Plexi 101:
You can by Plexi glass or acrylic sheets at Utretch or Pearl or art supplies stores.. For thicker plexi glass - anything ticker than 1/4 inche, go to Homedepot. If the model / construct is of a very small scale, don't buy very thick ones because they are harder to cut through. And don't buy acetate paper, that doesn't serve the same purpose as Plexi glass.
Scoring (I hope this is the way to spell it)
Scoring is to draw a delicate line on the plexi using a cutting knife. Don't score deep or it will break. Do a matrix scoring so it follows the concept of you model. And make sure to use 3 plexi panels together always, to create encolsed spaces. Do not use plexi as windows. And continuity of the score lines through out all 3 panels was something prof mentioned yesterday as well.
Cutting plexi
You can use a plexi cutter, box cutter or your xato knife for this. Score deep a few times and fold gently at the score line. This will give a clean cut.
Frosting Plexi
Plexi glass planels as it is will be called Transparent elements. If you want to make then translucent (Semi-transparent) you can frost the plexi. You can do one of the 2 things...
- Use Glass frosting spray found at the art store or
- Use a soft sand paper and sand on both sides to give a nice soft but even frosty look.
Gluing Plexi
You will see once you start using that working with plexi is more difficult than working with other materials we have used so far. You have to use a tiny-tiny bit of glue, the TOXIC glue that is, and glue it in one shot. If you wobble it or move it, it could potentially leave ugly glue marks. And if you have glue allergies like me, good luck... I am still in search of a glue that will bond plexi but will not make me sick.
How to integrate plexi into your model?
Use your Dremel and make 4 tiny holes at the 4 corners or the panel. Slide tiny linear element pieces through the holes. And paste them on to the linear elements or panels near where the plexi planel is supposed to go. (I was going to put an image here but I can't find the cable for my camera. If I find it, I will upload a picture later today)
*Disclaimer - Above info is not the only way in which one make your model. And this is only from my personal experience. So don't hold me to it if it doesn't quite work out :). Try out on a few small pieces before you move into the actual model pieces.
You will see once you start using that working with plexi is more difficult than working with other materials we have used so far. You have to use a tiny-tiny bit of glue, the TOXIC glue that is, and glue it in one shot. If you wobble it or move it, it could potentially leave ugly glue marks. And if you have glue allergies like me, good luck... I am still in search of a glue that will bond plexi but will not make me sick.
How to integrate plexi into your model?
Use your Dremel and make 4 tiny holes at the 4 corners or the panel. Slide tiny linear element pieces through the holes. And paste them on to the linear elements or panels near where the plexi planel is supposed to go. (I was going to put an image here but I can't find the cable for my camera. If I find it, I will upload a picture later today)
*Disclaimer - Above info is not the only way in which one make your model. And this is only from my personal experience. So don't hold me to it if it doesn't quite work out :). Try out on a few small pieces before you move into the actual model pieces.
I believe that working under supervision of one of the most experienced Model making in UAE and to assure every model with sophisticated, high quality and durability is important these days. So, very informative article.
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