Cutting ABS plastic sheet (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is relatively easy because it is a medium hardness, good toughness, and impact-resistant thermoplastic. You can choose different tools for cutting according to the thickness and precision requirements of the sheet. The following is a detailed cutting guide:
- Choose the cutting method according to the thickness
ABS sheet thickness Recommended cutting method
≤2mm Utility knife (break after repeated scoring)
2–6mm Hand saw, jig saw, electric shears
6–12mm Electric circular saw, table saw, band saw, CNC
≥12mm (thick board) Table saw, high-power circular saw, CNC engraving machine - Common cutting methods
- Utility knife (for ≤2mm thin boards)
Repeatedly score at the marking line several times, then break or press it with your hands;
Advantages: no noise, no chips;
Disadvantages: only suitable for very thin boards.
- Electric circular saw / table saw
Suitable for straight-line cutting of ≥6mm plates;
Use fine-tooth carbide saw blades (60~80 teeth);
The feed speed should be slow to prevent the material from melting or fluffing;
Can be used with a ruler or track guide to ensure accuracy. - Jigsaw
Used for cutting irregular contours or arcs;
Assemble fine-toothed plastic special saw blades;
Push gently and walk slowly when cutting to avoid burning. - Laser cutting (professional equipment only)
Can achieve high-precision contour cutting and punching;
The surface is smooth and has no burrs;
Disadvantages: The equipment is expensive and requires ventilation. ABS laser cutting may produce irritating gases. - CNC engraving machine
Recommended for batch processing or complex structure cutting;
Precise incision, suitable for engraving details;
Commonly used in industry or model customization. - Cutting step suggestions (taking electric circular saw as an example)
Measure and draw lines: Use a steel ruler and a marker to mark the cutting line;
Fix the board: Press the ABS board on the workbench with a clamp;
Choose a suitable saw blade: a carbide saw blade with more than 60 teeth;
Slow advance: Advance the saw blade evenly to prevent the ABS from melting;
Cooling treatment (optional): Spray water mist to cool down during long-term cutting.
Precautions
Problem Cause Solution
Melting edge, burning Saw speed is too fast or the saw blade is not sharp Reduce the speed, use a sharp saw blade, and cool
Rough cut, broken edge Uneven advancement, unsuitable saw blade Select a fine-toothed saw blade and advance steadily
Deflected cutting line The board is not fixed or the operation is unstable Use a clamp to stabilize and add a guide plate
Irritating odor When heated, ABS decomposes to produce acrylonitrile gas Open the window for ventilation and wear a mask