The flexibility of polycarbonate sheets allows for deformation and bent in hot or cold temperatures. This makes it versatile enough to be used for many purposes. In this blog, we’re going to tell you everything about how polycarbonate bending works and the best way to tackle this process.Polycarbonate bending temperature: the basics
Polycarbonate, a thermoplastic material, becomes soft when heated. You can hot bend Lexan polycarbonate in a variety of ways. This includes a professional bending device or heating element, a filament, a hairdryer or an adjustable paint burner. Cold bending polycarbonate is easier and is more popular.
Because polycarbonate is extremely strong, it won’t crack if it’s cold bent. This depends on the panel’s thickness and dimensions. A long, narrow, polycarbonate sheet can be cold bent more easily than a smaller one, because it is easier to bend by itself.
Without heating, bend polycarbonate sheets
If you need to make windows for your boat, it is possible to bend cold polycarbonate. This material can be shaped into a curve by cold and is used in applications like boat windows or windscreens.
The cold bending of polycarbonate can be done on a press brake. This allows the sheet to be bent at a specific angle. The Lexan polycarbonate must be clamped so that it doesn’t spring back to its original shape after being cold bent. The rebate can be used to keep a boat’s window from falling apart if it is being replaced with polycarbonate.
Professionally bent polycarbonate sheets are folded into the desired shape after being coldened and then heated in an oven at low temperatures (maximum 70°C). This ensures that there’s no tension in the sheet, and that the polycarbonate doesn’t curl back. It is important to heat bend the polycarbonate for more complicated forms.
Heat bending polycarbonate sheets
Only professionals and experienced DIYers should attempt heat bending large sheets of polycarbonate. The professional uses heat coils, thermal bending benches and air circulation furnaces to bend polycarbonate. After heating the polycarbonate sheet, it is bent using a mold. After cooling, the polycarbonate will maintain its original shape and not require support.
Because polycarbonate can absorb moisture, it is important to dry sheets of polycarbonate before you heat bend them. There is a possibility of visible bubbles in the sheets if you don’t dry the material before you start drying it. Choose a lower temperature for drying than when you are bending the sheets, between 110 and 120 degrees Celsius. The protective film should be removed first. After the sheet has dried, place it in a convection oven for between 6 and 12 hours. You should leave enough room for hot air to circulate about the sheet. It is possible to hang the sheet up or raise it partially so that air can pass under it. A grid is not recommended as it can leave marks on the polycarbonate’s surface.
Bending polycarbonate yourself
You can use an oven and paint burner if you are a DIYer who wants to bend polycarbonate by yourself. Lay wooden slats near the fold line to ensure that heat is applied precisely to the polycarbonate before you begin. This will allow you to create the straightest fold line possible. These expert tips will help you achieve a great result.
Tips to bend polycarbonate using a heat gun (adjustable).
Heat your polycarbonate sheet by removing the protective film on both sides.
The heat gun’s outflow opening should be kept at least 5 cm from the sheet.
Move the heat gun along the fold line, making sure it heats evenly.
To check if the sheet is already bent, pull lightly on one end.
After the sheet is sufficiently heated, place a batten along its bend line to create a straight fold.
Here are some tips for molding polycarbonate in a convection oven
Do not heat the sheet of polycarbonate on a rack. Instead, heat it on a flat heat-resistant tray.
Place the tray and sheet in the oven while preheating. Let it heat up slowly.
Once the temperature is set (180°C to 210°C), you can leave the sheet on the table for up to five minutes. You can bend thinner sheets up to 5mm faster than thicker ones.
Keep the polycarbonate in its desired shape until it cools. Now the sheet will remain bent in the desired shape without bending again.
