Quote:
Originally Posted by Foster
Can you post a few lines on how you use it?
How do you hold the plastic in place? Do you use a form/guide to give it the curve you want?
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Sure!
First, though, a note about heat: The nichrome wire should glow orange-red when it's hot enough. If it doesn't get there, then either the voltage is too low or the wire (a resistor) is too long for the available voltage (ohm's law).
OK: the acrylic/plexiglass/lexan is placed over the wire channel, as shown in the photo. For a sharp, consistent bend, (and for small pieces) it's sometimes helpful to place a piece of wood on the half that will not move during the bend.
Depending on thickness, it can take a half minute or more to get hot enough to bend. You'll know. If you try too soon, you'll get an uneven and unpredictable bend; if you wait too long, the plastic will bubble and get thin, decreasing its strength.
When ready: if working alone, disconnect the power supply and quickly fold the hinged half up to the desired angle. Hold it there until the plastic has cooled and regained strength. If not working alone, then you can take a bit more time making the bend and then have someone disconnect the power while you hold the bend.
Pretty simple, really. Still, it's a good idea to practice on some scrap pieces first.
BTW, this thread had it's origin in "Uses of Lexan":
https://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/s...d.php?t=150980