Instructions for Storage and Processing of Acrylic Sheets

Acrylic Sheet Storage and Processing Instructions

Storage Conditions

• Temperature: Acrylic sheets should be stored in an environment with stable temperatures. The ideal storage temperature ranges from 18°C to 25°C.

• If the temperature is too high (e.g., consistently above 40°C for a long time), the sheets may soften or deform, affecting dimensional accuracy and appearance.

• If the temperature is too low (below 5°C), the material becomes brittle, prone to cracking during handling.

• Humidity: Maintain a relative humidity of 40%–60%.

• Excessive humidity may cause water mist, damp marks, or even mildew on the sheet surface, deteriorating both aesthetics and performance.

• Extremely low humidity dries the air, generating static electricity that attracts dust, increasing cleaning difficulty.

• Light Exposure: Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, especially ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

• UV rays can age acrylic sheets, causing yellowing, surface cracking, and reducing transparency and mechanical strength. Use UV-free lighting or shading measures (e.g., curtains, light shields) in storage areas.

• Ventilation: Ensure good air circulation in the storage space.

• Poor ventilation raises concentrations of volatile gases, potentially fogging the sheet surface and hindering humidity control. Harmful gases can also accelerate material degradation.

• Stacking Methods:

• Store acrylic sheets flat; avoid vertical or inclined placement, as self-gravity may cause deformation—particularly in large, thin sheets.

• When stacking multiple layers, place cushioning materials (e.g., foam boards, cardboard) between each layer to prevent surface scratches. Limit the stacking height to no more than 1.5 meters to avoid excessive pressure on the bottom sheets.

Pre-Processing Preparations

• Tool Selection:

• Mechanical cutting: Use electric saws (suitable for thick sheets, though the cut surface may be rough and require post-grinding) or laser cutters (high precision, smooth surface, ideal for fine work, but costly).

• Manual cutting: Use hook knives for thin acrylic sheets, offering operational flexibility.

• Cutting Tools:

• Drilling Tools: Use twist drills, selecting the appropriate bit size for the hole diameter. Control drilling speed to prevent overheating and cracking; apply cutting fluid to reduce friction heat.

• Grinding Tools: Use sandpaper in sequence from coarse to fine (e.g., 80 grit, 120 grit, 240 grit) to smooth cut surfaces and edges. Polishing wheels and compounds can be used for high-gloss finishes.

• Protective Equipment: Operators must wear work clothes, safety goggles, and gloves.

• Work clothes prevent clothing from getting caught in machinery.

• Safety goggles shield eyes from flying debris during cutting/grinding.

• Gloves provide anti-slip protection and prevent cuts or burns (e.g., from hot cut surfaces).

Processing Precautions

• Cutting:

• Mechanical Cutting: Use sharp saw blades perpendicular to the sheet to ensure a flat cut. Avoid excessive speed, as it generates heat that may melt or deform the sheet.

• Laser Cutting: Pre-set optimal parameters (power, cutting speed) and adjust for sheet thickness to ensure precision and efficiency.

• Manual Cutting with Hook Knives: Score the sheet surface to a depth of approximately 1/3 the thickness, then gently break along the score line with even pressure to avoid uneven fractures.

• Drilling:

• Mark drilling positions accurately and use a center punch to create a 定位坑 (pilot dimple) to prevent bit deviation.

• Keep the drill perpendicular to the sheet, rotate at a stable low speed (500–1000 rpm), and apply cutting fluid to reduce temperature and cracking risks.

• Grinding:

• Follow the sequence from coarse to fine sandpaper: use coarse sandpaper first to remove major defects (burrs, unevenness), then switch to finer grades for a smoother surface.

• Maintain consistent sanding direction when working by hand to avoid random scratches. When using polishing wheels/compounds, control pressure and time to prevent surface deformation or uneven gloss.

Usage Precautions

• Installation:

• When installing acrylic sheets (e.g., as partitions or decorative panels), use suitable fittings (e.g., plastic expansion bolts, stainless steel screws). Avoid rust-prone common iron nails to prevent rust stains.

• Ensure secure fixing to prevent shaking, as loose installation may cause the sheet to fall or break from external impacts.

• Cleaning:

• Use mild cleaners (e.g., neutral dish soap) and a soft cloth to gently wipe the surface for daily cleaning. Never use strong acid/alkali cleaners, as they corrode the surface, causing loss of gloss and pitting.

• For stubborn stains, dampen a soft cloth with a small amount of alcohol or white vinegar, but control wiping force and area to avoid damage.

• Avoid Impact:

• Although acrylic sheets have moderate strength, their impact resistance is lower than glass or metal. Prevent heavy objects or sharp items from colliding with the sheets (e.g., in mall display cases, guard against customer bags or umbrellas). Replace cracked or damaged sheets promptly to ensure safety and performance.