Router Cutting Tips for Acrylic: Getting the Best Results

Getting Clean, Professional Cuts in Acrylic

When it comes to machining acrylic and other plastics, the right router tool makes all the difference between clean, professional results and melted, chipped edges. Our up spiral plastic collection is specifically engineered to tackle the unique challenges of cutting acrylic materials.

What Makes a Router Tool Right for Acrylic?

Acrylic requires specialized tooling because it behaves differently than wood or metal. The material is prone to melting from heat buildup and chipping if the tool isn't designed properly. Here's what to look for:

High Helix Angle for Quick Chip Clearance

Our up spiral plastic router tools feature a high helix angle that efficiently evacuates chips from the cut zone. This is critical when working with acrylic because:

• Chips are removed quickly before they can melt and re-weld to the material
• Heat is carried away with the chips, preventing edge melting
• The cutting zone stays clear for better visibility and precision
• Surface finish quality improves dramatically

Super Sharp Cutting Edge

Acrylic demands an exceptionally sharp cutting edge. A dull tool will push and tear the material rather than slice cleanly through it, resulting in:

• Chipping along the cut edge
• Stress cracks that can propagate later
• Rough, frosted surfaces that require additional finishing

Our tools are ground to a razor-sharp edge that slices through acrylic with minimal cutting pressure, producing glass-smooth edges right off the machine.

Polished Flute Design

The polished flutes on our up spiral plastic tools serve multiple purposes:

• Reduced friction: Chips slide out smoothly without sticking or building up
• Less heat generation: Lower friction means cooler cutting temperatures
• Better surface finish: Polished surfaces don't leave tool marks on the material
• Longer tool life: Reduced wear from chip evacuation

Choosing the Right Tool from Our Up Spiral Plastic Collection

Consider these factors when selecting your router tool:

Material Thickness: Thicker acrylic requires longer flute lengths and more aggressive chip clearance.

Cut Type: Edge trimming, pocketing, and through-cutting each have optimal tool geometries.

Feed Rate: The high helix angle allows for faster feed rates while maintaining quality.

Finish Requirements: For the best edge clarity, combine our sharp tools with appropriate speeds and feeds.

Tips for Best Results

• Use moderate spindle speeds (12,000-18,000 RPM for most applications)
• Keep feed rates consistent to avoid heat buildup
• Consider climb cutting for the cleanest top edge
• Remove protective masking only after cutting to prevent scratches
• Use proper dust collection to keep chips from scratching the surface

The Atlas Tools Difference

Our up spiral plastic collection represents years of refinement in tool geometry, materials, and manufacturing processes. Each tool is precision-ground and inspected to ensure you get the performance you need for professional acrylic fabrication.

Whether you're creating signage, displays, protective barriers, or custom acrylic parts, having the right router tool is essential for efficiency and quality. Explore our up spiral plastic collection to find the perfect tool for your next project.