Drilling Plexiglass Sheets

While you are drilling through the plexiglass sheet the friction would produce intense heat and the bits would cause lots of plastic shavings around the hole especially if the sheet is thick.

Drilling plexiglass sheets.

Plexiglass is a clear plastic lightweight alternative to glass. The extruded type is in fact unsuitable for drilling. To drill your plexiglass sheet you may consider acquiring a plexiglass drill to simplify the process. Many diy plexiglass and lexan sheet projects require a hole or two.

This includes portable drills drill presses lathes automatic multiple spindle drilling units cnc routers and machining centers. Equipment to drill acrylic drills. Any commercially available power driven equipment is acceptable for drilling acrylic sheets. Standard metal drill bits will work but without extensive modification the metal drill bit will crack and chip the brittle acrylic sheet.

Drilling holes in acrylic requires the use of a drill bit specially designed for use with plastics. Drill bits for plexiglass lexan and other plastics. Cast and extruded acrylic. Often the traditional drill bits used for metal and wood chip and crack the plexiglass while drilling through its surface.

Specialty drill bits prevent the cracking and chipping. Drilling holes in plexiglass can be challenging. Acrylic or acrylate is available in two types. Drilling acrylic is not difficult if you have good tools and are drilling the right kind of acrylic sheet.

Designed specifically for plexiglass and polycarbonate lexan these drill bits are great tools for drilling through plastic sheets. Several manufacturers offer drill bits designed especially for plastics. With the necessary equipment ensure you practice the drilling process on smaller pieces of plexiglass sheet before you work on the main sheet. Alternatively you can acquire plexiglass drill bits that are compatible with normal drillers.

Buy a plexiglass drill or plexiglass drill bits that can be used with a regular drill. For example to drill a 1 2 inch hole you can make a pilot hole by beginning with a 1 4 bit drill and then moving to a 1 2 bit drill. Lay the sheet on a flat surface and. They are available in hardware stores and online.

Using the right kind of tools is important when working with many types of plastics.