plexi or lexan?

[theob42]

hey everyone, its time for me to buy the plexiglas to cover my control panel and i also need some for the front, in fron tof the monitor and two strips to sandwich the mrquee between.

so i've been hearing that plexiglas is more prone to cracking unless you go really slow. would it be better to use lexan? which is supposed to be "bullet proof" and more scratch resistant. also should i use lexan for the front?  or go with plexi? what do you guys think? im a complete newbie when it comes to working with plastics and wood so any advise would be appreciated 

thanks

[Pixelhugger]

Lexan (polycarbonate) is the more "bullet proof" material as it does not shatter and crack like plexi (acrylic) does. It is also less prone to scratching from what I understand. It's also more expensive.

I stand corrected. 

[patrickl]

Actually Lexan is more "bullet proof" because it's less brittle/hard and that makes it easier to work with, but also less scratch resistent. Plexi scratches less easily and is clearer.

I went with a CP covered with a film of plastic. Easier to put on than a plate of plastic. You can buy it printed and laminated in one go.

BTW did you see the Mythbuster episode where they tried out if their lexan was actually bulletproof? Guess not since it wasn't. Only if you layered a large number of thick layers wih strong glue, you can apparently make something bullet proof with it. A single layer is not very bulletproof.

[theob42]

k cool, well i guess ill go with lexan for the cp.
and plexi for the front

thanks

[ace3093]

I have a question. Where do you purchase either of these items. I haven't seen any place that sells either. 

[theob42]

well i just googled for local places near my area (toronto, canada).

[IronBuddha]

I have a question. Where do you purchase either of these items. I haven't seen any place that sells either. 

Do you have a Lowe's near by? That's where I got mine, they even cut it for me free of charge.

[scotthh]

Home Depot has it as well. Good luck trying to find someone to cut if for you.

[ark_ader]

Home Depot has it as well. Good luck trying to find someone to cut if for you.

What about in the UK?

Any suggestions on suppliers?

[paulscade]

I bought a piece of Lexan [for my CP] yesterday from a local Glass company.  $30 for a 30" x 18" x 1/8" piece.

From what I've read in these forums, and other sources... Plexi (acrylic) = more scratch resistant, breaks easier.  Lexan (polycarb) = scratches easier, resistant to breakage. (you know the drill... we've all heard it before).

BUT...

The guy at the glass shop had one other factor to add.  He said that acrylic (Plexi) will yellow over time (with exposure to sunlight... or even indoor lighting).  He also said that, while there is some difference in scratch resistance, it's really not enough to make a difference.

I really don't want a yellowing control panel top... I went with Lexan.

<your milage may vary>

[patrickl]

I thought the biggest problem with plexi was the loss in transmissiveness (turns milky when exposed to UV). I'd say that both Plexi and Lexan will yellow or turn milky due to exposure to UV.

Also, there really is a noticable difference in scratch resistance between Plexi and Lexan. But indeed they both scratch too easily for the application, so that's why it's better to not use either plexi or lexan on top of your CP.

[ratzz]

Home Depot has it as well. Good luck trying to find someone to cut if for you.

What about in the UK?

Any suggestions on suppliers?

Why UK -- Thought you hated the place and moved to the US?

Weren't we all morons or something?