Plexiglas is a clear, plastic alternative to glass.
Plexiglas or acrylic glass is a transparent thermoplastic that can be used as an alternative to glass. The most common use of plexiglas is in small bowls, vases and splash or breathing guards to protect food. Plexiglas is also used to create arts and crafts by many hobbyists. The trick to bending plexiglas is to make sure it is warm and malleable before you bend it, otherwise it will break or crack.
Plastic Strip Heater
Also called "plastrip heater", this is generally used to heat plastic or plexiglas in one, strip shaped area. The plastic strip heaters heat up and bend, which makes them particularly great if you want to bend plexiglas, especially if you want to make a straight or 90 degree angle on the piece of plexiglas that you are working on. Most plastic strip heaters can get really hot, up to 280 degrees Fahrenheit, so you have to be very careful and handle them with care whenever they are hot.
Heat Gun
A heat gun is a power tool which looks and works a lot like a hair dryer. If you are using a heat gun instead of a strip heater, then make sure that you hold the heat gun in the area where you want to bend the plexiglas long enough to heat the material thoroughly. The best way to make sure that the plexiglas is hot enough to start bending is to constantly flip the plexiglas over as you are heating it. This will heat it from both sides and will ensure that it is hot enough to bend, avoiding cracks or breaks.
Toaster Oven
Since the key to bending plexiglass is the temperature, then almost any heating implement is a good tool for bending plexiglas. One of the best tools though is the regular, kitchen toaster oven. A toaster oven is better than a heat gun or plastic strip heater especially when you are trying to bend the plexiglas in angles other than 90 degrees. One thing to remember is not to put the plexiglas directly on the heating dish inside the toaster oven because it will stick. Instead, balance the plexiglas on the edge of the heating dish and constantly rotate it or move it about, making sure that it is not sticking. Once the plexiglas is hot, remove it from the toaster oven and bend it however you see fit.
