality and visual appeal while ensuring that it meets the required specifications for use in various industries.
High Transparency: Acrylic is known for its optical clarity, making it ideal for applications requiring transparency, such as windows, display cases, and lenses.
Good Weather Resistance: Acrylic has excellent resistance to UV radiation, which makes it suitable for outdoor applications without fading or degrading over time.
Lightweight: Acrylic is lighter than glass, making it easier to handle and install, while still maintaining similar strength and clarity.
High Impact Resistance: Although more fragile than polycarbonate, acrylic offers better impact resistance than glass, making it suitable for use in environments where shattering could be a concern.
Ease of Machining: CNC machining acrylic allows for precise cutting, engraving, and drilling, creating intricate shapes and features with smooth edges and fine details.
Durable Surface Finish: Thesurface finish of CNC machined acrylic is highly smooth and glossy, which enhances its aesthetic appeal in applications such as signage and decorative pieces.
Good Chemical Resistance: Acrylic has good resistance to many chemicals and is easy to clean, making it suitable for use in food displays and cleanroom applications.
Versatility: Acrylic can be used for a variety of applications, from functional components to artistic designs, offering flexibility in design and function.
Cost-Effective: Acrylic is relatively affordable compared to other transparent materials like glass orpolycarbonate , making it an economical choice for many applications.
Automotive Applications: Acrylic is used in theautomotive industry for components such as headlights, taillights, and interior trims, offering both clarity and strength.
Medical Equipment: Acrylic is used in medical applications for parts such as housings and protective barriers due to its durability and ease of cleaning.
Furniture and Interior Decor: Acrylic is used in furniture pieces, partitions, and decorative elements due to its aesthetic appeal and ability to be machined into various shapes.
Aquarium Tanks: Acrylic is often used for aquarium tanks and enclosures because it is lighter than glass and offers superior clarity and strength.
Lighting Fixtures: CNC machined acrylic is used in the production of lighting components, such as light diffusers and covers, due to its light transmission properties.
Optical Lenses: Acrylic is used to produce optical lenses for applications like glasses, cameras, and other optical devices due to its excellent transparency and ease of machining.
Windows and Protective Covers: Acrylic is used for windows, protective covers, and glazing in various industries, offering strength and clarity while being lighter than glass.
Signs and Logos: CNC machined acrylic is widely used for signage, including illuminated and outdoor signage, due to its durability and clarity.
Display Cases: Acrylic is commonly used in retail and museum display cases for its clarity, allowing customers to view products or artifacts clearly.
Yes, acrylic is naturally UV resistant, making it suitable for outdoor applications. It helps protect against sun damage, preventing yellowing and degradation over time. This UV resistance makes acrylic ideal for signage, windows, and outdoor displays. However, prolonged exposure to harsh UV conditions can eventually affect its clarity, though it lasts longer than many other plastics.
The best machining practices for acrylic include using sharp tools to prevent chipping and cracking. It's important to maintain a slow feed rate and moderate cutting speeds to minimize heat buildup. Cooling with air or mist can help avoid melting and ensure a clean cut. Additionally, using a low flute count in drills and milling tools helps achieve a smooth surface finish.
The typical surface finish for CNC-machined acrylic is smooth and clear, often achieving a glossy appearance. Depending on the machining process, it can have a slightly textured or matte finish. After machining, additionalpolishing can be done to enhance its transparency and clarity. For a more refined look, the edges can be flame-polished to give them a high-gloss finish.