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.
