Selection of tools: circular hand saw, jigsaw, or scriber
The method and tool best used for cutting PLEXIGLAS® depend on the material thickness as well as the desired form of the cut edge. In principle, both circular hand saws and jigsaws are suitable. For PLEXIGLAS® sheets of thickness up to 4 mm, you could also use what is known as a scriber. Other cutting methods are described in the brochure titled Machining PLEXIGLAS®.
Circular hand saw
Commercially available circular hand saws are well suited for straight cutting. A saw blade specially ground for plastic is important to obtain cut edges that are as clean as possible. Further information on suitable saw blades is available in the Machining PLEXIGLAS® brochure.
© Röhm GmbH – Acrylic Products / Photo: Stefan Wildhirt
Jigsaw
A jigsaw allows straight as well as curved cutting. Jigsaws have also proven useful for recesses. It is important that the lifting speed can be regulated and the pendulum action switched off.
© Röhm GmbH – Acrylic Products / Photo: Stefan Wildhirt
Scriber
Thin PLEXIGLAS® sheets up to 4 mm in thickness can also be cut with a scoring knife. This process is known as scoring and breaking. For each millimeter of sheet thickness, the scriber is drawn over the PLEXIGLAS® once, for example three times for a sheet of 3 mm thickness. Start and end of the sheet have to be cleanly scored. The sheet is then laid over an edge along the score and broken. Scoring results in straight edges along an angle or a template. Sharp edges and splinters may arise while breaking; eyes should therefore be protected by safety glasses, and protective gloves worn.
© Röhm GmbH – Acrylic Products / Photo: Stefan Wildhirt
All of the tools have their advantages and disadvantages: The choice of circular hand saw, jigsaw, or scoring knife ultimately depends on the sheet thickness and the form of the cut desired. If possible, try out the tool on a test piece beforehand. Once you have all the necessary tools and materials ready, you can start with the cutting process.
