Skip to main content

How to Cut Plastic Sheet

How to Cut Plastic Sheets: A Guide for DIYers and Professionals

Cutting plastic sheets requires the right tools and techniques to achieve clean and precise cuts. This guide will walk you through five different methods for cutting plastic, whether you’re doing it yourself or opting for professional cutting services at TAP Plastics.

Safety First

Before cutting plastic, always wear eye protection and ensure a stable work surface. Different types of plastic have unique properties, so some techniques may vary.


Five Methods for Cutting Plastic

1. Scribing and Breaking (Hand Cutting Method)

This method is suitable for cutting short lengths of plastic sheets up to 1/8-inch thick.

Steps:

  1. Place the plastic sheet on a flat surface and mark the cutting line.

  2. Use a straight edge to guide an acrylic scriber or sturdy knife.

  3. Scribe the sheet several times with firm, even pressure.

  4. Position the sheet so the scribed line extends just beyond the edge of a table.

  5. Hold the sheet firmly using a board or another piece of plastic.

  6. Apply sharp downward pressure to break the sheet cleanly along the scribed line.


2. Cutting with a Saber Saw (Jigsaw)

This method is ideal for cutting curved shapes.

Steps:

  1. Use a blade with about 10 teeth per inch, specifically designed for plastic.

  2. Place the plastic sheet on a thick piece of Styrofoam for support.

  3. If Styrofoam is not available, clamp the sheet to a table and use a top support piece.

  4. Cut as close to the table edge as possible to minimize vibration.


3. Cutting with a Band Saw

The band saw is effective for intricate cuts and handling thicker plastic sheets.

Steps:

  1. Use a blade about 1/2 inch wide with 14 teeth per inch.

  2. Feed the plastic into the blade similar to working with wood.

  3. Watch for melting issues, particularly with thicker plastic pieces.


4. Cutting with a Circular Saw

A circular saw is useful for straight cuts in thicker plastic sheets.

Steps:

  1. Use a carbide-tipped triple-chip tooth design blade.

  2. A plywood blade can be used but may cause melting.

  3. Support the sheet as shown in previous methods to prevent chipping.


5. Cutting with a Table Saw

The best method for straight cuts in plastic sheets.

Steps:

  1. Use a 10-inch blade with 60-80 teeth and a triple-chip design.

  2. Adjust the blade height to 1/8 to 1/2 inch above the plastic sheet.

  3. A blade set too high or too low can result in poor cuts and safety hazards.


Professional Cutting Services at TAP Plastics

If you prefer not to cut the plastic yourself, TAP Plastics offers a range of cutting services:

  • Straight Rectangular Cuts: Done at no charge while you wait in-store.

  • Computer-Controlled Panel Saw: Ideal for large volume orders, offering precision and efficiency.

  • Laser Cutting Services: Perfect for special shapes, cutouts, and precision parts. The laser can even engrave graphics for customized projects.

Example Application

One TAP Plastics customer needed a custom acrylic frame for a video conference display. Using a laser cutter, TAP Plastics produced a precise shape with added graphics for a professional finish.


Conclusion

Whether you need to make simple cuts or intricate designs, these cutting techniques will help you work with plastic sheets efficiently. For those who prefer expert precision, TAP Plastics offers cutting services to meet various needs.

Now that you understand how to cut plastic, you’re ready to tackle your next project with confidence!

What does TAP do?

This video answers the age-old question, what do we do? Aerial video provided by: http://www.sanjosedroneography.com

TAP Store Tour

This video segment will show you a short tour of a TAP Plastics store.

Customer Projects for 2018

A look at our customer projects in 2018.

TAP Customer's Project Montage

Video montage of our customer's projects.

TAP DIY: Air Conditioning

You don't have central air conditioning and summer is coming. TAP can help!

How To Make Fiberglass Part - Part 2

<p><strong>How to Make a Fiberglass Part from a Mold</strong></p> <p>Creating a fiberglass part from a mold requires careful preparation, applicati

How To Make Fiberglass Part - Part 1

<h1>How to Make a Fiberglass Mold: Step-by-Step Guide (Part 1)</h1> <p>Fiberglass molding is a great technique for duplicating parts, such as a boat hull. This

How To Repair Wood

This video will show you how to do quick and invisible wood repair in either interior or exterior locations.

How to Cut Plastic Sheet

<p><strong>How to Cut Plastic Sheets: A Guide for DIYers and Professionals</strong></p> <p>Cutting plastic sheets requires the right tools and tech

How to Make a Latex Mold

<p><strong>How to Make a Simple Latex Mold with TAP Premium Liquid Latex Rubber</strong></p> <p>Creating a latex mold is an excellent way to replic

How to Make a Urethane Mold

<p><strong>How to Make a Simple Urethane Mold</strong></p> <p>Urethane molding is an effective way to create simple block molds for casting resins,

How to Make a Simple Silicone Mold Part 1

<p><strong>How to Work with TAP Silicone RTV System: A Step-by-Step Guide - Part 1</strong> (<a href="https://www.tapplastics.com/product_info/videos/how_

How to Make a Simple Silicone Mold Part 2

<p><strong>How to Mix and Pour TAP Silicone RTV for Bubble-Free Molds</strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.tapplastics.com/product_info/vid

How to Build a Box with Plastic

<p><strong>How to Build a Basic Acrylic Box: A Step-by-Step Guide</strong></p> <p>Plastic is a fantastic material for creating a variety of project

How to Make a Two-Part Mold

<p><strong>How to Make a Simple Two-Part Mold Using Urethane RTV Rubber</strong></p> <p>Creating a two-part mold is essential for capturing the det

How to Build a Mold Box

<p><strong>How to Make Mold Boxes for Urethane and Silicone RTV Molds</strong></p> <p>Urethane and silicone RTV rubbers provide a simple way to cre

How to Make Jewels, Gems, Crystals, and Pendants

<p><strong>How to Make Your Own Jewelry, Gems, and Crystals with Casting Resin</strong></p> <p>Creating your own custom jewels, gems, crystals, and

How to make a Resin Table Top Part 1

<p><strong>How to Create a Custom Resin Tabletop with Embedded Designs</strong></p> <p>Nothing matches the beauty of a crystal-clear resin tabletop

How to make a Resin Table Top Part 2

<a href="https://www.tapplastics.com/product_info/videos/how_to_make_a_resin_table_top_part_1">Click here</a> to see Part 1.</p> <p><stron

How to use Envirotex Lite and Ultra-Seal

<p><strong>Guide to Using Ultra-Glo and Ultra-Seal</strong></p> <h3>Introduction</h3> <p>This guide provides step-by-step instructio

How To Glue Acrylic

<p><strong>A Beginner's Guide to Gluing Acrylic: Tips and Techniques</strong></p> <p>Gluing acrylic is a unique process that differs significantly

How to Bend Plastic

<p><strong>A Complete Guide to Bending Plastic with a Strip Heater</strong></p> <p>Bending plastic is an essential technique for many DIY and profe

How to build a Plastic Heat Bender

<p><strong>How to Build and Use a DIY Plastic Line Bender</strong></p> <p>Bending plastic sheets at home is made easy with a DIY line bender. This

How to Polish and Repair Scratched Plastic

<p><strong>How to Polish and Maintain Plastic for a Sparkling Finish</strong></p> <p>Plastic is a beautiful and decorative material, known for its

How to Polish and Shape Plastic Edges

<p><strong>Acrylic Edge Finishing Techniques</strong></p> <p>Acrylic plastic can be incredibly beautiful, especially when its edges are properly pr

How to repair scratched CDs, DVDs, iPods and more

This video segment will show you how to repair damaged CD's, DVD's, iPods, iPads, Tablets, iPhones, Android cellphone screens, protable game consoles screens, and any other plastic

How to protect your LCD or LED TV

This video segment will show you how to protect your LCD or DLP TV which is susceptible to irreparable damage. We can build you a custom screen for far less cost than a TV repair.

Fiberglass Repair Guide

<p><strong>Fiberglass Repair Guide</strong></p> <p>This guide provides a step-by-step demonstration of a simple fiberglass repair. The methods outl

How to repair Gelcoat Part 1

This video segment is part one of a 2-part series that will show you how to do a simple non-structural gel coat repair. Click here to see Part 2.

How to repair Gelcoat Part 2

This video segment is part two of a 2-part series that will show you how to do a simple non-structural gel coat repair. Click here to see Part 1.

How to Waterproof with Coat-It

This video segment is about creating a tough waterproof coating.

How to apply Vinyl Graphics

This video segment will show you how to install self-adhesive vinyl graphics. The do-it-yourselfer can easily obtain professional results.

How to select Window Film

This video segment will help you decide which window film is best for your needs.

How To Apply Window Film

<p>Achieve professional results and save money by following these steps!</p> <p><strong>Tools:</strong></p> <ul> <li>1 quart

How to repair and glue Polyethylene and Seaboard

This video segment will show you how to repair and glue polyethylene and seaboard using TAP Poly-Weld Adhesive.

Black LED Acrylic In Action

Now available at TAP Plastics: Black LED Acrylic Sheet.

Cosplay Supplies

TAP Plastics is your one stop shop for cosplay supplies.

TAP InstaShape Video Demo

TAP InstaShape is a formable product made of plastic beads that can be used for cosplay props and many other uses.

Plastic Containers

Need a container for something? You can find it at TAP! Check out all of the different kinds of containers we carry. ‪#‎containers‬

Display Items at TAP

Check out this video! TAP Plastics carries a wide variety of display boxes, cases and stands for a multitude of uses.

Easy Mold

EasyMold Silicone putty is a versatile product that has many uses.

Fiberglass Roller

This video segment is about fiberglassing with rollers.

Plastic Rods

This video segment is about rods. TAP Plastics carries a variety of plastic rods for a variety of purposes.

Plastic Tubing

This video segment is about tubing. TAP Plastics carries a variety of tubing for a variety of purposes.

Roll Stock

This video segment is about roll stock. TAP Plastics carries a variety of plastic material on the roll.

Trade Show Products

This video is about trade show display products that TAP Plastics carries.

How to Work with Worbla

This video is about Worbla, a non-toxic thermoplastic that is made from renewable resources. This versatile and sturdy material is a favorite for Cosplay, prop builders, crafters,

Picture Frames and Display Holders

This video is about the different styles and sizes of picture frames TAP carries.

Adhesive Glues and Tapes

This video is about adhesives available at TAP stores or at tapplastics.com.

Literature Holders

This video is about Literature Holders available at TAP stores or at tapplastics.com.

Three Dimensional Signage with the Quick Snap System

This video will show you the easy to install Quick Snap Letter System for do-it-yourself three dimensional signs.

The Basics of Fiberglass Fabric

This video will explain the different types of fabric reinforcement, and how to select the one that is right for you.

Picture Framing

This video will show you picture framing options available at TAP Plastics.

Introduction to Mold Making

This updated video will describe the five flexible mold materials that TAP Plastics carries so that you will be able to select the one which is best for your project.

Introduction to TAP Platinum Silicone

This video segment will introduce you to a new revolutionary mold material: TAP Platinum Silicone.

Cast embedments in Clear Resin

This video segment will show you how to cast embedments in clear polyester resin.