Cutting Polycarbonate sheets can be daunting, there's a misconception that plastic sheets crack easily when cut, but this is may happen for acrylic sheet or PetG sheet. Excelite polycarbonate sheets, including Solid polycarbonate sheet, Multiwall sheet, and Twinwall Sheets, and polycarbonate corrugated sheets are much easier to cut.
Polycarbonate Sheets, available in thicknesses from 1mm to 35mm, are popular for DIY and trade projects due to their ease of cutting.
For polycarbonate Roofing sheet, Before cutting, calculate rafter spacings and allow for Aluminium H joiners and fixings, ensuring a small gap for expansion and contraction.
Whether you're roofing a pergola, gazebo, or greenhouse, the cutting method is straightforward. Need a polycarbonate roof kit? Contact our team for the best materials and advice.
What Tool Do I need to Cut Polycarbonate sheet?
To cut polycarbonate sheets and Polycarbonate roofing sheets, you can use a variety of tools depending on the thickness and type of cut you need. Here are some common tools
- Utility Knife/Scissors: For thin polycarbonate sheets (up to about 3mm), or polycarbonate corrugated sheet a sharp utility knife or scissors can be used. Score the sheet several times along a straight edge until you can snap it cleanly. But don't recommend. It's hard to cut it straight and neat.
- Fine-Toothed Circular Saw: A circular saw with a fine-toothed blade (60 teeth recommended) is ideal. Blades designed for plastic or non-ferrous metals work best. Ensure the saw is stable and cut slowly to avoid melting the material. Circular saw can use to cut polycarbonate sheet thickness from 1mm-35mm. It's also suitable to cut Acrylic sheet.
- Jigsaw: A jigsaw fitted with a fine-toothed blade can handle intricate cuts or curves. Use a slow to medium speed to prevent the polycarbonate from chipping or cracking.
- Table Saw: For precise, straight cuts on thicker sheets, a table saw with a fine-toothed blade can be effective. Again, use a blade designed for cutting plastics and work slowly to maintain a clean cut.
- Band Saw: A band saw with a fine-toothed blade can be used to cut polycarbonate sheet for both straight and curved cuts, particularly on thicker polycarbonate sheets.
- CNC Routing: If you need to cut complex shapes and designs with high precision and consistency, CNC routing is recommended. It ensures a high-quality edge finish and is highly efficient for large-scale production.
- Laser Cutting: Laser cutting is highly precise and ideal for intricate designs in polycarbonate sheets, offering smooth, clean edges without physical tool wear. However, it works best for thinner sheets (up to 6mm) due to the risk of melting and discoloration. Proper settings and ventilation are crucial to avoid heat damage and toxic fumes. For thicker sheets, CNC routing may be more suitable.
