Extruded Acrylic Sheet

Storage

Menzel Plastics Acrylic Sheets are shipped on pallets. It is recommended that on delivery the sheets are unpacked and stored vertically at approximately a 10 degree angle. The vertical storage rack should have a particle board or ply board or plywood back panel to completely support the material.
If the material must be stored flat, a solid support board must be put underneath the sheets to prevent distortion.

Cutting

Menzel Plastics Acrylic Sheet can be easily cut using most standard fabricating equipment. It is best to keep the masking adhered to both surfaces of the sheet to protect the material from scratching.

Circular Saws

Menzel Plastics Acrylic Sheet is generally cut with panel saws or table saws. To efficiently cut material, the saw must be properly aligned and have a minimum of vibration. A carbide tipped, triple chip design, 112 tooth 350mm diameter blade is recommended for general cutting.

Jig Saws

Jig saw should be used with a blade having 3 to 5 teeth per cm. It is recommended that jig saws be used only for inside or short cuts. Cut at a slow, steady speed and be sure the material is clamped to avoid cracking.

Band Saws

Blades should have approximately 6 teeth per cm. Be sure to cut slowly and with even pressure. When cutting thicker material it is better to reduce the blade speed.

Laser Cutting

Menzel Plastics Acrylic Sheet can be successfully cut using laser equipment.

Routing

Router bits may have one to four flutes; single and double fluted bits are most commonly used. Carbide tipped bits produce the best results. The router should be of sufficient size with no load resulting at 20,000 rpm. Routing edges of acrylic before polishing or solvent gluing will produce a better finished product.

Drilling

Several manufacturers make drill bits especially for plastics. You may, however, make your own high speed metal bits. To make your own bits:
- grind the tip between 60o and 80o
- grind the cutting edge flat - approximately a 2o rake angle
- the surface behind the cutting edge should be a clearance angle of approximately 12o.
When drilling, the material should be clamped or held firmly in place to prevent chipping or cracking. Use a slow feed rate. DO NOT FORCE THE DRILL BIT. Back the material up with a piece of wood to prevent chipping when exiting the back of the material. Holes of 25mm or larger should be cut with hole saws.

Forming

The forming range of Menzel Plastics Acrylic Sheet is between 150o and 165o C. Over-heating the material will cause bubbles and/or excessive shrinkage. When forming sheets, it is recommended that a clamp type frame be used on all four sides of the sheet to assist with uniform mouldings. Shrinkage up to 5% in the direction of extrusion can be expected. Menzel Plastics Acrylic Sheet expands and contracts with changes of temperature and humidity. A minimum shrinkage or orientation will occur in the direction of extrusion when heating to forming temperature.

Heat Resistance

Menzel Plastics Acrylic Sheet can be used in temperatures from 0o to 88o C depending on the application. It is recommended that temperatures not exceed 71o C for continuous service, or 88o C for short duration, intermittent use.

Bonding

Solvents such as as methylene chloride and ethylene dichloride can be used. It is best to cement acrylic via capillary action using a syringe or needle-type applicator. It is recommended to test bond fabrication specimens for possible crazing.

Flame Polishing

Menzel Plastics Acrylic Sheet can be polished using this technique. It is recommended you discuss this process with Menzel Plastics.

Flammability

Menzel Plastics Acrylic Sheet is a thermoplastic and supports combustion. Do not store or install material next to high heat sources or direct flame.

Service

The Menzel Plastics experienced technical and sales staff are available, should further information be required.

Care and Maintenance

Menzel Plastics Acrylic Sheet offers an easy-to-care-for surface. Wash with mild soap or detergent and plenty of lukewarm water or use a soft cloth with commercial plastic-cleaner. Rinse with clear water and dry by blotting with a damp cloth or chamois. Grease, oil or tar my be removed with a good grade hexane, aliphatic naptha or kerosene. These solvents are available in most hardware stores and should be removed immediately by washing.
DO NOT USE: Window cleaning sprays, scouring compounds or solvents such as acetone, petrol, benzene, carbon tetrachloride or lacquer thinners.