Clear pipe fabrication

[dbhs]

I need to have clear acrylic pipes (2" to 2-1/2" diameter) bent into a curve with a radius of about 12-14". Anyone know of a source? I've been sending requests to industrial fabricators (inlcuding some pneumatic tube companies) and haven't had any positive response yet. Thanks.

-Doug

 

[PetarB]

Hi Doug
I've had some success bending clear acrylic solid cylinders of around that diameter, perhaps slightly smaller. I'm not sure if the same technique would be possible with a pipe (hollow). I carefully heat them up with a heat-gun and slowly, slowly bend. If you heat them up too much or too quickly, I've seen bubbles form. The only way to know is experiment I guess, but it could get costly! Let us know how you go. I would be interested in this for a mount for some larger pieces, where I need to send up some wiring through the tube.

 

[dbhs]

Thanks, Peter.

I've tried bending flat acrylic myself but with poor results. I want this as clean as possible. I actually heard back today from a pneumatic tube supplier that has exactly what i need but the part has been discontinued since it's almost never used. He's offered to contact his manufacturers to see if they have any left in stock but didn't sound hopeful. If this doesnt' work I'll try to get the contact info for the manufacturers and see if i can order the parts custom made.

 

[krusinclone]

They make an insert that will go into a pipe for bending. (well copper pipe) not sure how this would work on plastic