How to bend acrylic..... (1 Viewer)

[Wildfire]

I have a project that I've been putting off for far too long, and it involes acrylic. I got past my first hurdle (cutting a 48x24 sheet into 3 16x24 sheets) this morning, and now I need to put the bend into a few of these sheets.

I have found articles referencing heat guns, heat strips, and evern blow dryers. Can someone with some acrylic experience help me out with how to do this, and what the "right way" is?

Thanks!

 

[Guest]

The "right way" to make a nice straight bend is with a heat strip.. I have had decent success using a propane torch as well..

 

[Guest]

I use a propane torch as well... But I make a jig out of wood so the bends will be perfect. Be careful not to get it so hot it bubbles, and do not apply too much force without adequete heat or it will snap....

 

[ShaneV]

Take it over to Nicks house and have him do it for you

 

[hobogato]

i do the same thing as matt, use a couple of 2x4s to make a jig and heat slowly and bend slowly - not as difficult as it seems. i have also heard of people heatin it in their oven, but seems like the whole sheet would get too pliable that way.

 

[Niko5]

Don't heat it in your oven unless you have a massive exhaust fan because it makes some not so great fumes.

As the others said the heat strip is best and your welcome to come by before Friday and we can bend it using my head strip.

Iv never used a heat gun however I think it would work it would just take some time.

The torch works well also I used to make all my bends like that but you have to be very careful or you will get the bubbles especially if you blow on it while its really hot.

 

[Wildfire]

Thanks guys, I ordered a heat strip (should be here by the weekend) and I'll try that. It seems like the "safest" way... I also apologize for asking the same question.. If I had read down further I would have seen the same question already asked and answered.

 

[Guest]

where did you get your heat strip from?

 

[Niko5]

www.Craftics.com has them.