{"id":11134,"date":"2024-01-22T06:18:25","date_gmt":"2024-01-22T06:18:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rallyprecision.com\/?p=11134"},"modified":"2025-09-28T18:12:58","modified_gmt":"2025-09-28T18:12:58","slug":"guide-dusinage-cnc-acrylique","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rallyprecision.com\/fr\/guide-to-acrylic-cnc-machining\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide d'usinage CNC acrylique\u00a0: techniques, astuces et outils"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t

\n\t\t\t\tA Guide to Acrylic CNC Machining: Techniques, Tips, and Tools\n\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t

The crossroads where technology and adaptability meet is called Acrylic CNC machining<\/strong><\/a>. The process, central in creating PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate), shows the unidentified other side of acrylic – a renowned material that is remarkably transparent, tough, and flexible.<\/p>\n

In this guide, you will better understand the implementation of CNC drilling, milling turning, and engraving on acrylic and its detailed assessment of PMMA material. This article aims to provide you with practical tips, tools, and best practices to ensure a detailed understanding of acrylic CNC machining processes.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Acrylic\n\t\t\t

1. Material Properties of Acrylic (PMMA)<\/h2>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t

Acrylic, known by its chemical name polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)<\/a>, is unique in the CNC machining world. This artificial polymer is renowned as an elite strength and optical transparency alloy. Capitalizing upon the advantages of this material, acrylic CNC machining<\/a> makes it possible to produce high-quality components that stand out with their beauty and accuracy.<\/p>\n

The general applications range from intricate designs to durable parts because of this material’s flexibility. The adaptability of acrylic in different industries is reflected through the CNC machined parts. The advantages of PMMA are its resistance to wear, in combination with optical transparency, which does not make it inferior as a material for specialized machining projects.<\/p>\n

Now, let us review some of the technical characteristics of acrylic.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"CNC\n\t\t\t\t

1.1 Acrylic Technical Data Sheet:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Property<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Unit<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Value<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Specific gravity<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

g\/cm\u00b3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1.19<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Water absorption<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

0.2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Max service temperature (\u00b0C)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

(\u00b0C)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

75-90<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Light transmission<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

>92<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Tensile strength at yield (MPa)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

MPa<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

70<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Elongation at break (%)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Flexural strength (MPa)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

MPa<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

125<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Modulus of elasticity (MPa)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

MPa<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

3300<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Vicat softening temperature (\u00b0C)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00b0C<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

105 – 118<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Heat deflection temperature (1.80 MPa)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00b0C<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

65 – 100<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Coefficient of thermal expansion (K<\/strong>\u207b<\/strong>\u00b9 x 10<\/strong>\u207b<\/strong>\u2074)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

K\u207b\u00b9 x 10\u207b\u2074<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

0.7<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Volume resistivity (\u03a9<\/strong>\u22c5<\/strong>cm)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u03a9\u22c5cm<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u226510\u00b9\u2075<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Surface resistivity (\u03a9)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u03a9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u226510\u00b9\u2075<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Flammability<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

–<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

UL 94 HB<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

UV stabilization<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

–<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\t\t\t\t

1.2 Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate – A Short Comparison<\/strong><\/h4>\n

As opposed to Polycarbonate<\/a>, acrylic (PMMA) is a better choice optically of 92% light transmittance it retains as the best suitable option for these applications where relies on optical clarity solutions. It reveals better UV stability, so it’s not going to yellow over time in the long run, which outdoor use is important. It adds to the attractiveness of acrylic that it is resistant to a variety of chemicals, as its lower weight and price also contribute towards this. Moreover, it can be easily polished for aesthetic purposes and comes in different colors, making the design aspect even more diverse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Property<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Acrylic (PMMA)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Polycarbonate (PC)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Optical Clarity<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Superior (92% light transmittance)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Good (slightly lower than acrylic)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

UV Resistance<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Excellent (no yellowing)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Less (can yellow over time)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Chemical Resistance<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Good against inorganics, oils<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Sensitive to some chemicals<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Weight<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Lighter<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Heavier<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Cost<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

More affordable<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

More expensive<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Aesthetics<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Easily polished, various colors<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Less versatile in color options<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Outdoor Suitability<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

High (due to UV resistance)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Moderate (can degrade with UV)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

So, if you’re looking for material that looks good and holds up well, pairing acrylic with the pinpoint accuracy of CNC machining<\/a> is a winning combo.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

2. Precision Processes for CNC Acrylic Machining<\/h2>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t

The precision processes, such as detailed milling, drilling turning and engraving in the CNC acrylic machining<\/a> play an important role towards getting high accuracy fine details on finished parts.\u00a0In this section, we will dive into the detailed processes that come along with shaping acrylic using CNC machines.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Acrylic\n\t\t\t\t

2.1 CNC Drilling Acrylic: Techniques and Tips<\/strong><\/h4>\n

CNC drilling acrylic requires a strategic approach to maintain the material’s integrity while achieving precise holes.<\/p>\n

Here are key considerations to enhance your CNC drilling acrylic experience:<\/p>\n