Don't be confused by the manufacturer's stated "melting points." That is the temperature at which plastic literally becomes a liquid; like, it flows. Most durable plastics will melt at temperatures below 500 degrees Fahrenheit, but will begin to soften -- and deform -- well before that.

Polycarbonate, like Lexan™, is a soft plastic widely used in signmaking. It softens at about 297°F, and flows above 311°F. So; higher temperatures, but a very short window between "soft" and goo.

Ben Allen is the CEO of BinSentry. He has led multiple hardware, software and ag tech companies with a history of maintaining strong relationships with investors. Prior to joining BinSentry, Allen was the head of global market development at Indigo Ag, an ag tech startup he helped grow from US$300 million in 2017 to US$3 billion in 2021. He also led the effort to scale Agri-Trend’s Agri-Data software organization, resulting in its acquisition by Trimble.

Chip Clearing: Plastics can produce long, stringy chips. Regular chip clearing can prevent these from getting entangled and affecting the machining process.

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) is a lightweight, high-strength composite used to strengthen concrete columns, slabs, walls, and beams.

Safety: Some plastics can release toxic fumes when machined. Always ensure proper ventilation and use protective equipment like masks and goggles.

Acrylic, or Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), a.k.a. Lucite® or Plexiglas®, is also considered a hard plastic. It's translucent, making it a good substitute for glass, at half the weight. It melts at around 320°F. It softens at around 120°F. You can actually bend the stuff with a hair dryer.

Spektra bits have a special proprietary edge processing system and feature a super high polished cutting edge with a unique “mirror finish”, resulting in clean cuts, superior surface finish and a longer tool life.

Best Blades and Bits for Cutting Plastic Router Bits | Saw Blades September 8th, 2023 6 minute read Listen to article 1x 00:00 Audio generated by DropInBlog's Blog Voice AI™ may have slight pronunciation nuances. Learn more Here's the thing about cutting plastic:  It melts. Cutting requires friction. Friction generates heat. And heat melts plastic.  If your material melts a lot, it will re-bond behind the cutting tool in a process known as "chip-weld." If it melts a little bit, you'll end up with rough, uneven edges. Neither option is pretty.  So, you need specialized router bits and saw blades to cut plastic. Watch LED Acrylic Sign Making full screen What Do We Mean by "Melt"? Don't be confused by the manufacturer's stated "melting points." That is the temperature at which plastic literally becomes a liquid; like, it flows. Most durable plastics will melt at temperatures below 500 degrees Fahrenheit, but will begin to soften -- and deform -- well before that.  High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), a hard plastic used to make park benches, pipes, industrial & commercial windows, and other building materials, starts to melt at 257°F, but it begins to soften at between 110-120°. Acrylic, or Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), a.k.a. Lucite® or Plexiglas®, is also considered a hard plastic. It's translucent, making it a good substitute for glass, at half the weight. It melts at around 320°F. It softens at around 120°F. You can actually bend the stuff with a hair dryer.  Polycarbonate, like Lexan™, is a soft plastic widely used in signmaking. It softens at about 297°F, and flows above 311°F. So; higher temperatures, but a very short window between "soft" and goo. High Density Urethane (HDU Board) is a closed-cell foam board, also commonly used in signmaking. It is rated for up to 200°F continuous exposure. In contrast, wood will begin to char at between 450°F to 500°F. Moral of the story: Plastic melts.  Watch How to Make: CNC LED Holiday Sign full-screen Other Things to Know About Plastic Feed Rates and Speeds: A good rule of thumb for plastic is to use high spindle speeds and low feed rates. This will reduce heat. Adjust speeds and feeds according to chip formation. Ideally, the chips should be small and consistent. Depth of Cut: Shallow depths of cut can also help prevent heat buildup. Two shallow passes are cooler than one deep pass. Chip Clearing: Plastics can produce long, stringy chips. Regular chip clearing can prevent these from getting entangled and affecting the machining process. Clamping: Plastics are softer and more flexible than metals, so avoid over-clamping, which can cause deformation or breakage. Use soft jaws or fixtures to prevent marring the surface. Cooling and Lubrication: Many plastics can be machined dry, but for some, a coolant or air blast can help prevent melting and improve surface finish. When using coolants, make sure they're compatible with the plastic. Some plastics might absorb the coolant, leading to dimensional changes or degradation. Surface Finish: If a smooth surface finish is required, use a finishing pass with a fine tool and slower feed rate.  Safety: Some plastics can release toxic fumes when machined. Always ensure proper ventilation and use protective equipment like masks and goggles. Watch How to Make a CNC Alphabet Piggy Bank full-screen Get the plans here Best Saw Blades for Cutting Plastic The best blades for plastic are our carbide-tipped no-melt saw blades. The modified triple-chip grind and 2° negative hook angle produce less heat than a standard blade, leaving a crisp, smooth edge.  The negative hook angle greatly reduces the tendency of chip-welding or melting of Acrylic Sheets, Plexiglas®, Lexan®, Corrugated Polypropolyene, HDPE, Polycarbonates, Coroplast®* and other plastics. Additionally, blades coated with Amana Tool's Electro-Blu™ Non-Stick Coating prevent resin build-up. Best Router Bits for Cutting Plastic Not to sound like a commercial, but you can't go wrong with the Solid Carbide Spektra™ Extreme Tool Life Coated, Plastic Cutting CNC Router Bits, made with the highest quality sub-micrograin carbide, with nACo® nanocomposite coating for less friction and heat buildup. Spektra bits have a special proprietary edge processing system and feature a super high polished cutting edge with a unique “mirror finish”, resulting in clean cuts, superior surface finish and a longer tool life. Benefits of Mirror-Finish: Razor sharp cutting edge Effortless chip removal Helps prevent chip re-welding Dissipates heat well and prevents melting Extends tool life Exceptional cut quality Start with a Spiral O Single Flute, Plastic Cutting Up-Cut Router Bit. The Spiral ‘O’ flute sharpening/finishing process increases feed rates, allowing for more linear feet routed in less time.  These can also be purchased without the nACo® coating, but the coating does extend the life of your bit up to 2.5 times. For profiling and carving, get a 3-piece or 4-piece Spektra Extreme Tool Life Coated 2D/3D Carving Set. For fine lettering and engraving, try a 30 Degree Engraving 0.005 Tip Width bit. And a Spiral Finisher leaves an extra high surface finish. People Also Ask: Is Corian® plastic? Technically, no, corian is not plastic per se. But, it is made from about 1/3 acrylic, which is a plastic. (The other 2/3 is mostly natural material.) It is prudent to treat Corian® like a plastic, taking all the precautions you would with actual plastic.  Is vinyl plastic? Absolutely, yes. "Vinyl" usually means PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The "V" is for vinyl.  Interestingly, the "C," for chloride, is the part of the compound with the most negative environmental impact. Other vinyls like EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) or PVB (polyvinyl butyral) - ones without that "C" component - are much better for the environment. But all of them are plastic. Is Formica® plastic? Yes. Manufacturers of Formica® swear it's made mostly from layers of kraft paper, which is true. What they don't tell you, is that the paper is layered between sheets of melamine resin, a thermoplastic.  Treat all laminates like plastic. See our full set of free downloadable safety posters here. « Back to Articles Related Articles Dovetail Joints: 5 Different Types and Their Uses 4 minute read September 5th, 2023 Dado Saw Blades - The Ultimate Guide 9 minute read September 1st, 2023 Best Aluminum Cutting Saw Blades 3 minute read September 15th, 2023

The 2025 Feed Mill of the Future Conference will be held on January 28, 2025. The half-day event brings together leading feed industry experts to examine emerging feed industry trends and new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), that will impact how animal feed is manufactured in the years ahead. Feed milling professionals will leave with a better understanding of how innovation and early adoption will help their business achieve its sustainability, productivity and profitability goals.

Formulation software will play a critical role in addressing modern sustainability challenges in the feed industry. Learn how traditional optimization techniques can be adapted to incorporate environmental factors alongside cost-effectiveness and nutritional requirements. Format Solution’s Ian Mealey explains how formulation software models sustainability scenarios and integrates environmental criteria into recipe optimization. Applications provide data transparency and reporting for informed decision-making, as well as apply advanced optimization algorithms to meet your company’s — and your customers’ — sustainability targets. Discover how to use feed formulation software to balance cost, nutrition and the environmental impact in feed manufacturing, positioning your business for a sustainable future.

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), a hard plastic used to make park benches, pipes, industrial & commercial windows, and other building materials, starts to melt at 257°F, but it begins to soften at between 110-120°.

The conference is organized and presented by Feed Strategy and Feed & Grain magazines, in partnership with the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) at the 2025 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE).

Precision Components 1/2" End Mill Extension 1-1/4" Shank Holder LRX-.500-50.

Fusion 360 is a versatile CAD package that has all the features needed to develop products from the conceptual phase through design verification to ...

Not to sound like a commercial, but you can't go wrong with the Solid Carbide Spektra™ Extreme Tool Life Coated, Plastic Cutting CNC Router Bits, made with the highest quality sub-micrograin carbide, with nACo® nanocomposite coating for less friction and heat buildup.

The negative hook angle greatly reduces the tendency of chip-welding or melting of Acrylic Sheets, Plexiglas®, Lexan®, Corrugated Polypropolyene, HDPE, Polycarbonates, Coroplast®* and other plastics.

Matthew Boland is a sales territory manager at CPM Automation. He has nearly 20 years of sales and operations experience, specializing in automation solutions. Boland excels in solution selling, relationship building and driving consistent revenue growth. His technical expertise spans across Salesforce CRM, industrial automation software, and a variety of engineering tools, making him a trusted adviser to clients nationwide.

Interestingly, the "C," for chloride, is the part of the compound with the most negative environmental impact. Other vinyls like EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) or PVB (polyvinyl butyral) - ones without that "C" component - are much better for the environment. But all of them are plastic.

The half-day 2025 Feed Mill of the Future Conference, organized in partnership with the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) 2025, brings together leading feed industry experts to examine emerging feed mill technologies and processes that will impact animal feed manufacturing in the years ahead. Organized by Feed Strategy and Feed & Grain magazinesFeed milling professionals will leave with a better understanding of how innovation and early adoption will help achieve their sustainability, productivity and profitability goals of tomorrow. The conference is presented by Feed Strategy and Feed & Grain magazines.

Fletcher Titan Rail Cutter · Blade Type: Knife Blade · Cut Width-Maximum: 100 ", 120 ", 40 ", 60 " · Cutter Type: Flexible/Semi-Rigid Cutter/ Sight Line Strip/ ...

High Density Urethane (HDU Board) is a closed-cell foam board, also commonly used in signmaking. It is rated for up to 200°F continuous exposure.

Start with a Spiral O Single Flute, Plastic Cutting Up-Cut Router Bit. The Spiral ‘O’ flute sharpening/finishing process increases feed rates, allowing for more linear feet routed in less time.

As the threat of cybercriminals and ransomware attacks escalates, feed manufacturers must prepare to defend their businesses and data. Dr. James Gruich, cybersecurity expert and educator, delves into the consequences of ransomware and other cyber threats, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures. Learn how to build a robust internal defense, develop a comprehensive incident response plan, implement stringent security measures and educate your workforce.

The best blades for plastic are our carbide-tipped no-melt saw blades. The modified triple-chip grind and 2° negative hook angle produce less heat than a standard blade, leaving a crisp, smooth edge.

Clamping: Plastics are softer and more flexible than metals, so avoid over-clamping, which can cause deformation or breakage. Use soft jaws or fixtures to prevent marring the surface.

Registration is open. To attend, first register to attend IPPE. See www.ippexpo.org, and visit the Education Programs/Paid Conferences for details. Onsite registration will also be available.

If your material melts a lot, it will re-bond behind the cutting tool in a process known as "chip-weld." If it melts a little bit, you'll end up with rough, uneven edges. Neither option is pretty.

Jun 17, 2022 — At the time, I owned a Rikon 14" bandsaw, the much-ballyhooed machine I purchased from Lee Valley Tools in Halifax, NS, the province I retired ...

Perfectly drill pilot holes for hinge and hardware installation with the selection of this RYOBI Self-Centering Hinge Bit. Ideal for use on wood surfaces.

It can be used for both blind holes and through holes, and there is almost no chips, so cleaning can be shortened, etc. Depending on the product, there is also ...

Feed Rates and Speeds: A good rule of thumb for plastic is to use high spindle speeds and low feed rates. This will reduce heat.

Liam Cassidy, Knobelsdorff senior executive director of automation, brings more than 23 years of industrial experience, specializing in automation systems and digital transformation. He excels in designing solutions that boost productivity and output. Known for a customer-centric approach, Cassidy fosters strong partnerships. His expertise includes PLCs, MES/SCADA, and Industrial IoT. A skilled project manager, he has led major U.S. companies to enhanced revenue, customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

When using coolants, make sure they're compatible with the plastic. Some plastics might absorb the coolant, leading to dimensional changes or degradation.

ROUTER BITS. PROFILE/EDGE TREATMENT. > For routing decorative profiles into the edges of workpieces – almost always for aesthetic reasons. > Generally ...

With more than 35 years combined experience, PlastiWin Capital Equipment is dedicated to providing quality used plastic machinery and plastic process equipment, ...

The event will be held at the 2025 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) as part of the feed education program.

Cooling and Lubrication: Many plastics can be machined dry, but for some, a coolant or air blast can help prevent melting and improve surface finish.

Find SA3524 - HELICAL TOOL (HR MFG) at Hill-Rom Parts.

Brady Gaalswyk is a second-generation owner and co-president at Easy Automation. Before joining Easy Automation in 2019, he was involved in the feed ingredient transportation industry. Today, Gaalswyk leads the sales and finance teams and focuses on finding and capturing technology and capital opportunities in agricultural industries. He works directly with customers to push the innovation boundaries and find powerful solutions for their facilities.

Depth of Cut: Shallow depths of cut can also help prevent heat buildup. Two shallow passes are cooler than one deep pass.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with feed mill control systems offers manufacturers real-time adjustments to optimize production efficiency. CMP Automation’s sales territory manager Matthew Boland discusses the practical steps to prepare your systems with essential infrastructure for AI integration, from robust OT networks to advanced sensors. He will also discuss the gradual evolution toward autonomous, or “lights-out” facilities, examining the path from current ERP interactions to future self-optimizing systems. Attendees will gain insights into immediate steps for preparing their feed mills for AI integration, positioning operations for increased production, reduced waste and consistent quality.

The future of the feed industry lies in automation. Feed mill automation is crucial for enhancing efficiency, consistency and productivity. Liam Cassidy, Knobelsdorff senior executive director – automation, explores the benefits of enhanced automation systems, including reduced operational costs, improved product quality, and real-time monitoring and data analysis that leads to better decision-making and optimized performance. Cassidy will demonstrate how the application of the latest advancements in automation technology allows feed manufacturers to stay competitive and achieve operational excellence.

Ben Allen, CEO of BinSentry, explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and automation on feed mill operations. Discover how early adopters are leveraging these technologies to significantly cut costs and enhance operational efficiency, creating immediate and long-term advantages. The presentation will outline how AI improves customer interactions, leads to substantial cost reductions, lessens pressure of labor shortages and streamlines production processes. He will also discuss the adoption of vendor managed inventory (VMI) practices, traditionally seen in retail, and how they are being integrated into animal feed operations to optimize inventory management.

Is Formica® plastic? Yes. Manufacturers of Formica® swear it's made mostly from layers of kraft paper, which is true. What they don't tell you, is that the paper is layered between sheets of melamine resin, a thermoplastic.

Is Corian® plastic? Technically, no, corian is not plastic per se. But, it is made from about 1/3 acrylic, which is a plastic. (The other 2/3 is mostly natural material.)

Dr. Jamie Gruich is an educator and cybersecurity expert with more than 30 years of diverse experience. An instructor at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, he holds a Ph.D. in educational administration, an MBA, and degrees in computer information science and business. His accolades include the 2023 Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award and the 2022 Cisco Instructor Excellence Award. Gruich played a crucial role in securing the NSA’s Center of Academic Excellence designation for his institution and represented the U.S. in international cybersecurity collaborations. His extensive career spans government, private and public sectors, including executive roles in cybersecurity and finance. Gruich’s expertise encompasses computer networking, programming and system administration, with notable contributions to U.S. Navy systems.

Building a new facility with brand-new technology and equipment is a significant capital expense — one not realistic for most feed manufacturers. Feed producers need to optimize their facility to meet the changing demands of their market, now and in the future. Easy Automation’s Brady Gaalswyk provides feed mill managers with actionable strategies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, to enable them to meet changing market demands with their existing infrastructure. His presentation offers practical, cost-effective solutions for immediate implementation, making it invaluable for those seeking to improve productivity without major capital expenditure.

Ian Mealey is the product marketing director for Format Solutions, a Datacor company. His career began after earning a degree in agriculture and joining a graduate program, then progressing from formulator to formulations manager. Mealey has excelled at Format Solutions in various roles, including implementation, software product design and consultation. He has collaborated with clientele across sectors like feed, pet food, aqua, premix, and food and beverage.