Threading Acrylic 2

[uwbsme]

I am planning on injection forming acrylic. The material thickness of a flange on the part will be approximately 1/8". I would like to tap a hole in the flange for a #6-32 machine screw. I know acrylic can be brittle, but will it break if I try and thread it? I apologize, as there are probably a number of types of acrylic, just reference the most common type when considering this problem.

Thanks everyone!

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Acrylic can be tapped easily. Just make sure the tap is sharp and follow normal tapping procedure.

It's not the thickness of the flange, but the closeness of the hole to an edge which could cause a problem.

 

[MikeHalloran]

As CBL said, use a sharp tap.

Sharp, in the case of machining plastics, means that the tap has NEVER been used to tap metal, and is therefore still sharp enough to draw blood.

That, and a little kerosene on the tap should give you a thread finish that's smooth and transparent.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[Eltron]

Also, be aware that you may be better off with a dull(ish) tap drill in order to prevent chipping or cracking the acrylic on a through hole. I have a set of drills and taps that I use exclusively for acrylic (plastics).

Dan

http://www.eltronresearch.com

Dan's Blog