Go Back  RCU Forums > RC Airplanes > Tips & Techniques
lexan forming question >

lexan forming question

Community
Search
Notices
Tips & Techniques Want to share a tip or special technique you have either in the workshop or at the flying field or race track? Post it right here!

lexan forming question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-16-2014 | 12:38 PM
  #1  
vasek's Avatar
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (4)
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,159
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Montreal, CANADA
Default lexan forming question

Hi, I need to form a piece of transparent plastic for navigation light in the tip of the wing. Being an ARF, the wing is already covered and I'm afraid to apply too much heat (that would ruin the covering underneath the plastic being formed)

The only solution I've came up with would be to cut out the triangular piece in the wing tip balsa bloc and try to form the plastic on the small cut out piece, but it seems tedious. It would be much easier to form the palstic piece before cutting out the wing tip.

Is there a solution ? Has anyone done this with success?

Thanks,
V.
Old 04-16-2014 | 07:26 PM
  #2  
sensei's Avatar
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,829
Received 17 Likes on 15 Posts
From: SAN ANTONIO, TX
Default

Why not shape a hard balsa block and shape over that instead? You don't want to shape your lens using Lexan/polycarbonate, the forming temp for a 3D pull is around 390F. with a forming duration window of only around 3-5 seconds. Use something like PET-G, much nicer to work with, just google PET-G sheet and you can learn lots about it. Best of luck to you.

Bob
Old 04-18-2014 | 07:38 AM
  #3  
vasek's Avatar
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (4)
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,159
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Montreal, CANADA
Default

Thanks for the info on PET-G. Me like
Old 04-20-2014 | 06:13 AM
  #4  
YAT-28E's Avatar
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 497
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Columbus, OH
Default

You could cut out he tip, add some balsa to the 2 sides as that will give you extra material. Then get a small clear soda bottle and fire up the heat gun and it will shrink to shape. Then you can cut it to fit.
Heres some more on this thread


http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/gian...ip-lights.html
Old 04-20-2014 | 11:25 AM
  #5  
vasek's Avatar
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (4)
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,159
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Montreal, CANADA
Default

Good stuff YAT, thanks!

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.