Acrylic, chemical name polymethylmethacrylate, (trade names: Plexiglass,
Lucite) will yellow with age but polycarbonate (trade name: Lexan) will
remain clear and colorless, assuming you start with the clear variety.
Polycarbonate is not only optically superior to acrylic but it is much
stronger and therefore less likely to allow a bird in your face, not that
your lights will care, but it's nice to know that the Europa windscreen is
made of the right stuff.
The real disadvantage of polycarbonate vs. acrylic is that polycarbonate is
a softer material, so in the absence of a scratch resistant coating it is
more easily scratched than acrylic which does not require a coating.
Best regards,
Rob Housman
Europa XS Tri-Gear A070
Airframe complete
Irvine, CA
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of Fred R. Klein
Subject: Europa-List: Lexan v. Plexiglas
Hi All,
I'm on the verge of vacuum forming wingtip lighting covers suitable for
those nifty combo landing light, strobe, and LED position lights made by
CreativAir and am uncertain whether to do so in lexan or plexiglas.
I'd prefer the lexan for strength but seem to recall that polycarbonate
tends to yellow with age...or perhaps that only occurred w/ the early
formulations of the material.
Does anyone have any insights which might help me decide?
Fred
A194
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