The 2 biggest requirements for cutting acrylic and polycarbonate:
A brand new "High" tooth count, carbide tipped sawblade,.. blades previously used on wood/wood-like material will be slightly dulled and will result in chipped edges,.. a high tooth count also allows heat caused by friction to be transferred dissipate over a larger surface of the blade,.. router bits also need to be new.
Patience,.. for anything thicker than 3/16", never cut acryl./poly. At full depth. regardless of tooth count, you will effectively overheat the material upon doing this. Slowly make multiple passes while increasing depth 1/8" at a time for each pass.
Just an "fyi"