lexan or or composite glass?

[PowerAddict]

On my new boat (85 sleekcraft ambassador) Its got these large tinted lexan windows. To replace them, does it matter what time of composite glass i use, such as plexiglass or anything else?

 

[ziggy]

Re: lexan or or composite glass?

don't know if this helps. but when i was trying to glue metal to Plexiglas. which i found out that almost nothing sticks too. i ended up looking at chemical makeup of Plexiglas.. i found that Plexiglas and lexan are very similar materials. obviously not the same, but similar...... epoxy sticks to Plexiglas btw...

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: lexan or or composite glass?

Lexan is more scratch resistant harder, but less forgiving in flexibility.
Plexiglass or acrylic scratch's easier, bit more flexible, and easier to work with.

 

[IVAZ]

Re: lexan or or composite glass?

Lexan is stronger than plexiglass an its used where higher strength is required. Cyanoacrylate (super glue) sticks to it very well. It might be overkill on a boat window. The plexiglass should suffice unless you end up in an gun shootout.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: lexan or or composite glass?

Lexan is stronger and more pliable, less likely to split and way more resistant to cracking. I have a lot of machinery screening built with it where visibility is needed to watch the machine in action. (weld cells, assembly equipment etc) in addition to the expanded metal screening. It is more expensive than plexi glass but worth every cent in my opinion.

 

[PowerAddict]

Re: lexan or or composite glass?

Hey, thanks for the input guys. I wasn't sure what to go with exactly, but now I know I have some options.

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: lexan or or composite glass?

Definitely Lexan over Plexiglas in my opinion. The only thing about it tho, like Plexiglas, is that you have to be careful how you fasten it. It hates countersinks, as it tends to eventually split under the stress. If its in a trim compression moulding you should be in good shape. If you do have to fasten through it try to use an insulating washer on both sides to again limit stress on it.
Great stuff tho' either way
Good luck
BP

 

[AZSenza]

Re: lexan or or composite glass?

The secret to using fasteners in Plexi or other is the hole needs to be drilled with special bits and then just a little larger than the fastener going thru them, it also works well to "grind" thru it with a pointed oxide type grinding point and a speed that wont melt it. Everything has to be SHARP.
I need to replace the center glass on my windscreen too and have been fighting glass over Lexan. The cost is going to be about the same. the plasic will scratch but wont shatter and will be a lot lighter.

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: lexan or or composite glass?

Another option is to use nylon bolts and screws where possible to minimize the chance of cracking. You can by Lexan from many sources since it's the resin and not the process or final product that's copyrighted by Dupont.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: lexan or or composite glass?

Lexan will countersink better than plexiglass and has much less tendency to crack and split. Make sure you get the thickest that you can use.