Can PCB Drilling Routing Mahine Be Used to Drill PP and Acrylic

Mar 13, 2025

Can PCB drills be used to drill PP and acrylic?


PCB drills can be used to drill PP (polypropylene) and acrylic (PMMA), but the following points should be noted:

Tool selection:

PCB drill bits are usually made of carbide (such as tungsten steel) and are suitable for high-precision, high-speed drilling.
When drilling PP and acrylic, it is recommended to use single-edge or double-edge spiral drill bits to reduce heat accumulation and avoid material melting or burning.


Speed ​​and feed rate:

Acrylic: It is recommended to use a higher speed (15,000~30,000 RPM), but the feed rate should be moderate to avoid overheating of the drill bit, causing melting or cracking.
PP: PP is softer and easier to draw, suitable for medium speed (10,000~20,000 RPM) and faster feed rate to reduce burrs.


Cooling and chip removal:

Air cooling or water cooling can be used to reduce the risk of material melting, especially acrylic is easily softened by high temperature.
Use vacuum suction or strong air blowing to clean the drilling chips and improve the finish of the hole.
Fixing method:

PP and acrylic are soft and easy to vibrate or warp. It is recommended to use double-sided tape, suction cups or clamps to fix them to prevent the material from shifting during drilling.
Conclusion:
PCB drilling rigs can drill PP and acrylic, but it is necessary to adjust the drill bit, rotation speed, feed speed, and pay attention to cooling and fixing methods to obtain better processing results.

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