Lexan Box

Valdor · 10-17-03, 03:23 PM

Would a box made out of .25" lexan hold the weight of a heavy computer (aprx 50lbs). If not, how thick would the lexan need to be.

vonkaar · 10-17-03, 03:25 PM

Tee hee...

It depends on the size of the box =p.

eobard · 10-17-03, 03:39 PM

More importantly it would depend on the design layout of the box, how much bracing and such. Have you got an image you could put up to show what you have in mind?

Valdor · 10-17-03, 06:17 PM

eobard · 10-17-03, 07:12 PM

I see what you're getting at, you mean a stand for the computer right? I thought you meant to make the case out of lexan itself. If you're just making a stand does it have to be hollow? Couldn't you put two diagonal pieces going from corner to corner to make an X inside? Actually, even if there is no support within, assuming the load is put on the four red areas it's near the corners so the top piece giving way isn't too likely. How are the joints (going to be) formed?

Valdor · 10-17-03, 11:21 PM

I was planning on installing a fairly large water-cooling setup in the box. My theory was that if most of the connections are under the computer, if they leak it won't be a disaster (I only have one good computer so loosing it for any extended amount of time would not be good). I honestly don’t know how I would join the pieces, as I have not worked in lexan before. My thought was to use corner brackets in combination with either screws (if they hold in lexan) or nuts and bolts (probably with washers) If anyone has experience in building load bearing structures with lexan I would welcome their advice. I was also planning on drilling some holes in the lexan and cutting out large (120mm) holes for some fans. I just don’t know how strong lexan is. It would be fairly disappointing to build a structure like this and then see it crushed the first time I tried to use it.

Captain Slug · 10-17-03, 11:22 PM

1/4" should be fine. I don't recommend stacking anything on-top of it or adding a handle to it though unless those sides were 1/2"

Valdor · 10-18-03, 02:37 PM

Wait, do you mean on top of the computer? The computer is going on top of this box. I can get .5" but it would cost twice as much.

Valdor · 10-18-03, 02:50 PM

Here is some info I found on polycarbonate (I think this is right):
1) Tensile strength, yield
8x10^3 psi(5.6 Kg/mm2)

2) Tensile strength, ultimate
9x10^3 psi(6.33 Kg/mm2)

3) Flexural strength
10.2x10^3 psi(7.17 Kg/mm2)

4) Compression strength
12.5x10^3 psi(8.79 Kg/mm2)

5) Ryle="margin-left: 5">5) Refractive index at 25C
1,586

6) Specific gravity
1.2 - 1.4

Valdor · 10-18-03, 02:51 PM

Woops, replace "103" is meant to be "10^3"

Captain Slug · 10-19-03, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Valdor
Wait, do you mean on top of the computer? The computer is going on top of this box. I can get .5" but it would cost twice as much.

It will be fine as long as the pressure is close to the corners.

Valdor · 10-19-03, 05:18 PM

All the pressure will be 2" or less from the corners, so I guess It would work.

10-17-03, 03:23 PM	Thread Starter #1
Valdor Registered Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Annandale, VA	Lexan Box Would a box made out of .25" lexan hold the weight of a heavy computer (aprx 50lbs). If not, how thick would the lexan need to be.
	QUOTE Thanks

10-17-03, 03:25 PM	#2
vonkaar Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Flower Mound, TX	Tee hee... It depends on the size of the box =p. __________________ -->>Ranked #1 of all folders in the world!!<<-- named Vonkaar... I7 920 D0 @ 4.2Ghz // MSI X58 Pro-E // Sapphire 5870 // 6x Seagates in RAID0 // Microsoft Keyboard Overclocked to 18 WPM (STOCK COOLING!) Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittamj
	QUOTE Thanks

10-17-03, 03:39 PM	#3
eobard Give me a break Senior Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Canada	More importantly it would depend on the design layout of the box, how much bracing and such. Have you got an image you could put up to show what you have in mind? __________________ Thank you Baby. I love you.
	QUOTE Thanks

10-17-03, 06:17 PM	Thread Starter #4
Valdor Registered Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Annandale, VA
	QUOTE Thanks

10-17-03, 07:12 PM	#5
eobard Give me a break Senior Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Canada	I see what you're getting at, you mean a stand for the computer right? I thought you meant to make the case out of lexan itself. If you're just making a stand does it have to be hollow? Couldn't you put two diagonal pieces going from corner to corner to make an X inside? Actually, even if there is no support within, assuming the load is put on the four red areas it's near the corners so the top piece giving way isn't too likely. How are the joints (going to be) formed? __________________ Thank you Baby. I love you.
	QUOTE Thanks

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10-17-03, 11:21 PM	Thread Starter #6
Valdor Registered Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Annandale, VA	I was planning on installing a fairly large water-cooling setup in the box. My theory was that if most of the connections are under the computer, if they leak it won't be a disaster (I only have one good computer so loosing it for any extended amount of time would not be good). I honestly don’t know how I would join the pieces, as I have not worked in lexan before. My thought was to use corner brackets in combination with either screws (if they hold in lexan) or nuts and bolts (probably with washers) If anyone has experience in building load bearing structures with lexan I would welcome their advice. I was also planning on drilling some holes in the lexan and cutting out large (120mm) holes for some fans. I just don’t know how strong lexan is. It would be fairly disappointing to build a structure like this and then see it crushed the first time I tried to use it.
	QUOTE Thanks

10-17-03, 11:22 PM	#7
Captain Slug Helpful Senior Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Asteroid B-612	1/4" should be fine. I don't recommend stacking anything on-top of it or adding a handle to it though unless those sides were 1/2" __________________ \|\|[ Oni is a bot! ]-[ My Heatware]-[ Project: Metal Slug ]-[ In the event of an emergency, the nearest senior member may be used as a floatation device. ]\|\| \|\|[ OC Forums Apparel is now available through cafepress ]-[ If you want a particular item with a particular image just PM me ]\|\|
	QUOTE Thanks

10-18-03, 02:37 PM	Thread Starter #8
Valdor Registered Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Annandale, VA	Wait, do you mean on top of the computer? The computer is going on top of this box. I can get .5" but it would cost twice as much.
	QUOTE Thanks

10-18-03, 02:50 PM	Thread Starter #9
Valdor Registered Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Annandale, VA	Here is some info I found on polycarbonate (I think this is right): 1) Tensile strength, yield 8x10^3 psi(5.6 Kg/mm2) 2) Tensile strength, ultimate 9x10^3 psi(6.33 Kg/mm2) 3) Flexural strength 10.2x10^3 psi(7.17 Kg/mm2) 4) Compression strength 12.5x10^3 psi(8.79 Kg/mm2) 5) Ryle="margin-left: 5">5) Refractive index at 25C 1,586 6) Specific gravity 1.2 - 1.4
	QUOTE Thanks

10-18-03, 02:51 PM	Thread Starter #10
Valdor Registered Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Annandale, VA	Woops, replace "103" is meant to be "10^3"
	QUOTE Thanks

10-19-03, 05:18 PM	Thread Starter #12
Valdor Registered Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Annandale, VA	All the pressure will be 2" or less from the corners, so I guess It would work.
	QUOTE Thanks

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