Cutting unknown plastic

- G
- ghostwriter
  
  Contact options for registered users
posted
20 years ago

Sat, Jan 31, 2004 4:29 AM

Question for the group, I have the case for a keyboard that is an unknown plastic. Acetone mars it but not easily, and I can cut it with a razor knife but again it is extremely hard material. I would like to know if anyone is familiar with a similar material. I am looking to cut off the exess material so that the keyboard will fit into a specific space. What procedure would you recommend?

At this point I intend to use a steel ruler and a exacto-knife and a lot of time to score the plastic through. The plastic is flexiable but still feels like it would fracture if I tries a saw.

Any suggestions welcome.

Ghostwriter

- F
- Frank Logullo
  
  Contact options for registered users
Vote on answer
posted
20 years ago

Sat, Jan 31, 2004 2:30 PM

I'd try a hacksaw myself. It's probably a toughened plastic like polystyrene and would be difficult to cut with knife. You should be able to experiment by cutting in area that you are going to throw away. Frank

- B
- Bill
  
  Contact options for registered users
Vote on answer
posted
20 years ago

Sun, Feb 1, 2004 8:42 PM

Hi, ghostwriter

I agree with Frank, use a hacksaw, but make sure that you fit it with a blade with the most possible teeth per inch that you can get. Normal blades are 18 or 24 tpi, but you can get them with 30 tpi. Also, if possible, clamp the part to be cut onto a rigid piece of wood or chipboard so that it won't flex. This will avoid the part flexing and trapping the blade, and possibly cracking.

If you still want to use a kife, then I suggest seeing if you can buy a heated cutting knife. This would have a convential blade heated by a small resistance heater. I think that Nickerson Machinery or Plastic Moulding Supplies might be able to provide these items in the UK. You should be able to find both on the web. Alternatively, RS might have something suitable. Regards, Bill

You wrote;