Plastic Sawing Machining Guidelines

Cut plastic materials using multi-axis CNC saws or manual circular or band saw blades

Sawing Guidelines

Sawing is a common method for machining plastic parts. Plastics may be cut using multi-axis CNC saws or manual circular or band saw blades. Thick-walled parts should be sawed with relatively thin blades to avoid excessive frictional heat generation. Well-sharpened, strongly offset saw blades are recommended. Specially designed blades are available to optimize cutting for many plastic materials including nylon and acrylic.

For more information, view the sawing information below for each performance plastic.

Special Measures: Preheat material to 250°F Caution when using coolants, susceptible to stress cracking Use carbide-tipped tools

Heat before sawing: From 2.25" - PEEK, PPS | From 3.25" - PET, PBT | From 4.00" - Nylon 6

Material	α Clearance Angle (°)	ϒ Rake Angle (°)	V Cutting Speed (ft/min)	t Pitch (in)
ABS	15 - 30	0 - 5	980	0.078 - 0.315
Acetal (copolymer)	20 - 30	0 - 5	1640 - 2600	0.078 - 0.197
Acetal (homopolymer)	20 - 30	0 - 5	1640 - 2600	0.078 - 0.197
Noryl	15 - 30	5 - 8	980	0.118 - 0.315
Nylon 6	20 - 30	2 - 5	1640	0.118 - 0.315
PAI	5 - 10	0 - 3	2600 - 2950	0.118 - 0.50
PBT	15 - 30	5 - 8	980	0.118 - 0.315
PEEK	15 - 30	0 - 5	1640 - 2600	0.118 - 0.197
PET	15 - 30	5 - 8	980	0.118 - 0.315
Polycarbonate	15 - 30	5 - 8	980	0.118 - 0.315
Polyethylene	20 - 30	2 - 5	1640	0.118 - 0.315
Polyproylene (homopolymer)	20 - 30	2 - 5	1640	0.118 - 0.315
Polysulfone	15 - 30	0 - 4	1640	0.078 - 0.197
PPS	15 - 30	0 - 5	1640 - 2600	0.118 - 0.197
PTFE	20 - 30	5 - 8	980	0.078 - 0.197
PVDF	20 - 30	5 - 8	980	0.078 - 0.197
PPSU (Radel® R)	15 - 30	0 - 4	1640	0.078 - 0.197
Ultem®	15 - 30	0 - 4	1640	0.078 - 0.197
DuPont™ Vespel® Polyimide	5 - 10	0 - 3	2600 - 2950	0.100