The post Tips for Cutting Acrylic Sheet appeared first on KF Plastics.
]]>When it comes to working with acrylic, precision cutting is essential for achieving clean edges and flawless results in your projects. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a DIY enthusiast, having the right tools and techniques at your disposal can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best methods for cutting acrylic effectively.
- Circular Saws: Circular table saws and handsaws equipped with carbide-tipped blades are excellent choices for cutting acrylic. Ensure the blades have a tooth pitch of 13 mm for optimal performance. Always use sharp blades dedicated solely to acrylic cutting to maintain edge quality. When using circular saws:
- Adjust the blade to protrude slightly over the acrylic sheet.
- Use a stop to maintain precise cuts.
- Avoid tilting the material during cutting.
- Secure the material to prevent flutter.
- Maintain a steady feed rate.
- Consider cooling the acrylic with water or compressed air, especially for thicker sheets.
- Jigsaws: Jigsaws offer versatility and manoeuvrability, making them suitable for curved or intricate cuts in acrylic. Follow these steps for efficient jigsaw cutting:
- Start cutting only when the saw is running.
- Ensure the shoe of the jigsaw firmly rests on the masking film of the acrylic sheet.
- Maintain an average cutting speed and adjust stroke action accordingly.
- Control the feed rate to prevent overheating.
- Consider cooling the acrylic for better results.
- Scroll saws and Hacksaws: Scroll saws are ideal for detailed cuts, while hacksaws are suitable for thinner acrylic sheets. Keep these tips in mind:
- Use scroll saws for intricate designs on thinner acrylic sheets.
- Limit hacksaw cutting to sheets up to approximately 4.5 mm thick.
- Maintain sharp blades and adjust cutting conditions for clean edges.
- Scribing and Breaking: Scribing and breaking provide a simple method for cutting thinner acrylic sheets. Follow these steps:
- Scribe the workpiece multiple times, with the number of scribes corresponding to the sheet thickness.
- Utilize a knife with a hook-shaped edge for precision.
- Break the acrylic along the scribed line over the edge of a table or using controlled pressure.
- Sand any broken edges for optimal bonding.
By employing these techniques and selecting the appropriate tools for your project, you can achieve precise cuts and professional results. Remember to prioritize safety by wearing appropriate protective gear and always follow manufacturer guidelines for tool usage. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll master the art of acrylic cutting in no time.
Please note: The above tips 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.
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]]>The post Tips for Drilling Acrylic Sheet appeared first on KF Plastics.
]]>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
- Keep the masking film on the acrylic sheet while drilling to protect it from scratches and damage.
- Mark the position of the hole you want to drill on the sheet with a wax pencil or a permanent marker. The distance from the edge of the sheet to the hole should be at least 1.5 times the diameter of the hole.
- Clamp the sheet to a flat, stable surface like a workbench or table. Make sure the surface is clean and free of sharp objects that may damage the sheet.
- Set the drill to a low rotational speed. The larger the diameter of the hole, the slower the drill speed should be.
- Check the shavings produced while drilling to ensure the drill speed is correct. If the shavings are smooth and continuous, the speed is right. If they are crumbly or rough, the speed is too high. If they are fused or the hole shows signs of degradation, the speed is too low.
- Align the drill bit with the mark and drill briefly to check the position.
- Start drilling, but reduce the feed rate before drilling all the way through the sheet to prevent chipping.
- For thicker sheets, cool down the drill bit and the hole with water to prevent overheating.
- Finally, deburr the hole on both sides to remove any notches or rough edges using a countersink or a scraper.
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 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.
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]]>The post Understanding the difference between HDPE and UHMWPE appeared first on KF Plastics.
]]>Pros of HDPE:
- High strength-to-density ratio: HDPE is a strong and durable material that is lightweight and easy to handle. This makes it ideal for a wide range of applications such as pipes, tanks, and containers.
- Chemical resistance: HDPE is resistant to many chemicals and is not affected by most acids and bases. This makes it ideal for use in chemical processing and storage applications.
- Low cost: HDPE is relatively inexpensive compared to other plastics, making it a cost-effective choice for many applications.
Cons of HDPE:
- Low temperature resistance: HDPE becomes brittle at low temperatures and can crack or break if exposed to freezing temperatures for an extended period. This makes it less suitable for use in cold environments.
- Limited UV resistance: Natural HDPE (no additives) can be damaged by prolonged exposure to UV radiation, making it less suitable for outdoor applications where it will be exposed to direct sunlight.
Pros of UHMWPE:
- Extremely high strength: UHMWPE is one of the strongest and toughest plastics available, making it ideal for use in high-impact and high-wear applications.
- Low friction: UHMWPE has a very low coefficient of friction, making it ideal for use in bearings, gears, and other mechanical components that need to move smoothly and easily.
- Excellent chemical resistance: UHMWPE is highly resistant to most chemicals, including acids and bases, making it ideal for use in harsh chemical environments.
Cons of UHMWPE:
- High cost: UHMWPE is more expensive than HDPE, making it a less cost-effective choice for some applications.
- Limited temperature resistance: UHMWPE can become brittle at low temperatures and can lose some of its impact resistance at high temperatures, making it less suitable for use in extreme temperature environments.
In conclusion, HDPE and UHMWPE are both excellent materials with unique properties and advantages, but each has its own specific set of drawbacks. The choice between them will depend on the specific requirements of the application and the trade-offs between cost, strength, chemical resistance and temperature resistance.
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]]>The post Why Visual Merchandising Matters appeared first on KF Plastics.
]]>Why visual merchandising matters: There was once a time when the bare minimum of stocking product inventory on shelves might have been all that took to invite a customer to walk into a store, but today how a store is created speaks volumes. When almost every market is saturated with products and services that intend on curating at least one customer need, a retailer is usually left with having to manoeuvre every resource he has to make sure they hold onto their piece of the highly divided pie that is; competitive advantage.
More than ever, customers today shop with emotions and feelings instead of their wallets. The ancient model of in-store retail strictly played its resources only on the products that had to be sold by the end of the day. However, customers today have gradually begun to move away from simply ‘shopping for products’ to craving an experience inside the store. Of course, this trend has had millennials on the front seat and their growing preference for experience and emotions over things. This has given a rise to visual merchandise and art, where creating a seamless blend of signage, lighting, props or window dressing were needed to win the hearts of customers.
On a grand scale, there is usually a plethora of skills that can be taught on visual merchandise- such as communication, store management, or organisation. Having said that, the same can only really be implemented if there is recognition that creating an intriguing atmosphere cannot be executed just academically or theoretically, but rather emotionally. Experts over the years have spoken about the fine art of mastering visual merchandise and how this is usually considered by leaders as a frivolous expense, but the truth is – it can make or break your business. Visual merchandising matters. While investing in a store and placing your products can be more often than not, done by the rule, the intelligence needed to conceptualise something visual and powerful comes with a creative eye and a sense of storytelling.
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]]>We answer the most frequently asked questions about the protective screens.
The post KF Plastics Sneeze Guards FAQ appeared first on KF Plastics.
]]>KF Plastics Sneeze guards are commonly used in the protection of food from customers coughing or sneezing. In an effort to protect people from the recent outbreak of COVID-19 we are producing custom acrylic and polycarbonate protective screens to ensure social distancing and reducing the risk of transmission when people come into contact at supermarkets, pharmacies, takeaway restaurants and offices with staff that aren’t working from home.
How do I get some produced for my business?
We have some standard designs available that are either self supporting, flat packed or mountable to existing structures. We also produce custom screens to suit your counter and your products. For example medical centres only need a small cutout for payments and paper, while take away restaurants and pharmacies need a bigger opening for larger products to be able to pass through.
You can send through a sketch or even the measurements of the area you are trying to screen and protect and we can suggest the best option for your budget and timeline. You can also have a look at our sneeze guard page for some ideas on the different types of protective screens.
When should I expect my order to arrive?
Once orders are placed and payment is made we can usually dispatch within 2-3 days.
We have most material sizes and thicknesses in stock and suitable alternatives if required.
We notify you if those estimated dates change and we can work with you to manage your installation timeline.
What sizes and formats do the KF Plastics sneeze guards come in?
Clear protective screens are the most common, however other colours are available if required. We have a range of different styles available some of them can be seen here or you can reach out and we can share a number of different design ideas and formats.
The largest sheet size available is 3.05m x 2.03m and this is usually a constraint we have to work with, however the design can be altered to break the screen up into smaller more manageable sizes for easy manoeuvrability and installation.
I’d like to talk with someone re my order, how do I do that?
Please email our customer care team via [email protected] or you can also call us during office hours (7:30am – 4pm Monday to Thursday and 7:30am – 1:30pm Friday) on 02 9740 6000
How do I install my sneeze guard?
Depending on the design you can either sit it on the counter or we can supply a number of common fixing methods including temporary fixings like double sided tape (clear), suction cups or magnets or we supply more permanent methods like screws, nuts and bolts or silicone.
Finally …
Like the rest of Australia the KF Plastics team continues to face incredibly challenging times. We thank you for your support, your patience and understanding.
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]]>The post Open for Business – COVID-19 appeared first on KF Plastics.
]]>We are open for business! At KF Plastics Australia the safety and wellbeing of our people and community, including you, our valued customers and team members has always been our priority. This commitment hasn’t changed and we are taking the necessary steps to ensure our team and customers are safe heading into these uncertain times.
As Australia faces these challenging times we realise that your business and family may have been impacted. We are here to help. Our operations are fully functional, with local fabrication, material supply, storage for postponed projects, displays and POS, printing and offshore sourcing and manufacturing is functional. International logistics and freight are facing some volatile times, with the local economy also suffering now is the time for you to support local manufacturers where possible.
We believe that it is critical that we all play a constructive role in supporting both local health officials and the Government as they work to contain the COVID-19 virus. We also feel it is important to take a calm and balanced approach making sensible decisions and we are focusing our efforts on practical actions that prioritise the health and wellbeing of our team, customers and community.
We would like to reassure you that we are taking this issue extremely seriously and will continue to do so. So no matter what your challenge is we are here to support you in any way we can so don’t be afraid to reach out.
Regards,
Simon Clarke
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]]>The post Vivid Sydney – Guess what we’ve done! appeared first on KF Plastics.
]]>Running from May 27-June 18, Vivid Sydney showcases amazing light installations, music concerts, and top speakers in creative industries. This year’s event is your chance to experience some of the best of creative Australia today.
And KF Plastics Australia is even playing our own part in the event.
KF Plastics has long been known for innovative design thinking and cutting-edge technology — from visual merchandising to shop fittings and digital displays. We’ve been in the space since the 1960s and have always aimed to mix our creative touch into projects for our customers. Which is why we’re honoured to be contributing to not just one, but three light installations at this year’s event. We are both grateful and excited that leading artists look to us to help realise their creative visions.
While we hope you go and experience the event yourself, we couldn’t wait to share our part.
- Momentum – by Stephanie Shehata (Australia) / Erin Slaviero (Australia)
Momentum is in Walsh Bay from 18.00-23.00 each night. It’s hands-on and allows participants to turn a wheel to rotate a 3D light which “explores the interplay between infinity, changing form and patterns.”
We manufactured the dichroic objects featured in the middle of the artwork. We also created the see-through mirror window into the artwork and the acrylic mirror used for reflecting the light on the inside.
- Exterminia – by Nila Rezaei (Australia) / Nathan Adler (Australia)
Exterminia also happens in Walsh Bay from 18.00-23.00 each night. The installation features a seat with an abstract organic shape illuminated by soft colours to symbolise ocean sea creatures. The longer participants sit in the seat, the more the lights “bleach.”
It “attempts to represent the way that the actions of human beings are directly influencing climate change.”
We supplied and laser cut the 15mm clear acrylic to the artist’s precise details.
- I LOVE YOU – by Selena Griffith (Australia) / Edison Chen (Australia) / Nila Rezaei (Australia) / Nathan Adler (Australia)
I LOVE YOU is open in Circular Quay from 18.00-23.00 each night.
The installation “has a giant illuminated heart-shaped ‘Love-O-Meter’ that delivers a playful, participatory and often hilarious take on expressions of love.”
Couples stand on the meter and shout “I love you” in unison to fill a large heart with as much “light love” as possible.
We supplied the opal acrylic on oversized sheets.
We are thrilled to be a part of Vivid Sydney this year and count it a privilege to participate with such creative artists. If you get a chance, we highly recommend exploring all that Vivid Sydney has on offer.
If you have creative needs, get in touch. We’ll be more than happy to make your dream come to life!
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]]>The post Giant card for Glenn Wheeler appeared first on KF Plastics.
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The card on show in the 2GB Sydney Studio foyer
Messages of support and well wishes from co-workers, friends and family
The card was made from two pieces of 6mm clear acrylic with some clear acrylic hinges glued along the long edge to enable the giant card to open. After the card was made, digitally printed SAV graphics and personally written messages of support from co-workers, friends and family were added to the card and placed in the foyer for the moment when Glenn returned to the 2GB Sydney studios. We think the giant card looks fantastic and can only hope for the best and for a speedy recovery for Glenn.
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]]>The post Top 5 trends from Euroshop 2014 appeared first on KF Plastics.
]]>Recently I returned from Euroshop 2014, the worlds largest retail trade fair in Dusseldorf Germany. There are thousands of predominately european companies showing off the latest in retail design, lighting and visual merchandising. Before you develop plans for your next store upgrade you should consider these upcoming retail and store design trends from Euroshop 2014.
Hands on retail experience
Costa group appealing to all senses
Customers still yearn for touch, warmth, a welcoming feeling and a human element. Creating these feelings in store through lighting, nature and styling of imagery to create environments that evokes an emotion in the the customer was seen throughout the show. There is need for smarter visual merchandising to appeal to all of the senses.
Lighting
Lighting design was clearly a major focus at this years Euroshop. Interactive lighting will be the next big thing in store as mobile apps and connected lights are making it easier to have an active and changing store environment. Store lighting will also change to show a greater contrast, with lights moving closer to products creating a emphasis on the product that fits with the overall concept of the store.
Light Boxes
Printed fabric mounted on a aluminium profile illuminated by LEDs
Lightboxes were prominent and will feature in more and more stores. They are easy to update by store staff and are great at creating that extra emphasis whilst still fitting with the overall concept of the store. They can also be used as an ambient light source and were used to great effect as a replacement for a plain white ceiling at one of the exhibits. The fabric also creates a softer look which is a break from the glossy screens, smart phones and glass that surrounds our everyday lives.
Connecting the online and offline retail environment
Order glasses online if your choice isn’t available
Brick and mortar retailers need to respond quickly to the changing habits of the connected customer, it should no longer be about losing ground to online retail. It should be about how to get the best out of both channels working together for the benefit of the customer and the retailer. If you buy something online it should be easy to walk into the store and exchange it. When the customer can see that he pays the same price online as in the store, he will be likely return to the brick-and-mortar as this is where he can see, touch and try the products.
Animals
Dogs, cats, deers, unicorns, cows, leopards and lions. It doesn’t matter what animal it is, it is everywhere. The use of animals in everyday objects can attach a person to a different place, another time or a different state of mind. It can create an aura in an object and give soul to a design.
After seeing some of the plastic display trends from euroshop coming out of the global retail industry I wonder what trends do you see presently in Australia? Do you think the above trends would transfer to Australian retail? Please let me know your thoughts below in the comments section or get in touch to find out more.
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]]>The post Acrylic runway feature at the Jil Sander Spring 2014 fashion show appeared first on KF Plastics.
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Heidemarie Jiline “Jil” Sander the minimalist German fashion designer based in Hamburg, and founder of the Jil Sander fashion house has used acrylic in spectacular fashion at her Spring fashion show in Milan. The acrylic runway feature uses simple shapes set on different angles creates interesting reflections and even a hologram like illusion for those in the right vantage point. We thought that the striking result was one worth sharing for its effortless simplicity.
With a simple and functional design the clear acrylic runway feature has provided the ideal environment for showcasing the fashion of Jil Sander and her Spring 2014 ready to wear collection. The audience is drawn to the outfits on the near side whilst still managing to see the rear as the models leave the runway. It is always great to see how creative people can be in using acrylic in so many different ways to create a point of difference. It is often said that simple design is often the best and this use of acrylic suits Jil Sander’s simple and elegantly finished ready to wear collection.
Maybe this simple use of angled acrylic panels could be the inspiration for your next display so get in touch.
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