Hot wire cutter used for plastics? 1

[examorph]

We are currently looking into methods of cutting plastic rods with diameters being a typical maximum of 5mm, examples of some plastics are PEEK and PTFE. Could a hot wire cutter be used for this to get an accurate cut?

If so, can this be done with a fairly thin wire diameter which would result in a smaller split dimension?

 

[Compositepro]

The fumes of decomposed ptfe are highly toxic and corrosive.

 

[MintJulep]

Probably won't be hot enough to cut either. Certainly not PEEK..

 

[BrianPetersen]

Wire cutters will only work with thermoplastics that melt at relatively low temperature and have an ample margin between the melting temperature and the decomposition or ignition temperatures.

 

[examorph]

Thank you for your replies.

We are currently doing this manually with a dremel. The rods are not straight they are diameters, essentially a hoop, when we debur these after cutting we have to stretch the split apart and clean up any rough edges which takes time and opens the split even more. What alternative methods would you suggest for doing this.

 

[BrianPetersen]

Bandsaw with a fine blade?

 

[MintJulep]

Water jet with abrasive.

 

[btrueblood]

Ditto Mint.

 

[Compositepro]

It sounds as if you are making large, hard o-rings. There are numerous hand snips that can cut such small rod. If you require a very clean and square cut, you will have to clamp the rod in a fixture and shave the cut face with a sharp razor blade.
For a rough cut Google PVC pipe cutters.

 

[HDS]

lathe

 

[StoneCold]

You might have better luck if you confine the rod in a tight fitting sleeve before you cut it off so that it does not have a chance to deform.
Just a thought.

Stonecold