I would say that for Lexan to break the way you described it is extremely
unusual. However, Lexan is susceptible to stress fractures when aromatic
solvents have been applied to it (Benzene, Naptha & Toluene are the
principle ones). If you (or the uninformed installer) had used a solvent
containing one of those to clean the windshield and being that the
windshield is either under tension in installation (the slightly curved
stock shape) and/or under continual flexing during driving, it is possible
that a stress crack could have been formed.
You might also find that for a windshield a higher strength Lexan is more
applicable, there are a dozen or more variations.
In spite of an isolated incident, Lexan is Not VERY breakable. Take a scrap
and have at it with hammer if you don't believe me.
<dnw>
1972 Midget
1998 Safari
1999 9-3
1964 (Me)
----- Original Message -----
From "Kansa, Robert" <KansaR at diebold.com>
To: "'David N Waldmann'" <david@vermonthardwoods.com>
Sent: Monday, November 05, 2001 8:44 AM
Subject: RE: broken racing widnshield
> umm...
> lexan IS very breakable!
> Tinkerbells front windscreen is (and was) lexan.
> 1 day before a race, one of the crew accidentally leaned against it as she
was doing some engine work.
> it split right in half.
> ive also had it (my helmet)spider crack from a nasty marble of rubber from
the track.
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