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Anonymous Poster

Plexiglas Sheet Bending

04/27/2010 7:35 AM

Hello all

Is there an easy way to bend 1/8 inch thick Plexiglas sheet using heat.

Thanks
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user-deleted-1105
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#1

Re: Plexiglas sheet bending

04/27/2010 7:59 AM

The more information you provide the better will be the response.
Can we assume you want to retain a good surface finish?
What sort of shape/size?
Do you have a mold?
etc.
I would think a vacuum forming machine would do the job, it's possible to make your own crude version.
Del

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kramarat
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#2

Re: Plexiglas sheet bending

04/27/2010 8:01 AM

Yes, sorry I don't have the link, but I was looking into bending acrylic sheet and found a video on utube, describing a simple diy method, I'm sure it would work for plexiglass also.

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Anonymous Poster
#3
In reply to #2

Re: Plexiglas sheet bending

04/27/2010 8:07 AM

Acrylic = plexiglass
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Anonymous Poster
#4

Re: Plexiglas Sheet Bending

04/27/2010 8:38 AM

Thanks for reply

Actually i have 1/8x26x10 inch sheet,i want to bend 90 degree two ends of the 26 inch length with 1 inch from each side to make the length 24 inch.

using manual method - no machine.
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PMoon
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#6
In reply to #4

Re: Plexiglas Sheet Bending

04/27/2010 1:48 PM

You can use a heat gun (not a hair dryer) that has a temp of 320ºF or greater. Remove the protective coating as it will fuse to the acrylic sheet. If you have a contact or infrared thermometer use it to make sure you have evenly heated to 320º (plus or minus a few). Bend the piece over a pvc pipe or tubing and hold until cooled. You may wish to make a jig that will hold the piece in alignment while bending to keep it all square. You can reheat and reshape to correct some imperfections. It takes some trial and error to develope a feel for it, but you can get great results.

You will need to accommodate for some radius on the bends; therefore your 26" sheet will have to be a bit larger. e.g 24 + (2X2∏r/4) or 24" finished flat surface plus one quarter of the circumference of the smallest radius possible (probably 0.5" for 1/8" plexi) times two for both radii. Add two more inches for each of the one inch legs. That's o.785" for each radius. so you'll have to start with 27.571". Your overall dimensions will be larger than 26" for the flat and 1" for the leg. If these dimensions are written in stone, then you'll have to adjust to accommodate the radii which you might be able to get down to 0.25" if you notch the centerline of the bend.

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Anonymous Poster
#7
In reply to #6

Re: Plexiglas Sheet Bending

04/27/2010 4:13 PM

Thanks for the valuable answer and calculations, but i have a question regarding the bend length(0.785 inch) ,your calculation is based on the pvc tube radius(.5 inch) and neglected the 1/8 inch thickness of the sheet.

Does the bend length should be based on the inner surface or the outer surface of the bend ?

If it is the outer surface then the bend radius must be .5 +1/8 = 0.625 inch.
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PMoon
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#9
In reply to #7

Re: Plexiglas Sheet Bending

04/28/2010 9:14 AM

Well...you got me. Trial and error, live and learn.

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kramarat
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#5

Re: Plexiglas Sheet Bending

04/27/2010 8:59 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovqnIBQuezA, this is the address. Real easy video is made by Tapp plastics.

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ky
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#8

Re: Plexiglas Sheet Bending

04/27/2010 9:17 PM

Hi

What ever you do, heating, bending, cooling, do it slowly. A heat gun for that size could be a challenge even if you want a small radius bend. Take your time and she'd be right, Ky.

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#10

Re: Plexiglas Sheet Bending

04/29/2010 1:26 AM

A heat gun will most likely spread the heated zone too far, and perhaps inconsistently, resulting in a wavy bend of too large a radius. I would go for two "Cal-rods" (linear heating elements as in a toaster), one on each side. This will produce a straight and narrow heat zone, giving a crisp bend. (I think.)

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ky
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#11
In reply to #10

Re: Plexiglas Sheet Bending

04/29/2010 1:42 AM

That would be best.

I think the OP had thought that he could do it, just like that and with out much ado. Depending on were he is he would be better advised to see a professional. There is no easy way and once it is stuffed up and $$$ down the sheet it will be too late. Just leave it with them for a day and pay with a six pack of what ever.

Good luck to him, Ky.

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Anonymous Poster
#12

Re: Plexiglas Sheet Bending

04/29/2010 7:38 AM

where from the heating bars can be purchased ?
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