CNC machining of engineering plastics and acrylic

What CNC machining is

A CNC router removes material with a rotating multi-flute cutting tool, the cutter, guided by a computer program (computer numerical control). The machine reads the design as a CAD or CAM file and reproduces each part with a precision that would be very hard to achieve by hand.

Operations we carry out

• Profile cutting and shapes.
• Drilling and countersinking.
• Pocketing and recesses.
• Edge bevelling.
• Marking and engraving with the cutter.
• Joints and slots for assembly without visible fixings.

Capacity

• Working format of 3660 × 1220 mm.
• From a single unit to large runs, all identical.
• Multi-axis router.

Materials we machine

• Acrylic (PMMA), cast and extruded.
• Solid polycarbonate.
• Polyethylene PE 500 and PE 1000 (food-safe).
• Foamed and solid PVC, and polypropylene.
• Composite panel (Dibond).
• Wood and wood-based boards.

Advantages of CNC machining

• Accuracy: the part matches the dimensions in the file, with less material waste.
• Repeatability: every part in a run comes out the same.
• Versatility: flat and three-dimensional parts, prototypes and series.
• Safety and lead time: complex processes completed in the short and medium term.

Examples of machined parts

We have machined 15 mm black acrylic flanges bolted with stainless steel, threaded pipes with seals for complete watertightness, crankcase covers, polypropylene parts to hold bars, prototypes, brackets, rollers and valve bodies. See more under machined parts and laboratory and research.

Machining and finishing

After milling, the edge-finishing machine removes any irregularities from the edge so the part is smooth and can be polished back to a shine. If the part is rotational, we finish it on the lathe.

To find out more, read CNC machining of plastics: how we work.

Request a quote

Send us the drawing (DXF, DWG or dimensioned PDF), the material and the quantity.