Understanding Polyester Fiber Panels by Thickness and Density
Not all panels are created equal. As thickness increases, density decreases, which directly impacts the required cutting and grooving tools.
| Thickness Range | Density | Material Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 9mm–12mm | High | Compact, firm, suitable for fast rigid cutting |
| 24mm–50mm | Medium–Low | Softer, flexible, prone to drag or fiber stretching |
Cutting Tool Selection: Match the Tool to the Material
1. Thin Panels (9mm–12mm)
- Recommended Tool: Electric Oscillating Tool
- Why:
Stable cutting with clean edges; best suited for high-density, rigid material.
2. Thick Panels (24mm–50mm)
- Recommended Tool: Pneumatic Oscillating Tool
- Why:
Stronger amplitude and cutting power. Cleanly cuts soft, thick panels without dragging or tearing.
⚙️ Oscillating Tool Comparison Table
| Feature | Electric Oscillating Tool | Pneumatic Oscillating Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | Electric motor | Compressed air |
| Vibration Frequency | Medium | High |
| Amplitude | ~1.2mm | Up to 5mm |
| Cutting Power | Moderate | High |
| Best For | Thin, high-density panels (9–12mm) | Thick, low-density panels (24–50mm) |
| Advantages | Quiet, energy-efficient | Clean, powerful cuts with no drag |
Grooving Tool Selection: Passive vs. Electric Bevel Tool
✅ Both tools can handle:
- Straight and curved V-grooves
- Complex folded designs
- Grooving on polyester fiber boards from 9mm to 50mm
However, their performance varies depending on material softness and groove complexity.
⚙️ Bevel Cutting Tool Comparison Table
| Feature | Passive Bevel Tool | Electric Bevel Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Mode | Passive (uses machine axis only) | Active (DC motor powered) |
| Vibration Amplitude | None | 2mm |
| Blade Movement | Follows X/Y motion | Independent oscillation + axis motion |
| Best For | Rigid panels, basic grooves (9–24mm) | Soft panels, curved/deep grooves (24–50mm) |
| Advantages | Cost-effective, easy to maintain | Prevents drag/stretching on soft materials |
💡 Key Point: Electric bevel tools are ideal for thick, soft acoustic panels where passive tools may cause deformation during the groove.
Recommended Machine Configuration: Dual Tool Holders
To achieve high-efficiency cutting and grooving on one machine, we recommend using a dual tool holder configuration:
- Tool Holder 1: Oscillating knife (electric or pneumatic)
- Tool Holder 2: Bevel cutting tool (passive or electric)
- Both tools are mounted on shared tool holders and can be swapped according to material type.
This setup allows users to:
- Cut and groove without frequent manual tool changes
- Match tools flexibly to varying panel thicknesses and hardness
- Improve processing speed and stability
Quick Tool Matching Guide
| Panel Thickness | Cutting Tool | Grooving Tool | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9–12mm | Electric Oscillating Tool | Passive Bevel Tool | For fast, clean cuts and straight grooves |
| 24mm | Pneumatic Oscillating Tool | Electric Bevel Tool | Prevents drag/stretching on softer materials |
| 30–50mm | Pneumatic Oscillating Tool | Electric Bevel Tool | Best for deep grooves and complex folding jobs |
Conclusion
If you want to cut and groove 9–50mm polyester fiber sound-absorbing panels on a single CNC machine, you need to:
- Equip the machine with dual tool holders.
- Use two cutting tools: electric (for thin panels) and pneumatic (for thick panels).
- Use two bevel tools: passive (for rigid panels) and electric (for soft panels).
- Switch between tools based on panel thickness and density.
With the right setup, you can achieve perfect results across a wide range of panel specifications—without switching machines or sacrificing quality.
Final Summary
- For thin, firm acoustic panels (9–12mm): use an electric oscillating cutter and passive bevel tool.
- For thick, soft panels (24–50mm): switch to pneumatic oscillating cutters and electric bevel tools.
- Smart tool matching = faster production, better quality, and higher ROI.
