A short list of the respective advantages of acrylic (Perspex) and polycarbonate (Lexan) here: http://www.hydrosight.com/technology/polycarbonate_vs_acrylic.php
Some other more technical data: http://www.machinist-materials.com/comparison_table_for_plastics.htm Lexan is tougher, but softer (scratches more readily). Acrylic polishes much easier, so is probably more easily maintained (use a specialised acrylic polish). Lexan is easy to bend cold (straight line bends). I've used both as side windows in an Alfetta coupe and just used normal car wash products and polishes with no perceivable detrimental effects. I am a qualified aviation airframe/engine tech and while I am aware of the risks to acrylic for aviation purposes, I don't believe those same concerns are relevant to a car side window, particularly a rear vent window. If it is a concern, make a few duplicate replacements and change them as required. I reckon the plastic will suffer from mechanical degradation (scratching) before you would notice any crazing. Beatle Alfaless in Oz -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Eric J Russell Sent: Thursday, 15 March 2012 1:27 PM To: [email protected] Cc: [email protected] Subject: Re: [alfa] [Non-Alfa] Non-glass transparencies Lexan (polycarbonate) is what I used for a cut down windscreen on my MGA. It is also what is used for motorcycle windscreens. It can be cut with woodworking tools. It will not be anywhere near as scratch resistant as glass. It should not be cleaned with ammonia-based cleaners (i.e. Windex). Do not use paper towels either. Eric Russell Mebane, NC ----- Original Message ----- From: "alfa-digest" > Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:32:20 -0400 > From: Joe Elliott <[email protected]> > Subject: [alfa] [Non-Alfa] Non-glass transparencies > > Question for the racers out there: What kind of material do you use > when making non-glass 'glass' for your race cars? Is there anything > out there that's easy to machine, relatively scratch-resistant and > doesn't require special solvents be used to clean it? -- to be removed from alfa, see http://www.digest.net/bin/digest-subs.cgi or email "unsubscribe alfa" to [email protected] -- to be removed from alfa, see http://www.digest.net/bin/digest-subs.cgi or email "unsubscribe alfa" to [email protected]
