How to cut plastic?
The best way to cut plastic profiles is with a fine-toothed rotary saw. This gives a neater cut than using a wide-toothed saw as it reduces burred and jagged edges. The more teeth on the saw the better the cut.
Cutting Plastic Angle Trim To The Required Length
If you are wanting to fix plastic angle trim to a surface you may need to cut it to the required length first. If you don’t have a rotary saw then we still advise using a fine-toothed saw.
How to fix plastic?
It depends on the shape and type of the plastic. For plastic extrusions the three main methods of fixing are self-adhesive tape, glue and mechanical fixing such as rivets or screws. Before fixing the plastic may need to be cut to the required length.
There are 3 main ways to fix plastic angle trim into position:
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Self-Adhesive Tape
For custom extrusions we can apply the tape of your choice to the product during the manufacturing process. This service is available for larger production runs of 1500 metres and above. Meterage for custom extrusions depends on the size of the profile and can be quoted on request. Our stock products, including plastic angle trim, do not come with any tape applied. But for larger custom run we can quote to apply a tape of your choice.
Double-sided tapes have an adhesive coating on both sides and will attach two materials together with an invisible bond. This results in a good aesthetic finish as there are no visible screws or other mechanical fastenings.
Double sided tape can bond dissimilar materials. Our plastic angle trim has a smooth and even surface but sometimes it needs to be fixed to a surface that is uneven or textured.
There are many types of double-sided tape to choose from, each has different properties. Some of the factors you need to consider are:
- The strength of the required bond. You would need to use a high bonding tape for heavy-duty, industrial applications.
- If you are using the product outdoors or indoors.
- The type of surface you are fixing the product to. Surfaces include brick, concrete, MDF, plastic, tiles, metal and glass.
- If you are fixing onto a transparent surface a clear tape may be needed.
- The temperature and humidity of the environment where the product will be placed.
- The tape needs to suit the width of the plastic angle trim you are going to use.
As every situation is different we recommend that you take advice from a specialist as to which type of tape to use. Our data sheets provide further information about the materials we use to manufacture our rigid PVC profiles.
You are welcome to contact us if you would like any free samples of plastic angle trims or any of our other stock products.
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Glue
There are many different types of surface to which plastic angle trim can be fixed. Every situation and project is different and for this reason we do not advise on the specific type of glue to be used. But we do recommend that you contact an adhesive specialist such as a stockist for advice. Tell them that our rigid PVC is calcium zinc stabilised, and you can download our material data sheets which will provide technical information about the material properties.
Please let us know if you require any samples of our plastic angle trim or any other particular product so you can test the adhesive with your specific surface before making a purchase.
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Mechanical Fixing
Some of our customers use a mechanical mixing method such as riveting or screwing. For example, you can use screws to fix plastic angle trim into position. If it is done properly this can be a secure fixing method and the product can be easily removed if required.
The disadvantage of this method is that the head of the screws will be visible and in some situations this may not be desirable. It is preferable to pre-drill holes before screwing through rigid plastic for a neater finish.
Requesting Samples
The best way to request samples from us is to email [email protected]
Please let us know the products you are interested in and provide your name and address. Or you can ring us on 01208 873566, weekdays 9am – 5pm. We will then send you short pre-cut samples by Royal Mail, so you can try before you buy.