Plastic Machining

PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) is an engineering thermoplastic valued for its mechanical strength and exceptional heat and chemical tolerance. These properties make PEEK a staple in aerospace, medical, and automotive applications. However, maintaining that performance requires proper handling and cleaning. For a complete overview of how PEEK is processed on the shop floor, see our PEEK CNC […]

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has a wide acceptance as a high endurance thermoplastic polymer because of its impressive mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance properties. Because of these attributes PEEK has become indispensable in industries from aerospace to medical applications. This article attempts to concentrates on whether it is feasible to extrude PEEK and tubing, which is a

Holding tight tolerances on acrylic (PMMA) is one of the trickiest challenges in CNC machining. The material\’s low thermal conductivity and tendency to soften under friction mean that even small parameter errors can push dimensions out of spec. This article explains what tolerances are realistically achievable on CNC-machined acrylic parts, the key factors that influence

Laser cutters, CNC routers, and engraving machines each handle acrylic differently, and picking the wrong one leads to melted edges, rough cuts, or wasted material. This article compares the leading machine types for cutting and engraving acrylic, covering CO2 lasers, diode lasers, and CNC routers, so you can match the right tool to your project.

What Is Acrylic CNC Machining? Acrylic CNC machining is the process of cutting, drilling, milling, and shaping acrylic sheet or rod stock on computer-controlled machines. Acrylic — technically polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) — is a rigid thermoplastic prized for its optical clarity, light weight, and weather resistance. With up to 92% light transmission, it outperforms glass

CNC-machined acrylic parts almost always come off the machine with rough, frosted surfaces that hide the material\’s natural clarity. Restoring that optical-grade transparency requires the right combination of sanding, buffing, flame polishing, or solvent treatment. This guide covers each technique step by step so you can bring any machined acrylic part back to a crystal-clear

Feeds and speeds directly determine whether a CNC-cut acrylic part comes out crystal-clear or melted and chipped. Setting the wrong spindle RPM or feed rate is the fastest way to ruin an expensive acrylic workpiece. This article breaks down the exact feed rates, spindle speeds, and tooling strategies that prevent heat damage and deliver clean,

Polycarbonate and acrylic look similar on the shelf, but they behave very differently on a CNC machine. Acrylic cuts cleaner and polishes to optical clarity, while polycarbonate resists impact far better yet tends to gum up tooling. This comparison breaks down the key differences in machinability, mechanical properties, thermal behavior, and cost so you can

The introduction of 3D printing now allows us to tackle manufacturing, prototyping, and any creative work in an entirely new manner. This is possible because the materials used significantly impact the final product’s performance and durability. For instance, nylon and ABS are two of the most commonly used filaments serving a unique purpose. However, one

Due to its unique features, such as its inexpensive and durable qualities, polypropylene (PP) is now common in many industries. However, it requires a special strategy for achieving precision through CNC machining while maintaining its structural integrity. This guide is intended to provide manufacturers, machinists, and engineers with a comprehensive understanding of the best practices,