Tom Nalevanko
Well-Known Member
I was wondering if anyone knew how these were formed? As in actually having done one or seen it being done. I once asked the supplier of my Stallion windshield (the first of which I broke; grrr) if I could come on down and see them make me a new one, but they were quite secretive and refused.
I am aware of the bubble blow technique used for the canopy of single and tandem designs.
My impression is that a flat piece of acrylic, possibly cut to shape, is loosely fixed over a male mold with both being in an oven. The oven is turned on and the flat sheet drapes due to gravity over the mold as the plastic softens. The pieces then cool and the windshield is popped from the mold.
Is this wishful, simplistic thinking or are more sophisticated approaches used? I am thinking of doing a simple but somewhat larger windshieldthan normal. It will have somewhat of a conic section shape that should provide some inherent rigidity.
Thanks for any info.
Blue skies,
Tom
I am aware of the bubble blow technique used for the canopy of single and tandem designs.
My impression is that a flat piece of acrylic, possibly cut to shape, is loosely fixed over a male mold with both being in an oven. The oven is turned on and the flat sheet drapes due to gravity over the mold as the plastic softens. The pieces then cool and the windshield is popped from the mold.
Is this wishful, simplistic thinking or are more sophisticated approaches used? I am thinking of doing a simple but somewhat larger windshieldthan normal. It will have somewhat of a conic section shape that should provide some inherent rigidity.
Thanks for any info.
Blue skies,
Tom
