Something better than plexiglass?

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11-25-2009, 11:45 PM
REVCAM_Bob

Something better than plexiglass?

I have a problem and I thought this might be the place to ask....

We have a cnc wet grinder, and are always fighting the coolant splashing over the sides of the magnet area as the enclosure is not high enough.....
So we are constantly using pieces of 1/8 plexiglass stuffed in or bolted to the side, front and back of the table.... the problem is the plexiglass is difficult to cut or drill with out breaking it, and it is always cracking so the whole setup looks hodge podge.

Would anyone have a recomendation for a better material that is easy to cut / drill etc. but is still some form of light weight material?

Thanks!
11-25-2009, 11:59 PM
bhoff

You could use polypropylene or polyethylene to do that. Its light weight and is available in sheets. Its flexible so it wont crack or chip like the polycarbonate or acrylic.

Short of setting it on fire or forking it with a hi-lo it should last years.
11-26-2009, 12:06 AM
austin.mn

For splash guards, I have been using coroplast. Its the plastic cardboard stuff they use for signs. I buy it from the sign shop $15 for a 4X8 sheet. Its cheap, light weight and easy to cut. Works well for me.
01-18-2010, 10:35 PM
SIMONSIGNS

Polycarbonate or aluminium composite should work.
That composite is great stuff. lightweight and very user friendly. we use it all the time now.
01-23-2010, 06:13 AM
RomanLini

Plexiglass (acrylic) drills perfectly with a blunt drill bit. It can help a bit too using a pilot drill about 40% of the final drill diameter (yes the pilot drill should be a bit blunt too).

It's funny when people use their razor sharp new drill bits... ;)
01-23-2010, 06:43 AM
Geof

Polycarbonate, also known as Lexan or Tuffak.
Polycarbonate, also known as Lexan or Tuffak.
Polycarbonate, also known as Lexan or Tuffak.
Polycarbonate, also known as Lexan or Tuffak.

Do I get my message across?

Polycarbonate is far more impact resistant than plexiglas.
01-25-2010, 02:48 PM
DareBee

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geof

Polycarbonate, also known as Lexan or Tuffak.
Polycarbonate, also known as Lexan or Tuffak.
Polycarbonate, also known as Lexan or Tuffak.
Polycarbonate, also known as Lexan or Tuffak.

Do I get my message across?

Polycarbonate is far more impact resistant than plexiglas.

also known as HYZOD or PALTUF.
Your safety glasses are made from POLYCARBONATE.
Bullet-proof "glass" is made from specially laminated POLYCARBONATE

Do I get Geof's point across?