Yes, an acrylic sheet can be filed, particularly to address rough edges.
Working with acrylic sheets often involves cutting, which can leave behind rough or uneven edges. Fortunately, smoothing these edges is a common practice, and filing is a viable method for achieving this.
According to one reference on finishing acrylic surfaces, a metal file is explicitly listed as a tool that can be used for this purpose. The process often involves dealing with surfaces that may be "dusty, scratched or dirty" and needing to smooth "rough edges".
Why File Acrylic?
- Removing Burrs: Filing helps eliminate small burrs or sharp points left by cutting tools.
- Initial Shaping: For significant roughness, filing can quickly remove material to bring the edge closer to the desired shape before finer finishing.
- Preparing for Sanding: As the reference suggests, filing is often the crucial first step before moving on to sanding for a smoother finish.
The Process: Filing Before Sanding
The recommended approach for smoothing rough acrylic edges typically involves a sequence of steps:
- File Rough Edges: Begin by using a tool like a metal file to reduce the most prominent rough spots and unevenness along the edge. This removes material relatively quickly.
- Sand the Acrylic: After filing, transition to using sandpaper with progressively finer grits (the reference suggests typically 600-1000 grit) or an electric sander/buffing machine to refine the surface, remove filing marks, and achieve the final desired smoothness.
Think of filing as the 'rough work' that makes the subsequent sanding much easier and more effective.
Tools for Smoothing Acrylic Edges
Various tools can be employed for smoothing acrylic edges:
| Tool | Primary Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Metal File | Removing rough edges | Good for initial shaping and burrs. |
| Sandpaper (600-1000 grit+) | Fine smoothing/finishing | Used after filing for a smooth surface. |
| Electric Sander/Buffer | Efficient smoothing/polishing | Speeds up the process, especially for larger areas. |
In conclusion, using a file is indeed a recognized method for working with acrylic sheets, specifically for initially smoothing out rough edges before proceeding to finer finishing techniques like sanding.
