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Unread 30-10-2009, 18:42
ethan_orion ethan_orion is offline
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[FTC]: Molding Plastics

I would like to mold the plastics, what is the best way to mold the plastic materials that are the allowable materials?

I don't have much equipment, but will be seeking out resources to mold the plastic once I find the best method.

Thanks.
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Unread 30-10-2009, 20:52
Akash Rastogi Akash Rastogi is offline
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Re: [FTC]: Molding Plastics

With the polycarbonate sheeting, the most common way used in FTC so far has been to use a heat gun (pretty cheap at Lowes) and form the plastic around something with a similar diameter/curvature/what have you. Without heat, in a regular bender, you should be fine with thicknesses of sheeting up to .125".
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Unread 30-10-2009, 21:00
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Re: [FTC]: Molding Plastics

You could use a heat gun and lexand
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Unread 30-10-2009, 21:01
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Re: [FTC]: Molding Plastics

sorry, it is Lexan, another name for Polycarbonate sheeting.
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Unread 31-10-2009, 01:25
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Re: [FTC]: Molding Plastics

Most of what I have read reports it is quite difficult to mold lexan/polycarbonate with a heat gun. they talk about heat ovens and such. any other tips or tricks out there for molding the polycarbonate?

Thanks.
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Unread 31-10-2009, 13:12
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Re: [FTC]: Molding Plastics

There is such thing as I lexan bender I think, its just a manual thing, though I'm not completely sure how it works
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Unread 31-10-2009, 15:55
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Re: [FTC]: Molding Plastics

Lexan bends really nicely in sheet metal working tools, such as the box and pan brake. If your school has a metal shop... give it a try on a practice piece.

If you are wanting compound curves, however, you might want to try vacuum forming. There is a very extensive write up here http://support.knowlton.ohio-state.e...acuumGuide.pdf But it is actually fairly easy to build your own small vacuum former.

Just google vacuum forming diy for some ideas.

Jason
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Unread 31-10-2009, 23:35
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Re: [FTC]: Molding Plastics

This is probably off topic from what you are looking for, but nonetheless it's pretty cool and could be useful for some.

DIY Plastic Vacuum Mold
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