Acrylic Parts Preparation Guide

Updated: 30-Sep-2008

Some acrylic parts are cut but left on holding tabs within the sheet, it is necessary to remove the parts and left over tabs before assembling acrylic kits.

The tabs and edges of the acrylic can be very sharp! Always wear eye and hand protection when preparing the acrylic.

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	Removing parts from their holding sheet
	Remove One Side of Protective Cover
	Remove The Holding Tabs
	Remaining Tab Filing
	Final CLean Up

Acrylic parts will come with a protective layer on both sides, this helps keep the acrylic surface free from scratches during machining and handling.

Remove each part from the sheet, by gently pushing the part through from the side which is furthest from the thickest part of the tab, or remove with a small pair of side cutters. Remember wear eye and hand protection!

Remove one side of the protective cover closest to the holding tab.

Here you can clearly see one of the remaining holding tab that needs removing.

The quickest way to remove the bulk of the tab is to use a pair of side cutters, I suggest you don't use your best pair!

Bulk of the tab removed with the side cutters.

Finally remove the remaining portion of tab with a small file.

Tab removed, repeat for all parts in the kit.

Remove the remaining plastic cover sheet, and remove any sharp edges by lightly running a steel rule along the edges.

Repeat these steps for all parts in the kit before assembly.