How do you cut acrylic light lenses?
Using a plastic cutter or utility knife, score along the straightedge several times until the score line extends halfway through the panel. Gently break the panel along the line, starting at one end and working your way to the other.
How do you cut a light diffuser?
Move your hand along the edge applying downward pressure as you move to separate the pieces of the fluorescent diffuser. Remove the masking tape and then drag the sharp edge of the utility knife blade along the cut edge to remove rough edges from the cut edge.
How do you cut acrylic sheets?
A jigsaw is one preferred tool for cutting acrylic sheets. It is a small handheld tool that can cut the sheet with the straight blade by function up and down in fast motion. However, if you intend to cut acrylic into a nonlinear fashion, a jigsaw is the right option for you.
How do you cut heavy plastic?
You can use a hacksaw, fine-toothed saw, circular saw, or jigsaw to cut plastic. If you use a hacksaw or circular saw, you’ll also need a plastic cutting blade. Avoid using saws or blades with large teeth because they will chip or break the plastic and create rough edges.
How do you cut acrylic sheets without cracking them?
Tips to Avoid Cracking or Breaking Plexiglass as You Cut
- Keep the plastic film on. As mentioned above, plexiglass usually comes with a thin layer of plastic film intended to prevent scratches as the material travels from manufacturer to retailer to your workshop.
- Score deep.
- Use the right blade.
- Keep the blade cool.
Can you cut a diffuser?
You have options when it comes to cutting an acrylic light diffuser, but one option requires no power tools or saws. Scoring and snapping an acrylic light diffuser creates a smooth cut when performed correctly and is a usable cutting method for acrylic sheets less than 3/16-inch thick.
How to cut an acrylic lighting panel?
How to Cut an Acrylic Lighting Panel 1 Best Way to Cut Light Diffuser Panels. Plaskolite, an Ohio-based brand that manufactures acrylic and polycarbonate lighting panels, describes the recommended cutting procedure in a YouTube video. 2 Cutting Translucent Panels. 3 Other Methods to Cut Acrylic Panels.
How to cut plastic panels?
When cutting the plastic panel, work on an even surface or a flat work table. Position the plastic panel on the table by putting the side that needs to be removed slightly over the table’s edge but not beyond the mark that you made. Put one hand on the longer end of the plastic panel close to the mark and apply moderate pressure to keep it steady.
How do you cut a hole in a sheet of plastic?
Mark your desired cut line using a straight edge, then score the sheet of plastic with the utility knife, making several passes until you achieve a deep groove. You’ll want the score line to go almost halfway through the plastic. Flip over the sheet and repeat the scoring process on the opposite side, along the same cut line.
How to cut acrylic or polycarbonate sheets?
If you want a straight cut in a thin acrylic or polycarbonate plastic sheet (up to ⅛ inch thick), reach for a simple utility knife, then follow these steps. Secure the sheet to a large work surface with a clamp.