---
title: Cut out shapes out of plastic sheets with a CNC 
slug: cut-out-shapes-out-of-plastic-sheets-with-a-cnc-
description: In this how to, I will show you our process to cut HDPE Sheets using a X-Carve CNC.

Here is the full video in spanish with subtitles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LrrFz802To 
tags: ["HDPE"]
category: uncategorized
difficulty: Medium
time: < 5 hours
keywords: 
location: Mexico City, Mexico
---
# Cut out shapes out of plastic sheets with a CNC 
![Cut out shapes out of plastic sheets with a CNC ](IMG_20200605_142311.jpg)
In this how to, I will show you our process to cut HDPE Sheets using a X-Carve CNC.

Here is the full video in spanish with subtitles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LrrFz802To 

User Location: Mexico City, Mexico
## Steps
### Step 1: Measure the plastic sheet

For this step we need to measure our plastic sheet: Height, Width and Thickness.  Our X-Carve machine works with the CAM Software EASEL, for me, the easiest software for CNC milling out there. 

The cool thing about Easel (<a class="text-orange-600 underline" href="https://easel.inventables.com/)" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">easel.inventables.com: easel.inventables.com/)</a> is that you can "simulate" your actual material and THEY EVEN HAVE HDPE 2-Colors in their cutting material lists!!





![1.jpg](./1.jpg)


![2.jpg](./2.jpg)

### Step 2: Secure sheet 

Using the CNC clamps from the X-Carve, secure the sheet to the table, 


![3.jpg](./3.jpg)

### Step 3: Choosing a file to cut 

Now we go to our illustrator, such as Inkscape to design a vector file or download and open source one frome <a class="text-orange-600 underline" href="https://thenounproject.com/." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">thenounproject.com: thenounproject.com</a>

We download the SVG file, which is an open source vector format and import it to Easel. 



![4.jpg](./4.jpg)


![5.jpg](./5.jpg)

### Step 4: Follow the cutting Wizzard

Now with the file we can choose the width we want to carve/cut and then we go to cut and start the wizzard:
- We check that the sheet is fixed.
- We also specify the cutting bit, we are using a 1/8 flat flute bit. 
- We tell the machine where the coordinate 0-0 is, which we always choose as the down left corner.
- We raise the bit, turn on the CNC Router!!!

AND PUM THE MAGIC BEGINS!!


![6.jpg](./6.jpg)


![7.jpg](./7.jpg)


![8.jpg](./8.jpg)

### Step 5: Post-production and show case

You take now your glasses or object and postprocess them and of course show it to your friends, family and so on.





![9.jpg](./9.jpg)

### Step 6: Hack it and try it yourself

You can try this project with other types of CNC machines, even manual Routers or manual saw, as I did on this video: <a class="text-orange-600 underline" href="https://youtu.be/gxkcffQD3eQ," target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">youtu.be: youtu.be/gxkcffQD3eQ,</a> but the important thing is that you share what you do and help this community to grow!!!

Share your ideas and comments!


![IMG_20200605_142311.jpg](./IMG_20200605_142311.jpg)

## Resources
## References