Lexan vs. Plexi

[wolftat]

Can anyone tell me if Lexan and Plexiglass are the same if I use it for stabilizing?

 

[THarvey]

Plexiglass was a trademark name originally owned by Dow (I think). It basically lost its trademark status by becoming synonomous with non-glass window panes.

The sheet are formed from Lexan or Acrylic. There are some polymer difference between the two. Both function similar to each other. Lexan is stronger for similar diminsions compared to acrylic.

Depending on your intended use, you may not notice a difference.

 

[cozee]

Plexi is far more prone to scratching than Lexan but not knowing how the solvent used to dissolve either for stablizing may or may not change the chemical compositions, they may turn out the same durability in finish.

 

[hewunch]

Have you been able to dissolve Lexan?

 

[turned_for_good]

Have you been able to dissolve Lexan?

That is what I use when I choose this type of finish.

 

[Sylvanite]

They are not the same. "Plexiglass" is a brand name for acrylic sheet. "Lexan" is a brand name for polycarbonate.

 

[wolftat]

So for stabilizing, is the Lexan okay to use or should I get some Plexi?

 

[leehljp]

I have been wondering if Lexan is dissolvable and have not tried it.

However I will chime in on something I see as being misunderstood. As mentioned, Lexan is a polycarbonate and it is not in the same hemisphere as plexi / acrylic, so to speak. They just look the same to the untrained eye, but readily different to one familiar with them.

Plexiglass / Acrylic more often than not shatters when cutting with a table saw, poly/Lexan doesn't. Acrylic that doesn't shatter will melt when cutting or drilling, Lexan will cut and drill smoothly. Lexan is considerable more expensive than Acrylic. At some point of thickness and quality, Lexan will stop bullets and maybe crack, Acrylic will not stop bullets at the same thickness and shatter into shards.

The above descriptions are for most normal readily available plexi/acrylic and Lexan, but there are industrial and special formulas of each whose specifications are much better - and MORE expensive.

 

[cozee]

I am not saying Lexan cannot be use for the purpose inquired about. However, I regularly use acetone on my polycarb lenses which my glasses are made of so a different solvent to melt Lexan will need to be found.

 

[ronhampton]

i've been disolving some lexan in acetone for about a month now.i checked today.nope not yet!:biggrin::biggrin:---ron---

 

[leehljp]

I am not saying Lexan cannot be use for the purpose inquired about. However, I regularly use acetone on my polycarb lenses which my glasses are made of so a different solvent to melt Lexan will need to be found.

:biggrin: :redface: I have done that too! :biggrin: I don't do it often though - 4 or 5 times over 3 years.

 

[Nick]

Try Lacquer thinner for the Lexan

 

[rherrell]

Save your Lexan for pen stands and the like, it won't work as a finish. Plexiglas (acrylic sheet) is what you need.:wink:

 

[wolftat]

I guess, that the lexan is out as a stabilizer. The stuff that I have is very thick and was used as a back stop or something at a range. I have pulled all the foriegn objects out, but it won't work for stands. I may just smooth it out, fill in the holes and use it a a flat surface in the shop. Thanks for the help on this.