Modding plexiglass bending

Discussion in 'Modding' started by mattthegamer463, 20 Dec 2004.

  1. mattthegamer463

    mattthegamer463 What's a Dremel?

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    whats the best way to bend plexiglass? im making a mouse with a window in it and i need to bend the plexiglass into the shape of the mouse top cover so it feels good in your hand. ive already tried using a candle and it just really messed up the plexiglass and caused it to wrinkle on the edges. any suggestions? thanks. :dremel:
     
    mattthegamer463, 20 Dec 2004
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  2. Etacovda

    Etacovda What's a Dremel?

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    The 'best' way to do it, would be to form over the mouse itself, but this probably isnt the smartest idea.

    What you need, is a mould to form over. (find something that suits the contour) then the easiest thing to use is probably a heatgun; a hair dryer will work, but it will probably take longer.
     
    Etacovda, 20 Dec 2004
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  3. Springs

    Springs Boing boing

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    you could try a heatgun from a distance on a low setting... that should soften it up a bit..
     
    Springs, 20 Dec 2004
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  4. mattthegamer463

    mattthegamer463 What's a Dremel?

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    well what i tried to do was take the top part off the mouse, heat up the plexi, and put it on top so it forms to it. but that was after it was heated, i dont think it would be smart to put the plexi on, then heat it, and what is a heatgun? they sound like something i need.
     
    mattthegamer463, 20 Dec 2004
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  5. Springs

    Springs Boing boing

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    Springs, 20 Dec 2004
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  6. mattthegamer463

    mattthegamer463 What's a Dremel?

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    i see... well i dont have one of those, so i guess ill try a hairdryer and see if that works. if not ill have to think of something :)
     
    mattthegamer463, 21 Dec 2004
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  7. Xiachunyi

    Xiachunyi What's a Dremel?

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    If you are careful enough, you could try utilizing a blowtorch on low flame to heat up the acrylic.
     
    Xiachunyi, 21 Dec 2004
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  8. mattthegamer463

    mattthegamer463 What's a Dremel?

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    ill have to wait till saturday for that then because i think im getting a blowtorch for christmas! my parents tend to buy me wierd stuff like that for christmas. no games, just blowtorches. at least i will use it.
     
    mattthegamer463, 21 Dec 2004
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  9. greywolf

    greywolf What's a Dremel?

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    If you're VERY, VERY careful you can use a normal oven at 325-350 degrees, to soften the pexi before you put bit on the form. The reason to be careful is that plexi starts emitting a toxic and flamable gas at 351 degrees (or so I understand)...so definately leave the oven door open. After youy have formed it, cover it with some insulated material (blankets or such) so that it cools down slowly.

    All this is from research...no actual experience...yet.
     
    greywolf, 21 Dec 2004
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  10. Sheldog23

    Sheldog23 What's a Dremel?

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    Sheldog23, 21 Dec 2004
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  11. Mace

    Mace Ohh, it stings.

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    He's not trying to make straight bends, he's trying to form it to the shape a mouse, if you read his post.
     
    Mace, 21 Dec 2004
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  12. frag_daddy_2007

    frag_daddy_2007 What's a Dremel?

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    i have done it before in an oven doing the same thing (putting a window in a mouse). i heated it to 347 degrees then used pliers and thick oven gloves and hand molded it
     
    frag_daddy_2007, 21 Dec 2004
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  13. Mr.Nonflex

    Mr.Nonflex What's a Dremel?

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    If the window is not to big, and not to curved, you could take a thick peace of plexiglass, and sand the curve to the outsite of the plexi, so it has the same shape. Then polish it back transparent. :D

    btw good luck modding your mouse, post some pictures soon
     
    Mr.Nonflex, 21 Dec 2004
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  14. Sheldog23

    Sheldog23 What's a Dremel?

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    So sorry. :duh: It was a long day yesterday and I was very tired. Got this confused with another thread. My apologies.
     
    Sheldog23, 21 Dec 2004
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  15. eddie_dane

    eddie_dane Used to mod pc's now I mod houses

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    Please do some research people. The target temperature is 280F. I really don't recommend using a device you plan to prepare future meals for a vessel to evoke toxic gasses either. You takes your own chances but I feel like it needs to at least be mentioned.

    For this idea, you are going to need a thin material. Actually, this is the perfect application for some vacuum forming but that equipment's probably over the top. Next best thing would be using a heat gun.

    Here is some of our exploits

    and one of our guides
     
    eddie_dane, 21 Dec 2004
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