If you need customized plastic components, be sure to rely on a machine shop that specializes in polycarbonate, acrylic, and other similar materials. Working with plastic isn’t the same as working with metal. Plastic fabrication and polishing requires an entirely different skillset and arsenal of equipment. You need experienced professionals who can not only fabricate plastic, but also polish it according to your specs. Whether your goal is optical quality or aesthetic appeal, the right team can assist you.
Choose the Right Technique
Plastic machine shops employ a variety of different plastic polishing methods to improve the clarity and aesthetic appeal of plastic pieces. When you need polishing services, a professional may suggest vapor polishing, direct machining, mechanical polishing, buffing, or flame polishing. Acrylic, polycarbonate, and other types of plastic can normally handle most, if not all, plastic polishing processes. Each polishing method produces different results, which may or may not be suitable for the project you have in mind. Experts will be able to tell you which method is ideal for your application.
Polishing Acrylic and Polycarbonate
In the plastic processing and fabrication industry, polycarbonate and acrylic are popular materials. To get the best results, different polishing methods are typically used for polycarbonate and acrylic. For example, vapor polishing, buffing, and direct machining are commonly used to improve the appearance and strength of polycarbonate. On the other hand, direct machining, buffing, vapor polishing, and flame polishing are normally used on acrylic pieces. Experienced professionals know the ins and outs of plastic processing and fabrication, and can help you choose the best polishing method for your component.
Importance of High-End Machining
While plastic polishing adds to the clarity and appearance of a plastic piece, the process is far from a quick fix for shoddy machining. Like any successful project, top-notch plastic pieces are built on high quality, meticulous preparation. Without the skill of a plastic expert on your side, you may end up with less than adequate components that don’t meet your specs. At that point, flame polishing acrylic pieces or buffing polycarbonate components, for example, are pointless. Plastic polishing is a process used to perfect expertly-machined pieces, and isn’t designed to fix existing mistakes.
For all of your plastic machining and polishing needs, contact PEP Connecticut Plastics. Visit Pepctplastics.com for more information.
