Lexan Resurfacing?

Can you use an air line to blow the swarf down/away from the viewing port?

JohnDG, I know our compressed air system for the plant is almost at its maximum capacity. We do have a new compressor on order but may be a couple months till its up and operational. When I've got lots of air to spare, I will try this technique. I'm sure it would slow down the rate of degredation of the surface. Thanks.

I have a glass-beading cabinet that has a plastic window. I went to www.USplastics.com. I purchased a roll of clear plastic and cut out pieces big enough to cover the thick plastic lens. When the thin sheet became cloudy just replace it. The problem with this is that other people use it and will just remove the cover sheet and let the thick lens get marred again. Some of the people here have an exemption from common sense. "What. It ain't scratched bad. I couldn't see through that thin crap"

Would it be possible to put a deflector in the way to try to guide the chips away from the windows.

There are clear self stick stone protectors available from 3 M. try www.3m.com. I do not know if it will give you sharp images or not.

NASCAR has tear off window covers for use on their cars. Michael Waltrip ain't doing too well. He might sell some to raise some money. Good luck.

Cheaper to replace the viewing port material with tempered safety glass.

And as JohnDG suggested use compressed air to redirect the chip flow.

I think you are right. If all that is flying around is Lexan, the glass is a better long term solution. The laminated safety glass would be better than tempered. If there is an accident and the tempered glass is hit, it will shatter into hundreds of small pieces. If the laminated glass is hit, it will only crack like an automotive windshield. It will still be in place.

bob c & bwire,

I like your idea of using safety glass. The fact that it would be cheaper is a bonus. I will be looking at the 3M film and USplastics to find a film to cover the safety glass so that the coolant and swarf that gets by the air curtain makes it easy for our maintenance crew to return the viewing port to a usable state.

Thanks to all!

We used laminated safety glass for some aggressive high speed mill work that had hot chips flowing like water and formed a layer on everything. We added a Lexan outer barrier by using 2" coupling nuts as standoffs on one machine that we did R&D work (playing) on. One piece of metal broke the glass but never breached it.

Check out a VISIPORT at www.t2k.net

You might try Future Floor Polish (or something similar). It will not restore original clarity, might can make significant improvements.

Also, it can be removed with household ammonia based cleaners and re-applied as needed.

Good information on Lexan repair: https://secure.csg.org/NASFA/OldSite/Innovations/Innovations%20Award/2001/Washington%20Lexan.PDF