Translucent/transparent higher strength plastic?

[proth]

I'm looking for a translucent/transparent plastic that mimics either a low carbon steel (1010, 1018, etc) or stainless steel (301 or 304) in terms of mechanical properties. It will be part of a mechanical joint; therefore, yield strength is probably the most important factor. It will be subject to a static load and will not be subject to impact.

The part design is relativley small (1"x2") and thin (0.035-0.063").

 

[TVP]

What you desire is not physically possible. Transparent plastics will have an elastic modulus (stiffness) approximately 1/10th to 1/100th that of steel, and a yield strength that is similarly challenged. Actually, any plastics, transparent or not, will not meet your stated requirements.

 

[gfbotha]

I basically agree with TVP, but could just add that in my opinion you could only consider using polycarbonate (though still 4 x weaker re. strength); i.e. if you are allowed to go substantially thicker!

 

[IRstuff]

Why does it need to be transparent?

TTFN

 

[proth]

I need to be able to transmit UV through the material.

I don't think stiffness will be required as long as the material won't yield under load.

 

[MintJulep]

Just because something is transparent doesn't mean that it will transmit UV.

Many plastics degrade when exposed to UV, so even if you find something sufficiently strong initially, it may not stay strong.

Sounds like you need unobtainium.

 

[proth]

I only need to transmit UV through it once in order to cure a resin product.

 

[dcasto]

why not use a sight gauge

 

[btrueblood]

Even window glass is not uv-transparent, it blocks a significant amount. Quartz or sapphire will transmit the low end of the uv spectrum pretty well.

 

[EdStainless]

For mechanical properties the PEEK/PEK and realted grades may be your best bet. They will be expensive, but they are stronger than polycarb.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Rust never sleeps
Neither should your protection

http://www.trent-tube.com/contact/Tech_Assist.cfm

 

[gfbotha]

Yes, originally gave PEEK a quick thought but then as far as I know it is not clear like polycarb? It is indeed somewhat stronger and stiffer.

Never actually seen or used it though, because it is such a speciality and expensive plastic. It is being described as amber and opaque, difficult to process and as very much resistant to radiation...!

A company like ERTA also supplies it in shapes like rods & plates (if to be machined).

Are you indeed allowed to increase the thickness of your part? Is cost an important factor? Do you think about machining the part, or will it be moulded?

 

[proth]

I might be able to increase the thickness slightly but I think I would have problems if I went thicker than 1/8".

I don't know how important cost is at this point as it is in a concept phase.

Molding would be preferred, but machining would be entertained.