2006-08-09 08:43:10 · 6 answers · asked by crossmanclan 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Boats & Boating
Try to find a cylindrical object that has approximately the same curve that you are trying to duplicate. Maybe a 5 gallon bucket or a garbage can laid on its side. Take any protective covering off the plexi or lucite, place the plexi horizontally on top of the bucket so gravity can help form the bend over the bucket. Secure the bucket and plexi to keep them from moving around. You're gonna need both your hands for the heat gun and bending. Begin to heat the area you want to bend with a heat gun. Try to heat both sides evenly. Don't get it too hot....heat it slowly. As it heats up, you will see the plexi start to bend from gravity. Make sure you are wearing heat resistant gloves or oven mitts and you can "help" the bending process by putting gentle pressure on the plexi once it is hot enough to start bending on it's own. Once you have the proper amount of curve in the plexi, and it has formed to the proper curve, remove the heat and let it cool down. Probably a good idea to clamp it in place while it cools.
2006-08-09 17:17:48 · answer #1 · answered by dathinman8 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A heat gun may not create enough consistent and even heat depending upon how big an area you're trying to bend. Also, lucite and lexan my scratch too easily. Lexan doesn't hold it's shape well. Plexiglass is the best choice.
Here's a link on my site to an article I found on the web several years ago:
http://downloads.kruitzkraft.com/windshield.pdf
2006-08-10 08:46:06 · answer #2 · answered by Dan K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the acrylic aquarium industry they use giant ovens and a form. Then they use gravity and heat to shape it. You need to know what kind of acrylic your using first. I definitely do not recommend just a heat gun as this will cause it to warp unevenly. Just contact someone like www.tenecor.com and tell them what size and degree of curve you would like. It would probably cost less than you attempting to make it yourself.
2006-08-09 16:16:07 · answer #3 · answered by Maverick 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would use electric heat strips, in the spots you want to bend, put a mold and slowly heat and clamp allow a couple of hours to setup.
I would not use for saltwater.
2006-08-09 16:15:51 · answer #4 · answered by David W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All these materials bubble inside when heated. Were you make your bend it will look like crap. If this doesn't bother then go for it. Looks like your old lady's stretch marks!
2006-08-10 13:23:57 · answer #5 · answered by link 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heat evenly with a heat gun( not too hot), hold in the form you want it while it cools.
2006-08-09 15:48:27 · answer #6 · answered by BCRIDER 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋