Flame Polishing Acrylic?

[KoleTang]

I have heard that flame polishing will cause structural damage to the bonds and break down the acrylic on a molecular level. Is any of this true?

What is a safe alternative for finishing edges on acrylic tanks and frag tanks?

 

[FragDaddy]

Interesting...will do more research and talk to my buddy who makes all the pro-flex sumps for Aqueon. he should know..

 

[KoleTang]

I appreciate it. :)

I did some more reading and it seams like over-flame polishing is the issue (heating too much or moving too slow). Also flame polishing on thicker pieces when there is still solvent in the middle of the seam can cause crazing and bubbling.

Acrylic flame polishing ??? - Reef Central Online Community

Flame polishing when working with acrylic - Reef Central Online Community

More info would be great. ;)

 

[JPG@CFI]

Most manufactures flame polish cause it is faster. Looks like crap, but it's shinny right? This induces stress to the acrylic, and it will craze at some point in the future. Why anyone would want a flame polished (burnt) edge strait off the router is beyond me. When I worked for a large manufacturer, I flame polished a lot. Since they are all out of business, in my area, I sand up through 800 wet/dry, and then buff with a polishing wheel in a 2000 RPM drill, and use a buffing compound. It doesn't even get warm. It takes longer, but is 100 times mo better. All my clients agree. J