Plexiglass, sometimes also called polymethylmethacrylate, Acrivill, Altuglas, Deglas, Limacryl, Lucite, is a polymer that is often used to replace glass. It is impact resistant and is used in construction when a strong but lightweight plastic is needed. Unfortunately, when subjected to certain strains it can be fragile, so it must be handled and processed with care. There are many safe working tools and techniques and just as many that must be avoided in order not to break or melt the plexiglass. This article will tell you how to drill it.
Steps
Step 1. Put on safety glasses
Splinters of acrylic can splash in the air during processing and become dangerous.
Step 2. Buy a specific drill or bits suitable for plexiglass but which can be used on a common drill
These are tips with a different geometric structure, designed to drill the acrylic in a simple way without melting it. You can find them in hardware stores and on the internet.
It also uses a pillar drill that rotates at 500-1000 revolutions per minute. Plexiglass tips are also available for this tool
Step 3. Practice with small pieces of scrap before attempting a large sheet of polymethyl methacrylate
Step 4. Lay the plexiglass sheet you need to drill on top of a scrap (already damaged) piece or block of MDF
In this way, you reduce the chances of chipping the back of the acrylic when the tip comes out of the thickness of the piece.
Step 5. Secure both layers to the work table with clamps
Use all the clamps you need; if the sheet is very large you will have to fix several.
Step 6. Make sure the hole to be drilled is not near the edge of the paper
Acrylic is a material that splinters easily in these points.
Step 7. Connect the drill to the power supply or make sure the battery is charged
Turn it on.
Step 8. Begin to slowly pierce the plexiglass sheet
You don't have to punch the material like you would metal.
Step 9. Continue to work at a slow but steady speed
Try to penetrate a maximum of 90mm per minute. Acrylic tips produce plastic chips. When these begin to surround the tip, stop and move them to get a good view of what you are doing.
Step 10. If the piece is particularly thick, proceed a little at a time to remove the shavings and allow the plastic to cool
This way you avoid melting the polymethyl methacrylate.
Advice
- It is possible to drill acrylic with normal tips for metal, however the chances of splinters, breaks and melting of the plastic are much higher. Be sure to work slowly by stopping occasionally to cool the plexiglass. Don't forget to put a holder under the acrylic sheet.
- If you want to drill clean holes, stop as soon as you have pierced the other side of the acrylic. Detach the clamps, turn the sheet over and go over the drill bit on the other side.
