bezel lexan and scratching

[lowlytech]

Had a question for you guys that have your arcade cabs up and running for awhile.  I have a 27x22x.25 bezel that is lexan.  It isn't the Abrasion resistant variety unfortunately. I had the two button holes drilled into the panel about a year ago and since has been sitting in the back part of my office undisturbed while I got other parts of the cab ready.  I finally got my artwork finished and was going to apply it (reverse printed), and I noticed quite a few scratches.  I am wondering if others could chime in and report how your bezel holds up?  I can't imaging dusting it off every month or so and causing more and more scratches.  Wondering if I need to really consider going with tempered glass, or an AR lexan panel.

[lilshawn]

Lexan is made for strength,  not to look good. the only reason to use lexan is for security reasons.

for general home use, you should be using Plexiglas or other acrylic type plastic. it is harder (but brittle) and more resistant to scratches. it can even be buffed again if it is abraded.

Lexan is soft and made to deform under stress and not break if bent...even if bent 180 degrees over itself.

[lowlytech]

interesting, somehow I misunderstood when I ordered a year ago.  I was sold something stronger and better than acrylic I was told, but didn't know it was more prone to wear.  So for your flagship build, would you still rate acrylic over tempered glass as a choice for a bezel?

[lilshawn]

i would rate tempered glass over everything. its virtually scratch proof...cleans easily. can easily be tinted with window tint. hard to break... but when it does, wooo boy.  must be custom ordered in th3 exact size you need. cannot be cut later.

next, plate glass. same benefits as tempered glass being easy to clean but easily cut and sized.  will crack into shards if impacted or stressed

next, plexi / acrylic.  it can be cut fairly easily. and its pretty tough and resists scratches.

lexan /poly carb. it cuts fairly easily with power tools but will scratch the first time you wipe it with ANYTHING. but tough as all hell. resists impact... wont shatter.

[lowlytech]

Thank you lilshawn so much for breaking that down like that.  Helps me tremendously.