types of acrylic

[BigBadBlenny]

i have been out of the hobby just over a year. i am looking to start up again and i was wondering what type of acrylic is used to build tanks and sumps? there is a local place that sells lexan plaexi glass and a few other brands that are used for varios applications. also they sell weldon 16 is that the glue that is safe for tanks?

any input would be greatly appreciated.


just gonna throw this on here cause it cracks me up :deadhorse:


DOUBLE POST PLEASE DELETE

 

[mcgyvr]

lexan is polycarbonate = No

You want cast acrylic sheets.

and you want weld-on #3 or #4 for acrylic solvent welding and a syringe. Once the solvents have evaporated its totally safe.

The weld-on 16 is thicker for larger gaps.

 

[Btompkin]

Got my acrylic at sabic polymer they have places all over country got best price from them buy just calling And asking

They can also cut for u if you ask

I had another guy put it together for me and he used 3 or 4 I use the 16 myself as its very thick and more forgiving for me, I only do smaller projects

Use cell cast acrylic

 

[peppie]

Cell Cast Acrylic. Use only one of these two. Polycast or Plexi glass G

 

[CAPSLOK]

Why is lexan a no?

 

[mcgyvr]

Why is lexan a no?

in general polycarbonate is not as stiff as acrylic.. It can be used for some stuff (I just used it for my 48" overflow) but it requires additional bracing to hold its shape where acrylic will not.

 

[Acrylics]

Why is lexan a no?

Not as clear as acrylic
Doesn't glue as well as acrylic
More expensive as acrylic
Scratches easier than acrylic
More dangerous to machine than acrylic
..the list goes on..

James

 

[Acrylics]

I know someone selling some Cell Cast Acrylic. Is there anyway I can tell if it is really Cell Cast Acrylic and not some other type?

Cell cast, in itself, is not good enough. *Most* cell cast acrylics don't glue worth a damn. The best bet is to buy good material; Polycast or Plex-Glas G. *Everything* else is not consistent enough or doesn't bond well enough for pressure vessels.

Polycast will have it's name plastered all over one side of the masking paper in big red letters. Plex-Glas G will have it's name plastered all over one side of the masking paper in big blue letters. I wouldn't buy nor advise anything else, period

Also he has some cans of weld-on #3 and #16 that look ok and not dried out.
Does weld-on go bad with age?

Yes, it can easily go bad. The primary active ingredient is methylene chloride and it is very volatile, meaning it evaporates out very quickly when opened, leaving the "filler" ingredients that won't do anything good. Best bet is to use new stuff.

if the 16 is still in suspension like model airplane glue, then it's probably fine, but I'd try to avoid using it.

HTH,
James