Lexan strength question

[jprix82 0]

Which should work better as a window(9'' x 12'') for a box,

1/2" polycarbonate(lexan)

or

3/4" Acrylic(plexiglass)

?

[Micksh 16]

Polycarbonate is considered to be 3 times stronger than acrylic. It does scratch easier though, and it passes slightly less light through, plus it can yellow. I still prefer thicker for a window myself, but this poll could go either way.

[altoncustomtech 773]

I vote the thicker plexi since it can make it easier to blindly integrate with the 3/4" MDF. www.delviesplastics.com is where I got the window for the box in the van, sized 12"x24"x3/4" with 10"x22" viewable and it does great. At full tilt, everything the Q's can dish out on the SAZ-2k you can't feel it flex, which was good enough for me.

[CrazyKenKid 64]

I vote the thicker plexi since it can make it easier to blindly integrate with the 3/4" MDF. www.delviesplastics.com is where I got the window for the box in the van, sized 12"x24"x3/4" with 10"x22" viewable and it does great. At full tilt, everything the Q's can dish out on the SAZ-2k you can't feel it flex, which was good enough for me.

lol on the site they have a plastic welder and plastic welding rods! now I have seen it all! lol

http://www.delviesplastics.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=DPI&Category_Code=Plastic_Welding_Supplies

[jprix82 0]

I vote the thicker plexi since it can make it easier to blindly integrate with the 3/4" MDF. www.delviesplastics.com is where I got the window for the box in the van, sized 12"x24"x3/4" with 10"x22" viewable and it does great. At full tilt, everything the Q's can dish out on the SAZ-2k you can't feel it flex, which was good enough for me.

What did you use to seal and attach your Plexiglas to mdf?

[altoncustomtech 773]

What did you use to seal and attach your Plexiglas to mdf?

I used my router to step cut the plexi window and an MDF ring that I cut out so that they fit into each other. I used silicone to seal that seam and screwed the ring to the front of the box sandwiching the plexi between them.

Here's a drawing that kind of explains what I'm talking about.

Here's what it looked like when it was done.

It turned out really well and is holding up great so far. I cut out a ring that was 14"x24" out of 3/4" MDF with a hole cut in the center that was 11"x23". Then I cut a 3/8" deep and wide grove around the perimeter of the plexi, and the same around the inside of the ring. Then I simply laid the plexi in the ring with silicone all around to seal it then a little around the edge of the plexi with glue around the ring and screwed it to the front.

[jorscrivens 0]

I used 1/2 Lexan on my box. Idk if it's true, but the dude who sold it to me said it would stop a 12 gauge super strong! I would use that.

[jprix82 0]

Forgot to ask does the plexi mounted inside the box affect airflow?

[dbsupra 69]

That looks nice Alton! I can't tell on my phone is that paint?

[altoncustomtech 773]

Forgot to ask does the plexi mounted inside the box affect airflow?

It might if it weren't flat on the inside. Since the plexi and the ring that holds it in were step cut the same depth it makes the surface of the plexi and the MDF ring level.

That looks nice Alton! I can't tell on my phone is that paint?

Thanx dude, and yes it's paint. Humidity ruined the paint job so it doesn't look near as good as it should.