Plexiglas is a strong, plastic-based material often used in place of regular glass because of its durability and impact-resistant properties. Sometimes you may want to form Plexiglas into certain shapes or patterns. Because Plexiglas is rigid, it does not bend very far or very well. However, if you heat it so it returns to a softer, more malleable state, you can form it much more easily into the shape you want.
Instructions
1. Create a brace for the plexiglas. For instance, if you want to bend it a full 45 degrees, you need to make a brace that will support the bent portion of the plexiglas so it does not bend further. A wood sheet held on a table, with a wooden block to sandwich the plexiglas between the sheet and the block should work nicely to support the plexiglas sheet.
2. Put on your safety gear and light your torch. Adjust the flame so that it is compact, but not so tight that it will cut rather than warm. Run the torch back and forth over the area where you want to bend the plexiglas.
3. Bend the plexiglas. Press gently on the plexiglas as you are heating it; as it softens, apply more pressure. Be careful not to force it to bend or you might break it rather than bend it as you want.
4. Turn off the torch and hold the plexiglas in place. As it cools, the plexiglas will harden again and remain in its bent shape.
