[sdiy] plexiglass panels for modular?

[Dave Hylander]

At 07:25 PM 4/15/2002 -0400, Echophazer at aol.com wrote:
>I was thinking of making the side panels for my modular out of lexan for a
>while but now that I see how easy this stuff scratches I'm going to go in
>another direction. It would have looked cool... I was going to hand paint the
>inside of a clear panel for a cool 'looking through glass' effect. I just
>don't see this stuff as being worth the trouble and amount of work I was
>willing to put into it now.

You're talking about two different plastic resins here.  Plexiglas (Rohm) 
and substitutes are generally cast acrylic which cracks and scratches 
easily.  Lexan (GE) is polycarbonate, almost impossible to crack or break, 
resists scratches, machines fairly well, buffs out nicely, and is more 
expensive.  Bullet-proof windows, fighter jet canopies are polycarbonate. 
Just be sure to keep chlorinated solvents away, as they cloud polycarbonate.

 From the GE Plastics site..

With unmatched impact resistance, outstanding dimensional stability and 
crystal-clarity, LEXAN polycarbonate resin continues to be a polycarbonate 
leader. The product is an amorphous engineering thermoplastic that combines 
high levels of mechanical, optical, electrical and thermal properties. 
LEXAN resin provides designers with new opportunities for innovative, 
cost-effective products such as eyewear, compact discs, kitchen containers 
and business equipment.

LEXAN® resin is available in many special effect looks, such as Intrique 
and Diamond. Using a unique look and adding color will help you 
differentiate your product. Visit www.gecolorxpress.com or www.gevisualfx.com .

LEXAN® resin is available with a wide variety of additive options such as 
UV stabilizers and mold release agents, we've also expanded the portfolio 
to include eco-conforming, FDA-compliant, high flow and glass reinforced 
grades.

Lexan resins offer:
High impact strength
Inherent "water-clear" transparency
Product purity, consistency, and durability
High heat resistance — RTI up to 125°C
Dimensional stability at elevated temperatures
Unlimited colors — transparent, translucent and opaque
Flame resistance
UV stability
FDA compliance
Very good processability

   Typical applications for LEXAN resins include:
Computer housings and peripherals
Building and construction — glazing
Optical lenses, corrective eyewear, sun wear lenses
Compact discs (CDs), digital video disks (DVDs)
Health care components
Water bottles
Cellular phone housing
Electronics equipment housings
Electrical appliances


-dave-

http://www.hylander.com