Capability · Machining & cutting

CNC machining & cutting

Precision plastic cutting to size and CNC machining – for single parts, small batches and standard formats. Semadeni machines acrylic, PP, PE, PVC, PC and all common thermoplastics from batch size one.

CNC milling of a plastic sheet with coolant at Semadeni

What does Semadeni offer in CNC machining and cutting of plastics?

CNC machining and cutting cover the chip-removing separation and shaping of plastic sheets and semi-finished products: sawing, milling and drilling to size. Semadeni cuts and machines all common thermoplastics – acrylic (PMMA), PP, PE, PVC, PC and more – from a straight cut to a complex milled part from CAD data. The technology centre in Ostermundigen has a vertical panel saw and a 4-axis CNC centre, so contour, tolerance and edge quality can be matched to the workpiece. Because no mould or injection tool is needed, machining is worthwhile from batch size one and for high-variant orders. Which machine, tolerance and tool path lead to the result is defined per project based on material, sheet thickness and required accuracy.

Process

Benefits of CNC machining & cutting

Economical from a single part

Without a mould or injection tool we already make single parts, samples and small batches – flexible even with frequent changes.

Precise from CAD

Contours, pockets, holes and slots are created directly from your DXF, DWG or STEP data, standard tolerance ± 0.2 mm.

Large-format cutting

Sheet formats up to 3050 × 2050 mm also cover large-area cuts and cladding.

Sawing and milling combined

Cutting to size and CNC milling are available in combination at the same site – matched to edge and geometry.

Burr-free cuts and edge finish

The vertical panel saw delivers straight, burr-free cuts; on request we deburr and finish the edges afterwards.

Broad material spectrum

From PMMA through PP, PE and PVC to PVDF, we machine the common technical thermoplastics.

Technical possibilities

A framework for pre-clarification. We match machine, tolerance and edge quality to material, sheet thickness and accuracy.

Possibility
Range
Cutting
Striebig vertical panel saw, straight and burr-free cut
CNC milling
Homag BMG 511 4-axis centre – contours, pockets, cut-outs, slots
Sheet format
Up to 3050 × 2050 mm
Tolerance
Standard ± 0.2 mm, tighter on request
Materials
PMMA, PP, PE, PVC-U, PVC foam, PC, PET-G, PS, PVDF, PA

From file to part

01

Data check

We check your CAD data or sketch for feasibility and tolerance.

02

Material & process

Define material, sheet thickness and the suitable cutting process.

03

Cutting & milling

Saw and mill to contour, with holes and cut-outs.

04

Inspection & finish

Dimensional check, deburring and, on request, edges, bonding or assembly.

What are CNC & cutting suited for?

  • Machine parts, templates and technical milled parts from CAD
  • Display, advertising and presentation parts from acrylic (PMMA)
  • Standard formats and special cuts from sheet material
  • Covers, partitions and protective screens in small series

Which cutting process?

Criterion
Sawing
CNC milling
Cut shape
straight
contour, pockets, 3D
Internal cut-out
no
yes
Typical use
sheet cutting, frames
milled parts from CAD
View laser engraving →

In detail

Chip-removing machining to size

In cutting and CNC machining, plastic is separated and shaped by chip removal – sawn, milled and drilled. The technology centre in Ostermundigen has a vertical panel saw and a 4-axis CNC centre for this. Because no mould or injection tool is needed, machining suits a single part and high-variant orders – from a straight sheet cut to a complex milled part from CAD.

Two processes combined

Cutting

The vertical panel saw delivers straight, burr-free cuts up to large format – from standard formats to bespoke cuts from the full sheet.

CNC milling

The 4-axis centre mills contours, pockets, cut-outs and slots directly from CAD data – with a standard tolerance of ± 0.2 mm and tighter on request. Machine parts, templates and technical milled parts are thus made reproducibly.

Matching material and tolerance

Not every plastic machines the same way: PMMA tends to chip with the wrong tool path, soft PE grades demand sharp cutting edges, PVDF poses its own requirements. Which machine, tolerance and edge quality lead to the goal is matched before production to material, sheet thickness and required accuracy, with sampling if needed.

Frequently asked questions about CNC machining & cutting

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We're happy to answer it personally.

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Which plastics can Semadeni cut?

All common thermoplastics: PMMA (acrylic/plexiglas), PP, PE, PVC-U, PVC foam, PC, PET-G, PS, PVDF and PA. Composite sheets and coated materials can also be machined on request. Which machine and tool path fit depends on the material and sheet thickness.

How accurate is CNC machining?

The standard tolerance is ± 0.2 mm. For precision parts with tighter tolerances we adjust the machining individually and check feasibility from your CAD data. The achievable accuracy also depends on material, thickness and geometry.

What is the minimum order for cutting to size?

Batch size starts at one piece. Some standard formats are available from stock, special formats are made after order receipt. An expedited delivery is also possible on request.

Can Semadeni produce from my own CAD data?

Yes. Send your DXF, DWG or STEP file. We check feasibility and tolerances before preparing a quote and get back to you with any questions about geometry or material.

When sawing, when milling?

The vertical panel saw is the fast route to straight cuts up to large format. CNC milling comes in wherever a contour, pocket, slot or internal cut-out is required – from CAD data and with a standard tolerance of ± 0.2 mm. Which route fits the part is clarified by product and material.

  • 1952 Swiss family business founded
  • In-house tool & mould making
  • 5 ISO certificates
  • CH & EU production across the Semadeni Industry Group

Send your CAD file – we make your cut part

Send us your DXF, DWG or STEP file with material and quantity. We check feasibility and tolerances, sample if needed and prepare a quote – personally from Switzerland.

Philippe Gehringer Head of Plastics Machining
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