Machining Guidelines - Sawing

Sawing plastic materials requires specific blade designs and cutting parameters to achieve clean cuts without melting, chipping, or crazing. The unique thermal and mechanical properties of plastics necessitate approaches different from those used for metals or wood.

Key Considerations for Sawing Plastics:

• Blade Type: Carbide-tipped blades with specialized tooth geometry are recommended for most plastic materials.
• Tooth Design: Triple-chip tooth design helps prevent chipping in brittle plastics and ensures smooth cuts.
• Hook Angle: A low positive hook angle (5-10°) provides the best results, preventing aggressive grabbing.
• Tooth Pitch: Use 4-10 teeth per inch (TPI) depending on material thickness. Thinner materials require finer tooth pitch.
• Cutting Speed: Lower speeds are generally better for plastics to prevent heat buildup and melting at the cut edge.

The table below provides specific sawing parameters for different plastic materials based on their machinability ratings and physical properties.