Installation Guide

11
SPRAY PAINTING
Use an atomizing spray gun system that will
uniformly distribute paint free of water and oil.
The use of backlighting will aid in determining the
uniformity of paint application (See Fig. 16).
SCREEN PRINTING
For volume production, screen printing is fast
and economical. Paint is applied with a squeegee in
a uniform motion. Paint passes through a screen and
transfers to the acrylic sheet. Using a screen in good
condition, with a fine mesh size, in conjunction with
paint of proper viscosity, will produce painted parts
with good detail.
PAINT REMOVAL
When paint removal is necessary, immediately
remove the paint from the acrylic using the paint
manufacturer’s recommended remover. Paint
removers contain organic solvents harmful to
acrylic sheet. Time in contact with the acrylic sheet,
especially on high stress areas of thermoformed
parts, should be minimized to reduce the chances of
crazing.
VINYL FILMS
Lettering and intricate designs made with vinyl
films, can be adhered to PLASKOLITE acrylic sheet.
Vinyl films can be used as a masking during painting
operations. Depending on the size of the graphic,
apply the film using either the dry or wet method.
Choose the proper vinyl film for the application
desired (See Fig. 17).
Thermoforming acrylic with vinyl already applied
can be accomplished. Certain restrictions, such
as heating temperature and time, depth of draw,
and thickness of vinyl affect the quality of the end
product.
Refer to Vinyl film manufacture’s guidelines for
more detailed information.
FORMING
COLD FORMING
A bend in PLASKOLITE acrylic sheet can be
accomplished without applying heat. A minimum
radius of 200 times the thickness of the acrylic is
required to avoid stress cracking.
LINE BENDING
Line bending is a method of forming a sharp
bend in the acrylic sheet. The radius of the bend can
be controlled by adjusting the width of the heated
area. Routing a V-groove into the acrylic prior to
bending will produce a very sharp bend. Heating
elements such as nicrome wire, infrared, rods, or
wide strips can be used. Heat the area to be bent
to a pliable state then place the sheet in a fixture to
cool (See Fig. 18 & 19).
Figure 16
Figure 17
Figure 18