Hot bending acrylic (strip heater)
Hot bending acrylic (strip heater)
Hot bending shapes a plastic sheet along a line after local heating — the heated strip becomes pliable and can be bent to the required angle, holding its shape permanently once cooled. PLEXIPOL bends acrylic (PMMA), PET-G and other thermoplastics in Warsaw — from angled bends to curves, for displays, guards, leaflet stands, covers and housings. Quote based on drawing and dimensions.
What is hot bending
A strip heater warms the sheet along a narrow line to forming temperature. The heated band lets the material be bent to any angle — most commonly 90° — without cracking or losing transparency. It’s a method for simple linear bends; for spatial shapes (tubs, domes, 3D housings) see thermoforming.
Bending works for PMMA, PET-G, PVC and polycarbonate. For PMMA, choosing the right temperature matters — cast (GS) grade withstands higher working temperatures than extruded (XT); a wrong heating profile causes bubbles or stress.
Who it’s for
- Advertising and POS manufacturers — leaflet stands, holders, displays with bends, covers.
- Industrial companies — machine guards, guides, covers made from a single bent part (no gluing).
- Designers and interior fitters — decorative elements, handles, bent panels.
How the process works
- Enquiry and drawing — you send a drawing with bend lines, angles and unfolded dimensions.
- Quote — we select material, thickness and heating profile; agree the angle tolerance.
- Production — cutting the blank + hot bending per drawing.
- Pickup/shipping — collect in Warsaw or courier delivery.
Technical parameters
| Materials | Acrylic PMMA (GS/XT), PET-G, PVC, solid polycarbonate |
|---|---|
| Bend type | Linear angled (typically 90°), multiple bends, curves |
| Machine | Strip heater (custom-built) |
| Max. bend line length | up to 3000 mm (3 m) |
| Lead time | 5 working days standard (up to 7 for larger orders) |
| Minimum quantity | From 1 piece |
Why PLEXIPOL
Operating in Warsaw since 1995 (ul. Puławska 48). We combine bending with cutting and polishing in one cycle — a single sheet becomes a finished bent part without glued joints, which is stronger and more elegant. Experience with PMMA lets us select a heating profile that avoids stress and bubbles.
How an order works
- 1Your file or dimensionsDXF, DWG, AI, CDR or vector PDF at 1:1 scale — or simply the dimensions of the panel.
- 2Quote and process selectionWe check whether the geometry is better suited to the laser, the router or the saw.
- 3Machining in our workshopDone on site at ul. Puławska 48 in Warsaw, from stock sheets or from material you supply.
- 4Collection or deliveryCollect in person in Warsaw or have it shipped to your address.
FAQ
Does hot bending weaken acrylic?
With the correct temperature and heating time — no. A wrong profile (too fast/too hot) causes stress and bubbles, so we tailor parameters to the specific PMMA grade.
What’s the difference between bending and thermoforming?
Linear bending gives simple bends along a line (e.g. a stand, a cover). Thermoforming creates a spatial shape on a mould (tubs, domes, 3D housings).
Can polycarbonate be bent?
Solid polycarbonate can be hot bent, but it needs thorough drying before heating (it absorbs moisture) — otherwise bubbles form. We advise on this at enquiry stage.
Enquiry form → plexipol.com.pl/kontakt
Phone: 22 845 65 25 · Mobile: 501 22 12 33 · Email: [email protected]
Send your project for a quote
Send us your project or dimensions — we’ll prepare an individual quote and advise on material choice. No obligation.
Request a quote for material and cutting to size
Attach a technical drawing or CAD file (DXF, DWG, PDF, AI, CDR) or describe your requirements — we will prepare the technical calculation free of charge.