Where to get Lucite/Plexiglass/Acrylic/etc.?

[MK]

I built a model train display case a few years ago and bought "Lucite-Tuf" branded plexiglas sheets at Home Depot. The case turned out very nice and the Lucite held up extremely well.

Just recently I built a slightly larger case and went back to HD to look for the Lucite-Tuf again. This time they have something more generic, same thickness (0.093"), I think they call it Optix now.

The day after I installed it in the case (two doors, sliding on grooves cut in the wood), both doors started to bow out and after a few more days, to the point where it's pretty extreme. They are still usable but look horrible. The new case is only slightly larger so I doubt it's the larger sized sheet/doors "sagging".

I have some scrap Lucite-Tuf from the first display case and I noticed that it is much sturdier and stiffer even though it's the same thickness. As an experiment, I cut two identically sized pieces, the Optix flex more than the Lucite when holding at one end.

I know both are "plexiglass" but I swear the Lucite one is a better quality.

So here's the question, where can I get Lucite or Lucite-Tuf (0.093")? I need two 2'x2' sheets. BTW, both cut very well with the $30 Rockler 80T Freud/Avanti blade. My cut grooves are 3/32" so I can not use thicker sheets than 0.093".

[LinuxRandal]

I've been told, go to a glass shop. Plastic is still used for screen doors and such.

[Tom Slick]

Buy polycarbonate instead of acrylic. It's tougher material but easier to work with.

[cabinetman]

The name may have changed, or sold in another brand. You could try some local plastics suppliers, fabricators, or sign shops. Material that thin may be available in extruded, cast, or polycarbonate.
.

[phi1l]

I have some scrap Lucite-Tuf from the first display case and I noticed that it is much sturdier and stiffer even though it's the same thickness. As an experiment, I cut two identically sized pieces, the Optix flex more than the Lucite when holding at one end.

How do you know that the older Lucite hasn't just gotten stiffer & more brittle with age?

[LCHIEN]

lucite, plexiglas, perspex are all tradenames for Acrylic plastics (polymethyl methacrylate).

Lexan is a trade name for polycarbonate.

lowes or HD have some limited asst of the above plastics, polycarb being more expensive.

You may find much more selection and help in picking particular variants (like lucite-tuf vs lucite) with different properties by going to a
1. plastics shop
2. glass shop
3. Sign shop
4. Internet - http://www.usplastic.com/

the first three may also help you cut to size and not have to buy a sheet of a fixed size which may or may not be real helpful.

[cabinetman]

You might contact Lucite Intl. and ask for local distributors for the exact product you want.

Call: 1-800-4lucite (1-800-458-2483)

or

sales@lucitel.com
.

[MK]

Guys, thanks for the insight into possible other vendors.

Tom Slick:
Lexan/polycarbonate is over 2x the cost and I feel that's overkill for doors for a display case. The do seem to be stiffer though and seems to be pretty flat (so hopefully no bowing but I don't want to spend $60+ to find out ).

phi1l:
I don't but plexiglass is pretty stable, especially in an indoor temperature controlled environment, e.g., living space. And even if it got stiffer over time, that's great as that's what I want. The point is that the older display case's sliding doors are still flat (vertical) as day one. The new one, after a day or two, has severe bowing.

[LCHIEN]

i did read at one point that the Lucite-tuf is supposed to be high impact (higher impact resistance than Lucite), that it blocks 80% of UV, and is still acrylic-based. The first two points are probably good for a display case.

[MK]

Loring, that is correct. The "Tuf" part is the higher impact than normal Lucite. I'm thinking that is what's preventing the orignal case's doors from bowing but it's a guess on my part.

[LCHIEN]

Loring, that is correct. The "Tuf" part is the higher impact than normal Lucite. I'm thinking that is what's preventing the orignal case's doors from bowing but it's a guess on my part.

I don't know that that necessarily follows. The original lucite has a bad tendency to crack and craze even under pressure and force and impact. I'm not sure what they do to make it "tuf" and whether that also results in stiffer.

You might really call and talk to a applications engineer at Lucite corporation next week when they are open. the Lucite.com website has the numbers for e-mail or 1-800 number for technical support -

phone: (800)458-2483
General
Contactus.US@Lucite.com

if they ask tell them you're designing display cases. If they ask the compnay you work for, just tell them the company you work for, don't have to say the case is not for work. Don't have to tell its for a hobby or one-off. Just be professional. Tell them you've noted that the TUF is stiffer than the regular stuff, and ask if that's a property of the TUF. Then ask if its still available and where or who a local retailer (glass store or sign store) might be.