Acrylic CNC Machining Services: Clarity, Precision, and How to Get It Right
When it comes to creating clear, accurate, and durable plastic parts, acrylic (PMMA) is a top choice for engineers, product designers, and fabricators. At IN3DTEC, we specialize in CNC machining acrylic components that require both optical quality and tight tolerances. Whether you need prototypes, small batch production, or custom display parts, our team delivers consistent quality—fast, affordable, and globally.
Why Acrylic?
Acrylic, also known as PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate), is a transparent thermoplastic with excellent mechanical and optical properties. It’s commonly used as a lightweight and shatter-resistant alternative to glass, and it machines well with CNC processes when the right parameters are applied.
Key Benefits:
✅ High optical clarity
✅ Strong rigidity and dimensional stability
✅ Excellent UV and weather resistance
✅ Lightweight compared to glass
✅ Good machinability with polished finish
These properties make acrylic suitable for both functional and decorative applications.
Applications of CNC Machined Acrylic
Our customers use CNC machined acrylic in a wide variety of industries:
Lighting – Custom lenses, diffusers, light guides
Medical & Laboratory – Transparent panels, biofluid devices
Consumer Electronics – Enclosures, interface displays
Automotive – Interior trim mockups, light covers
Retail & Display – Cosmetic stands, product showcases
Prototyping – Visual models and test-fit assemblies
Our Capabilities
At IN3DTEC, we use high-precision 3-axis and 5-axis CNC machines to produce acrylic parts with smooth edges, clean holes, and crystal-clear surfaces. Our services include:
CNC milling and turning of acrylic blocks and sheets
Clear, colored, or frosted acrylic options
Tight tolerance machining (±0.05 mm)
Polishing for optical or aesthetic finishes
Small or mid-volume production — No MOQ
Surface Finishing Options of Acrylic CNC Service
To enhance the look and function of your acrylic parts, we offer various finishing services:
Polished – Glass-like clarity for transparent components
Matte/Frosted – For anti-glare or diffused appearance
Flame polishing – Especially for curved edges
Edge smoothing & deburring – For safe, clean part handling
Painting- Creates colorful acrylic parts
How to CNC Acrylic: Best Practices & Settings
CNC machining acrylic requires the right tooling and process settings to avoid issues like melting, chipping, or poor surface finish. Here’s what we recommend:
Tooling
Use single-flute or O-flute carbide end mills (1.5mm–6mm)
Sharp tools reduce stress and prevent surface clouding
Machining Parameters
Spindle speed: 12,000 – 18,000 RPM
Feed rate: 500 – 1,500 mm/min
Depth per pass: Roughing: 0.5 – 1.0 mm；Finishing: 0.1 – 0.3 mm
Cooling
Use air blast or mist coolant
Avoid flood cooling to prevent microcracks or hazing
Post-Processing
We offer polishing (mechanical, flame, or vapor) for maximum transparency
Bonding and gluing services for multi-part acrylic assemblies
Other technology for making transparent prototypes.
There are many other technologies can make transparent parts, among them, SLA 3D Printing service is one of the best choices. At IN3DTEC, we have different types of industrial SLA 3D Printers which ideal for making acrylic-like part.
Why Choose IN3DTEC?
With years of experience in CNC machining and plastic fabrication, IN3DTEC provides reliable, cost-effective solutions for customers across the globe. Our strength lies in fast lead times, tight tolerances, and customer-first communication—plus, we ship internationally.
