Drilling acrylic sheets can be tricky, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done easily. Here are some tips to help you drill a hole in an acrylic sheet without cracking or damaging it.
Tips for drilling acrylic sheet
| Step | Tip / Instruction | Purpose / Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Keep the masking film on the acrylic sheet while drilling. | Protects the surface from scratches and damage. |
| 2 | Mark the hole position with a wax pencil or permanent marker. Keep the hole at least 1.5× the hole diameter from the sheet edge. | Ensures precise drilling and prevents cracking near edges. |
| 3 | Clamp the sheet to a flat, stable surface (like a workbench) free from sharp debris. | Prevents movement and surface damage during drilling. |
| 4 | Set the drill to a low speed. The larger the diameter of the hole, the slower the drill speed should be. | Reduces heat build up and risk of melting the acrylic. |
| 5 | Check drill shavings to verify the correct speed: smooth and continuous = correct; crumbly = too fast; fused = too slow. | Helps maintain a clean hole and prevents chipping damage. |
| 6 | Align the drill bit with the marked point and test the position briefly. | Confirms accuracy before committing to the full drill. |
| 7 | Reduce feed rate as you near the bottom of the sheet. | Prevents chipping when breaking through the material. |
| 8 | Cool the bit and hole with water on thicker sheets. | Avoids overheating and potential melted look and swelling of hole. |
| 9 | Optional: Deburr the hole on both sides using a countersink or scraper. | Creates a smooth finish and removes sharp edges. not requried if the hole isn’t visible in finished application |
Remember to wear appropriate safety gear like gloves and eye protection while drilling, and be careful not to touch the sheet or shavings immediately after drilling as they may still be hot.
Please note: The above tips for drilling acrylic sheet are to be used as a guide only and should not be taken as instruction. We take no responsibility for any damage caused as a result of this advice. Be sure to also check out our tips for cutting acrylic sheet!
