Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: finishing Lexan

  1. #1
    Registered
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    usa
    Posts
    71
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    finishing Lexan

    Hi all,
    How to make Lexan machined parts clear and shine as before machining?
    thank you


  2. #2
    Banned
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Boston
    Posts
    1625
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    very sharp carbide end mill high rpm and feed with spray mist. If you go slow you will melt


  3. #3
    Community Moderator ger21's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Shelby Twp, MI....USA
    Posts
    22211
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    Sand with very fine grit sandpaper and rub them out with a fine polishing compound.
    Gerry

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://home.comcast.net/~cncwoodworker/2010.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)


  4. #4
    Registered
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    us
    Posts
    1174
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    sand fine , then use propane torch and very quick and lightly go back and forth, don,t have the flame to close or you,ll melt it, do a test piece first to get the feel for it.


  • #5
    Registered
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    usa
    Posts
    71
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    sanding and polishing are not the option, because it's small part, small fins.
    are there any other way? chemical process?
    thanks


  • #6
    Registered
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    us
    Posts
    1174
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    Clear acryllic spray, but you need to be able to at least sand blast lightly if its small hard to reach areas.


  • #7
    Registered
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    3
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    If its just the edges then the quickest way is to scrape or sand the edge and wipe MEK on it in one smooth single pass with a cloth.


  • #8
    Registered
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    India
    Posts
    49
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Thumbs up clean lexan

    Drilling or machining without removal of masking film/ paper is the best economical way to have a shiny Lexan part. all others stand next to best
    Chan Luci, Techie
    www.custompartsonline.com


  • #9
    Registered LeeWay's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    2919
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    The easiest option for polishing the edges on lexan is the MEK wipe.
    It does need to be a smooth edge even with this or it will look rough and shiney.
    Flame polishing on lexan is much more difficult than on acrylic. It requires in the neighborhood of 375 to 475 degrees F. The difficulty I have experienced with it is because of the moisture inside the lexan. Too hot and it will bubble up on you. Not hot enough and it doesn't do anything. I have read where manufacturers remove the moisture in large ovens or kilns and the cook time is more than 24 hours. They do this just prior to heating and forming. They don't get the moisture bubbles in the finished product this way.
    I make lexan blade guards and I have found that the finished edge I use is the easiest and actually looks fine. I use sharp carbide tools to cut the form out, then I round over the outside edge with a sharp round over bit. The edge is left smooth and translucent. Not opaque and not truly transparent. Finishing the edges in other ways takes a heck of a lot of time and effort for very little gain in appearance IMO.
    Lee


  • Posting Permissions



    About CNCzone.com

      We are the largest and most active discussion forum from DIY CNC Machines to the Cad/Cam software to run them. The site is 100% free to join and use, so join today!

    Follow us on

    Facebook Dribbble RSS Feed


    Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO ©2011, Crawlability, Inc.