584,802 active members*
5,071 visitors online*
Register for free
Login
IndustryArena Forum > Community Club House > Something better than plexiglass?
Results 1 to 7 of 7
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Posts
    221

    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!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Posts
    15
    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.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Posts
    305
    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.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Posts
    37
    Polycarbonate or aluminium composite should work.
    That composite is great stuff. lightweight and very user friendly. we use it all the time now.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Posts
    2392
    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...

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Posts
    12177
    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.
    An open mind is a virtue...so long as all the common sense has not leaked out.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Posts
    3154
    Quote Originally Posted by Geof View Post
    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?
    www.integratedmechanical.ca

Similar Threads

  1. Cheap CNC-machine for cutting plexiglass ?
    By BoXon in forum DIY CNC Router Table Machines
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 01-19-2010, 01:20 AM
  2. Need Advice: Routing Plexiglass
    By animuL in forum Glass, Plastic and Stone
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 07-30-2009, 04:17 PM
  3. rfq-----custom black plexiglass sheet
    By tooldzinr in forum Employment Opportunity
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 05-28-2009, 04:16 PM
  4. Feedrate and RPM for a Plexiglass mold
    By gabi68 in forum Moldmaking
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 04-12-2008, 03:49 AM
  5. Plexiglass instead of MDF
    By slickrick in forum DIY CNC Router Table Machines
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 03-30-2008, 03:11 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •