Working with ACRYLITE®

Working with ACRYLITE®
  • Working with ACRYLITE®
  • Test Data Results
  • Fire Test Performance
  • Equipment Materials and Suppliers
  • Product Properties
  • Care & Maintenance
  • Application Advice
  • Cementing
  • Glazing
  • General Reference Documents
  • Acrylic vs Glass

Working with ACRYLITE®

How to cut a threaded hole into acrylic

Threaded connections are recommended only where no other feasible options exist. They are often employed in large stands or displays where cementing would be difficult or where disassembly is required.

Unfortunately, there is no special tool used for tapping acrylic. Because of the notch sensitivity of acrylic, tapping acrylic must be done with extreme care. A slow procedure with ample cooling, using water or a compatible cutting emulsion, is most effective. Remove the acrylic chips frequently during the tapping process and don't let the tap "bottom out" in the hole. A faster procedure can cause excess heat build up which could cause the tap to get stuck or break off. One tip we can suggest to make it slightly easier is to increase your pre-drilled hole size by one "level" (decimal or drill number) according to the tap chart. While tap charts are generally outlined for steel, due to the thermal expansion of acrylic, you may want to increase your hole size slightly. This may make the tapping process move quicker.

Note that only rounded threads should be used for acrylic and that the threaded hole should not be designed to bear a load.

A threaded insert will reduce wear if the connection will often be unscrewed. Special inserts are available that are designed for plastics like acrylic. Care must be used to avoid stressing the acrylic when an insert is employed. One possible source of inserts is E-Z Lok who makes press inserts for plastics. Their website is ezlok.com. Consider the 240 and 260 series sets.

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