pic: Team 3688 Lexan Line Bender 12 volt

[RichQuinn]

Nice job on the bender, OP.

I've had success bending Polycarb using a vice and a pencil torch. It takes a careful, steady touch to get the material melted without bubbles and I haven't yet found it to be a good project to hand off to the students. Making a bender instead will make a nice little project for newer students.

On Acrylic, I agree: avoid structural applications. But we've found through some industry expertise that the optical qualities of Cast Acrylic are far superior to Lexan/Makrolon/polycarb. We edge-light an etched panel of cast acrylic and it's typically the best-looking part of our robot.

[adciv]

I'm applying my safety hat here from work... How hot does that wire get when powered? Also, should there be a cover over it to prevent accidental contact? Burns Hurt.

[chapman1]

Originally Posted by SeeleySWS

It's only for prototyping shapes and never gets stressed or used in a competition. We use it because we have it.

EXACTLY.

[chapman1]

Originally Posted by adciv

I'm applying my safety hat here from work... How hot does that wire get when powered? Also, should there be a cover over it to prevent accidental contact? Burns Hurt.

It gets really hot. I suppose 1500F or so. We require that each student who uses any apparatus or tool have proper training as well as mentor supervision. Moreover, we are a small, rural school and most kids here still have a lot of common sense.

But you raise a good point. I'll put a warning label on it.

[chapman1]

Originally Posted by GeeTwo

Once you understand the difference between acrylic and lexan, why do you let any acrylic within a mile of your build site? It can only end in tears.

Usually, cracks, not tears. Thanks for sharing!