Bulkhead on curved acrylic

[gnatp2]

I want to install a bulkhead on a curved piece of acrylic. I figure I just need some plastic squares that are curved to go over the hole. Is this the typical way of going about it?

Also, anyone have a clue on where to get curved pieces of plastic? or do I need to shape them myself?

Nate

 

[Alex]

go to savko.com or usplastics.com both places sell curved bulkheads

 

[gnatp2]

couldn't find em on those websites. Can you help me out with a link?

 

[Alex]

sorry I was referring to uniseals, these are used on buckets and such when a flat bulkhead cannot be used.

 

[gnatp2]

Just took a look at those. I'd like to go with something a bit more sturdy. Anyone have a suggestion on how to go about this with bulkheads?

 

[Keith P]

Do you have a pic of the curve? I want to see how bad the bend is..

 

[gnatp2]

Don't have one, but it will be a 1" Bulkhead on a acrylic tube that will b 5" in diameter.... so fairly curved.

 

[masterswimmer]

Don't have one, but it will be a 1" Bulkhead on a acrylic tube that will b 5" in diameter.... so fairly curved.

That's not fairly curved. That is an extreme curve for a bulkhead.

What size BH are you looking to tap into the acrylic? If it's small enough I might have an idea. But I'm talking about a small fitting.

 

[wrasseman]

heat with a heat gun when it get soft tighten semi tight w/o rubber in it and let cool . when it hardens remove and install rubber gromet ,thats how its done on protien skimmers ! GOOD LUCK

 

[cali_reef]

I want to install a bulkhead on a curved piece of acrylic. I figure I just need some plastic squares that are curved to go over the hole. Is this the typical way of going about it?

no, unless you want the BEST way. Typically people use uniseals for the larger sizes (1/2"+), some people just drill and wedge it in, this will crack over time (MRC junk).

Also, anyone have a clue on where to get curved pieces of plastic? or do I need to shape them myself?

Curved acrylic? or do you mean a piece of acrylic with one side being curved(concaved)? I have made them from 1/2" thick acrylic and sand one side down to the correct curve(concave). I never seen them sold with the curve but I am sure there are few people on this site can custom make one for you.

FWIW, DELTEC, H&S, and Bubble king glues PVC pipe in place instead of bulkheads, they do double up on the wall with another piece of curve PVC.

Just cut a piece off the tubing if you really want a piece of curved acrylic, it will not be good to use as a reinforcement doubler on the same size tubing, you will need to re-curve it. You can curve acrylic pieces by heating it SLOWLY in your oven, lay the piece on top of a piece curve form (typically made from wood or curve pieces of metal) and watch it get soft and form the shape you want, turn the oven off, open the door, and let it cool off slowly.

I would stay away from localize heating of acrylic, it will bubble and crack if not done properly.