Saw blade for plexiglass, perspex, acrylic, pmma, and lexan

Are you looking for a circular saw blade for cutting Lexan, acrylic, plexiglass, or PMMA? At Veldman Slijptechniek, you’ll find a wide selection of saw blades specifically designed for cutting plexiglass, Perspex, acrylic, and PMMA. In addition to acrylic, many of the saw blades in this category are also suitable for cutting plastics and sheet materials. Some circular saws are even suitable for cutting Corian and Trespa. Be sure to also check out our category of acrylic milling cutters for a comprehensive range of acrylic cutters.

If you want only the best for your project, we recommend the Quwoto Japanese saw blades. Quwoto circular saw blades are made in Japan and are regarded worldwide as some of the best available. They are designed for users with the highest quality demands. Quwoto saw blades are exceptionally quiet and deliver a very smooth cut when cutting PMMA.

What is acrylic (plexiglass)?

Acrylic is a general term that refers to a group of plastics that contain polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as the primary ingredient. One of the most well-known brand names for PMMA is Plexiglas. Acrylic is commonly used as an alternative to glass due to its transparency, lightweight, and versatility.

Cutting plexiglass: how to saw acrylic?

When cutting acrylic or Perspex, it’s important to use the right tools. Traditional wood saws can damage the material, causing cracks or splinters. It’s recommended to use a fine-toothed saw blade with carbide teeth, such as a circular saw with a special acrylic saw blade.

Always keep the protective film on the sheet while cutting acrylic panels. Due to the brittleness of acrylic, it's essential to work on a flat surface. Ensure the panel is fully supported and cannot sag.

To prevent damage to the sheet, it’s important to cut slowly and consistently. If you don’t, the edges of the plexiglass could burn. A cutting speed of 4 meters per minute is recommended, and for a circular saw blade, 4000 revolutions per minute is ideal. For plexiglass sheets 10mm thick or more, you can slightly increase the RPM and lower the cutting speed.

Finally, it’s important to blow away the sawdust with a fan or hairdryer before cleaning the acrylic sheets. Failing to do so could result in scratches on the material.

Advantages of plexiglass

Over the past few decades, plexiglass has made a remarkable rise as a versatile and aesthetic material. This rise can be attributed to several key features and properties of acrylic:

• Transparency: Acrylic is known for its excellent transparency, similar to glass. This makes it ideal for applications where clear visibility is desired, such as windows, displays, and artwork.

• Lightweight: Compared to glass, acrylic is much lighter, making it easier to handle and work with. This also makes it suitable for applications where weight is a factor.

• Weather resistance: Acrylic is resistant to weather conditions and UV radiation, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. It tends to discolor less quickly than some other plastics.

• Workability: Acrylic is easy to work with using standard tools like circular saws or spiral routers. It can be sawed, drilled, cut, and shaped without significantly affecting its material properties.

• Color variations: In addition to clear acrylic, various color variations are available. This provides designers with the opportunity to experiment with different visual effects and aesthetic choices.

• Recyclability: Acrylic is recyclable, contributing to sustainability and reducing its environmental impact.

What is Lexan?

Lexan is a brand name for a type of polycarbonate, a thermoplastic material known for its exceptional strength and versatility. This material is widely used in sectors where a combination of transparency, impact resistance, and durability is required. Lexan was originally developed by General Electric in the 1960s and has since found its way into countless applications, from industrial to commercial products.

Lexan is a versatile, transparent polycarbonate and is often used as an alternative to glass and acrylic due to its impact resistance, lightweight nature, and resistance to breaking. Lexan is applied in a wide range of industries, from construction, where it is used for windows and skylights, to the automotive and aerospace industries for parts such as protective screens and cockpit windows. In addition to its robustness, Lexan also offers good optical clarity and is easy to work with, making it a popular choice for both commercial and industrial applications.

Cutting lexan with a circular saw

While Lexan offers many benefits, such as its durability and clarity, cutting this material can be challenging. Incorrect use of tools can result in cracking, melting, or unwanted edges.

Choosing the right saw blade is crucial. Use a circular saw blade with a high tooth count, such as a carbide-tipped blade or a special circular saw blade for plastics. A fine-toothed blade ensures that the material does not splinter or crack during cutting. A blade with too few teeth or a speed that’s too high may cause Lexan to melt due to friction, resulting in uneven cuts.

Questions about cutting acrylic or lexan?

Do you want to know which saw blade is best for cutting plexiglass (acrylic) or have questions about cutting acrylic? Feel free to contact one of our tool advisors.