Frequently Asked Questions​

FAQs about Acrylic Bending Machines

Acrylic bending machines use heat to soften acrylic and plastic sheets so they can be easily formed into any desired shape or angle. When the material is allowed to cool down, it becomes rigid again.

These machines can be adapted for a huge variety of uses that include decoration engineering, aquarium wrapping, sign making, creating bent supermarket shelves and display cabinets, creating acrylic and plastic plates, and making artworks.


Acrylic bending machines are available in a variety of models and each of them is unique in its design and purpose.

HRK125 is a customizable bending machine that comes with a pneumatically operated top frame. It also has a timer and a foot switch.

HRT 125 belongs to HRT series that is a little more advanced than the basic HR models. These machines come with multiple heating lines and reflectors that allow you to make more than one bend at a time.

ABM-135D is another plastic bending machine that’s exceptional at producing large quantities of single or two bend materials that are up to 0.25 inches in thickness and they’re quite easy to set up. Moreover, they can heat, bend, and cool automatically.

Q&A

Explore our products to learn more about your options.

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These plastic bending machines can bend plastics sheets that are up to 16mm in width.

Acrylic bending machines are most commonly used to bend materials like Foam PVC, Plexiglass, Polypropylene, ABS, Perspex, and Polycarbonate and use a heating element to soften them before they can be formed into the required shape.

The Shannon AFF 135 is an automatic bending machine that’s incredibly easy to operate andcan process thin plastic sheets. The machine comes with an electronic heating element that can be adjusted accurately. You can use this machine to bend one or more sheets at once.

If you need help setting up or repairing your acrylic bending machine, feel free to contact Edge Finisher Co. and let them take care of any problems.

Tips for Optimum Performance:

01.

Set diamond tools for .017" to .021" material removal. A lower setting may not clean off all of the sawcut edge. A higher setting will cause premature wear of the tool.

02.

Always use a vacuum system during the machining operation to prevent chips from being picked up and dragged across the edge of the polished material, resulting in scratches or imperfections.


03.

Use a cotton swab dampened with alcohol to clean diamond inserts.


04.

Never touch the diamond insert with fingers or a measuring instrument. Although diamond is one of the hardest substances, it is also one of the most brittle. Even a finger touch on a diamond insert can damage the tool.


05.

Remove the tool before it is completely dull. As a diamond tool breaks down, the edges of the plastic material will deteriorate from a high polish to a matte or satin finish.


06.

The total life of the insert will increase if you change tools regularly, at the beginning stages of breakdown. Less material will need to be removed during sharpening to bring the tool edge back to its original state.

what you need to know

Common Questions About Diamond Edge Polishers

Are All Diamond Edge Polishers the Same?

Most are. The technology behind the diamond edge tooling is nearly identical. Configurations of natural diamond tooling inserts vary slightly depending upon the type and style of the tool holder. Another variation will stem from whether the spindle for the tool is in a movable or fixed position. Generally, a 100mm radius on a 3-4mm stone will produce the best results.

Can I Solvent Cement an Edge After Polishing?

Yes, you can... with superior results. The polishing process, using a diamond edge polisher, is a "cutting" process. No heat is used or created during the machine cycle. You can bond with confidence, without fear of 'crazing'. Adding weight to the cemented joint per manufacturer's specifications will produce the best results and create the desired 'bubble-free' bond.

Can I Polish the Edges of Polycarbonate?

Yes, you can. A diamond edge polisher will do a fine job on polycarbonate, PETG, copolymer and multipolymer materials. Often, one pass of the material over diamond tooling will give you the quality edge your customers require. For a 'perfect edge', a light buffing as a secondary operation will be necessary.

Are Moving Machine Heads Superior to Fixed Machine Heads?

Rigidity is the key factor in any machining process. Whether the cutter moves over the material, or the material moves over the cutter, is not the issue. Although a fixed head (spindle) by design tends to be more rigid, a moving head (spindle) can perform just as well when properly secured. 

tips you should know

01.

Black or 'smoke' colored materials, copolymer, multipolymer and polycarbonate materials will reduce the life of the diamond tool between sharpening by 50 to 70 percent.

02.

If you have a large volume of edges that require bonding, use a carbide tool to finish these. The carbide will produce a flat, smooth, satin finish that is excellent for cementing.

03.

At approximately 1/10 the cost of diamond tooling (both new and resharp costs). It is very economical and allows you to save the diamond tool for those edges that will remain exposed. ​