Plexiglass is a transparent acrylic material which is often used as a replacement for glass. Plexiglass is stronger and more lightweight than glass and is commonly used as skylights, aircraft windshields and bulletproof windows. Plexiglass can also be molded by heating the material until it becomes soft and shaping it before it re-hardens. Small pieces of Plexiglass can be molded with the help of a regular toaster oven, which can evenly heat the material.
Instructions
1. Turn the toaster on so that heat is radiating from the top and bottom of the toaster. Leave the door open.
2. Put on your protective gloves and hold your piece of Plexiglass in the center of the toaster. Wait for the Plexiglass to become soft, but not quite to the point of melting. The recommended temperature range for Plexiglass to maintain its integrity is -30 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. When the material is heated above 160 degrees it becomes soft enough to work with. Take out the Plexiglass and shape it while the material is soft.
3. Return the Plexiglass back into the oven if necessary and repeat the process until the Plexiglass is moulded as desired. The Plexiglass will become rigid as the temperature descends below 160 degrees; allow the Plexiglass to cool for approximately half an hour.
