Drill Through Acrylic Sheet

The gradually go up in drill bit sizes until you reach your desired diameter.

Drill through acrylic sheet.

Ensure you go slow stop often to cool the drill and always support the sheet. Plastic drill bits can drill through plastic. Place the drill perpendicular to the acrylic sheet and set the drill to medium speed immediately. Plexiglass is arguably the most popular replacement for normal glass.

The plexiglass drill bits have geometric structures different from the traditional drill bits that allow them to puncture easily through the acrylic. Apart from the power drill you also need to have a piece of wood permanent markers or grease oil masking tape and spray lubricant. First you need to drill a small diameter pilot hole to get started. Plastic drill bits shave or scrape plexiglass acrylic or plastic away layer by layer.

If this is not the case the drill is too slow. Plexiglass also known as acrylic sheet poly methyl methacrylate lucite perclax or perspex is popular for its features which enhance its performance. Drilling holes in acrylic requires the use of a drill bit specially designed for use with plastics. Before drilling it s best to clamp down the plastic securely to a solid surface and back up the piece you are drilling with a spare piece of plywood underneath.

However the likelihood of melting chipping cracking or breaking the acrylic is much higher. Press only lightly on the drill the drill must sink itself through the material. It is possible to drill acrylic with regular metal drill bits. This post seeks to highlight the steps to drill holes without seeking professional help.

This way the drill bit enters the plywood when it exits the plastic and avoids chipping the surface on the bottom. These bits come in a variety of diameters at home improvement or hardware stores. The chip should break off immediately. These metal drill bits have ground flukes with 90 degree points and 0 degree rake.

If you just drill a pilot hole then jump right to a big size bit you will likely crack the plastic.