No More Botched Cuts on Plastics & Acrylics!

PUBLISHED by EYE ON DESIGN

When cutting plastics and acrylics, achieving a clean, chip-free finish is crucial—especially for signage, displays, and precision fabrication. But without the right tooling, heat build-up, rough edges, and material chipping can become serious issues.

So, what’s the best CNC tooling for plastics and acrylics? Let’s break it down.

Why Standard Cutters Fall Short

Plastics and acrylics behave very differently from materials like wood or metals. Standard cutters often cause:

Heat Build-Up – Can melt or distort materials
Chipping & Cracking – Results in rough, uneven edges
Poor Surface Finish – Leaves marks that require post-processing

To get flawless edges and smooth cuts, you need tooling specifically designed for plastics.

The Right Tool for the Job: Single Flute Up Spiral Cutters

For clean, precise cuts, a single flute up spiral cutter like the CP Single Flute range is your go-to tool.

Minimises Heat Build-Up – Reduces melting and distortion
Low Friction Cutting – Prevents chips from sticking to the tool
Polished Edge Finish – Cuts smoothly with minimal post-processing

These cutters are designed to clear chips quickly while maintaining a cooler cutting temperature, which is essential for acrylics, polycarbonate, PVC, and other plastics.

The Right Tool for the Job: Single Flute Up Spiral Cutters

When to Use CP Single Flute Cutters

Our CP Single Flute tooling is ideal for:

Signage & Displays – Ensures clean, professional finishes
Precision Fabrication – Cuts tight tolerances without distortion
Acrylic Sheet Processing – Delivers polished, smooth edges

With the right feed rate, spindle speed, and tooling, you can eliminate chipping and reduce material waste, making your CNC process faster and more efficient.

Optimise Your CNC Setup for Plastics & Acrylics

Pairing the right tooling with the right settings makes all the difference. Keep in mind:

Higher spindle speeds (but not too fast—avoid melting!)
Lower feed rates for precision control
Sharp, high-quality tooling to prevent rough edges

Optimise Your CNC Setup for Plastics & Acrylics

Get the Best CNC Tooling for Plastics & Acrylics

Using the wrong cutter can lead to wasted materials, poor finishes, and frustrating rework. Investing in high-performance single flute cutters like our CP Single Flute range ensures perfect cuts every time.

Discover the perfect tooling for your CNC router today by visiting the CNC Tooling and Accessories section in the main menu or contact us for expert advice on the best solutions for your materials.