Lexan or a lexan replacement?

[solowCX]

I would like to add a clear plastic overlay for my control panel and from what I have seen here the plastic of choice is lexan. In searching for places near me where I might be able to find custom cut lexan I came across one that seems to offer many different types of plastics, but not lexan by name. Wikipedia tells me that Lexan is a brand name, so I was wondering if any of these materials that they offer are actually the same, or possibly good replacements?

The materials that they say have are here:
http://www.clearcutplastics.com/material.htm

Thanks.

[ChadTower]

Lexan is polycarbonate.

[solowCX]

What are the differences between CM-2 & MR-10 (Abrasion Resistant) and Thermoclear/Twin-wall then? Or would that be a question that would be better directed at the company?

Thanks.

[ChadTower]

Or would that be a question that would be better directed at the company?

It would be - but I bet the eventual answer is that it doesn't matter given the application here. 

[shardian]

Just get whatever is cheaper. The only one I could think of that would be of benefit is Lexan XL-10. It is directional and provides UV protection. Could be beneficial to protect artwork that would be exposed to sunlight or blacklight.

[IA1NY]

What are the differences between CM-2 & MR-10 (Abrasion Resistant) and Thermoclear/Twin-wall then? Or would that be a question that would be better directed at the company?

Thanks.

Your vendor knows best, but from what I've found online,

Tuffak CM-2: abrasion resistant coating
Lexan MR-10: abrasion resistant coating / UV resistant coating
Lexan XL-10: UV resistant coating
Twinwall: Don't use.  It has two walls (really? ) with spacer spines at intervals which gives an airspace between the walls.  It's used for greenhouses, signs and displays.  Not good for CP covers.

You might also encounter Makrolon which, like Lexan or Tuffak is another brand of polycarbonate.

Go with the scratch resistant before the UV resistant.  Between the CM-2 and the MR-10: get whatever is less expensive.

[solowCX]

Alright, cool. Thanks guys. Sounds like if i want UV protection MR-10 is my best bet. If it is too spendy I'll probably jump down to the CM-2.

[solowCX]

They came back with a price of about $98. Is that a fair price for the cutting and materials for the lexan? They quoted additional work at $80 an hour. Seems high to me, but I've never ordered this stuff before.

[FhM]

Thats sounds way too high to me.

[IA1NY]

They came back with a price of about $98. Is that a fair price for the cutting and materials for the lexan? They quoted additional work at $80 an hour. Seems high to me, but I've never ordered this stuff before.

What are you having them do?
What size and thickness of a piece are you getting?

$80/hr is probably about right for labor.  The cost for an employees salary and benefits, plus other daily expenses adds up quick.

I did a quick search and saw 1/4" Lexan (non-coated) 4'x8' sheet at $160.00 uncut.  Another site had a calculator which quoted $38.56 for a 12" x 24" cut panel ($19.28 per sq ft) with a 1/16" tolerance.  If they are drilling holes or cutting slots the price will quickly jump.

[jhabers]

This place seems to have good prices, curious how much shipping will be though
http://aircraftspruce.com/catalog/mepages/lexan.php

[jhabers]

This place seems to have good prices, curious how much shipping will be though
http://aircraftspruce.com/catalog/mepages/lexan.php

Just got a quote for shipping, for (2) 2x4 sheets its $9 commercial, $11 to residential....not bad at all. Just placed my order

[jhabers]

oh boy, make sure to get a shipping quote for your complete order before ordering, added on a 4x4 sheet of plexi thinking it would be at most another 11 shipping, just checked my account and I was charged an additional $80! Called them and it already shipped out. They said the lexan can be rolled and not ship "oversize" and the plexi cannot. Boy did I screw myself