Posted by RandyT on 20, 2001 at 3:06 PM:
In Reply to: Re: Plexi or Lexan control panel? posted by aramis on 20, 2001 at 1:58 PM:
: Plexi is a little bit more prone to cracking or breaking than Lexan. You ever see the high-end R/C car bodies? Those are Lexan, and they can take a beating. I use 4' square sheets of Lexan a lot at work, and it is a lot more fogiving than Plexi.
A big "hear, hear" on the Lexan. But if you go to order it, just ask for "polycarbonate sheets" as the "Lexan" brand name is liable to cost you more.
: Your idea sounds pretty neat, but I assume you are going to shine the light into the plexi from an edge, since you will have the metal cp underneath. So, you will probably have to wet sand the one edge (or have it vapor honed) to make it clear again after cutting for the best light entry. The other edges should probably be left opaque (or even painted?) so that the light reflects back into the plastic.
Another thing they do is something called a "flame polish". Essentially, you sand the edge you want to be clear as smooth as possible, then take a propane torch and CAREFULLY AND QUICKLY run it along the edge you want to be clear. Just don't get the flame too close or leave it in one spot for too long. Try a test piece before you do it on your finished part. I know this works well on Acrylic (Plexi) but it'll probably do just as well on the polycarbonate.
Oh, and if you set yourself on fire, it's your fault, not mine :)
RandyT