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Aussie Pinball Forums => Technical Matters => Pinball Repairs / Problems & Assistance => Topic started by: Crashramp on February 01, 2016, 09:08:00 PM

Title: Clear playfield plastics
Post by: Crashramp on February 01, 2016, 09:08:00 PM
What's the best material to use for clear playfield plastics? I was lucky to find some NOS Kings of Steel plastics for my KoS refurb but they didn't include the 5 clear pieces so I need to make some new ones. Do I use 2mm Lexan or is there something better?
Title: Re: Clear playfield plastics
Post by: pinball god on February 01, 2016, 10:24:17 PM
You got it, 2mm Lexan does the trick. Cnc router to cut it would be nice but I've done well with a manual scroll saw and ending with all ten fingers still attached  %.%
Title: Re: Clear playfield plastics
Post by: Crashramp on February 01, 2016, 11:49:18 PM
You got it, 2mm Lexan does the trick. Cnc router to cut it would be nice but I've done well with a manual scroll saw and ending with all ten fingers still attached  %.%

Thanks Rob.  ^^^
Title: Re: Clear playfield plastics
Post by: Crashramp on February 17, 2016, 01:41:27 PM
I've had the clear plastics cut and I'd like to flame polish the edges but I'm not sure what type of torch or equipment to use. If anyone has experience with flame polishing any advise would be appreciated. Thanks.
Title: Re: Clear playfield plastics
Post by: Boots on February 17, 2016, 02:12:00 PM
I've had the clear plastics cut and I'd like to flame polish the edges but I'm not sure what type of torch or equipment to use. If anyone has experience with flame polishing any advise would be appreciated. Thanks.

Sorry to jump in after they are already cut but if they were laser cut there wouldn't be any need for polishing, the holes could be laser cut too.
Whenever I have made plastics I just polish them the old fashioned way with a buff.
Title: Re: Clear playfield plastics
Post by: pinball god on February 17, 2016, 03:06:35 PM
Flame polishing is difficult without a bit of practice. Timing is key to not heat and bubble the plastic. I used an old ramp to gauge the timing.
Title: Re: Clear playfield plastics
Post by: Crashramp on February 17, 2016, 05:13:19 PM
I've had the clear plastics cut and I'd like to flame polish the edges but I'm not sure what type of torch or equipment to use. If anyone has experience with flame polishing any advise would be appreciated. Thanks.

Sorry to jump in after they are already cut but if they were laser cut there wouldn't be any need for polishing, the holes could be laser cut too.
Whenever I have made plastics I just polish them the old fashioned way with a buff.

You're right. I've just pulled the paper backing off one and they're very nice as is. I think I was being a little pedantic.
Title: Re: Clear playfield plastics
Post by: swinks on February 17, 2016, 05:38:22 PM
would be surprised in the plastic is lexan if it has a polished edge as lexan is a brand name for polycarbonate and this stuff is toxic to cut and flame polish.

acrylic is not good for plastic but the best compromise between the 2 is pteg as can be laser cut, clear finish, flame polish and tougher than acrylic and closer to polycarbonate.

most pinball plastics and ramps is made from pteg.

sorry I did not see the thread earlier, hope that helps
Title: Re: Clear playfield plastics
Post by: Crashramp on February 17, 2016, 08:41:09 PM
would be surprised in the plastic is lexan if it has a polished edge as lexan is a brand name for polycarbonate and this stuff is toxic to cut and flame polish.

acrylic is not good for plastic but the best compromise between the 2 is pteg as can be laser cut, clear finish, flame polish and tougher than acrylic and closer to polycarbonate.

most pinball plastics and ramps is made from pteg.

sorry I did not see the thread earlier, hope that helps


Thanks for the info Jady.  ^^^
Title: Re: Clear playfield plastics
Post by: pinball god on February 18, 2016, 12:32:00 AM
would be surprised in the plastic is lexan if it has a polished edge as lexan is a brand name for polycarbonate and this stuff is toxic to cut and flame polish.

acrylic is not good for plastic but the best compromise between the 2 is pteg as can be laser cut, clear finish, flame polish and tougher than acrylic and closer to polycarbonate.

most pinball plastics and ramps is made from pteg.

sorry I did not see the thread earlier, hope that helps

good point