Laser Scrap
Let's Design and Build a New and Much Improved Storage Solution for our "Laser Scrap"
Contents
Current Laser Scrap Storage Solution
The idea was to keep the acrylic and wood that gets donated to the 'Space off the floor... Sometimes it gets used, sometimes the scraps end up next to it. :/
Proposed Laser Scrap Storage Solution
Below is generally as outlined in an e-mail sent to the general DMS Member e-mail list earlier
Who would like to help design and build a storage rack for the Acrylic and Wood that gets donated to the 'Space for use on the Laser Cutter.
I have mentioned this to a few members and I believe it's definitely do-able (and would definitely help keep the Acrylic and Wood for the Laser organized a lot better than anything we are currently doing).
*** Below are some SAMPLES of various Storage Racks/Shelves that may be helpful for getting some ideas ***
CRL 3' x 5' Wood "A" Frame Glass Truck
http://www.dkhardware.com/product-16608-4751-3-x-5-wood-a-frame-glass-truck.html
Surely this can be built by us for a LOT less $$$! Ooooh 'n it has locking wheels on it ~ bonus!
Martin Avanti 2-Professional Quality Wooden Print Rack
http://www.amazon.com/Martin-Avanti-2-Professional-Quality-Wooden/dp/B004KJEWO2
Very Simple - just build to scale for the sizes we need.
Steel Stone Slab Display Rack / Stone Granite Marble Slab Workshop Trolley /a Frame Storage Rack/-Rack-19
http://ad-idea.en.made-in-china.com/product/AKwxbfBdnGkI/China-Steel-Stone-Slab-Display-Rack-Stone-Granite-Marble-Slab-Workshop-Trolley-a-Frame-Storage-Rack-Rack-19.html
Something like the orange rack might work. Shouldn't be too difficult to weld...
*** GENERAL STORAGE INFO ***
Plaskolite Acrylic Care
http://www.plaskolite.com/Fabrication/Acrylic/Care
SAFETY CONCERNS
Acrylic sheet is a combustible thermoplastic, it will ignite and burn if placed in open flame or in contact with any other source of ignition. When storing or working with acrylic sheet, please be aware of the thermoplastic properties and consider fire precautions.
STORAGE
Plaskolite acrylic sheet is best stored horizontally, on the supplied flat bulk skids, in a well ventilated, consistent temperature area. Avoid storing acrylic sheet where extreme temperature variations occur, and areas above 100°F. Extreme temperature fluctuations can reform flat sheet as it can expand or contract. A-frames or special racks can be used to store sheet vertically. Construct the racks allowing the acrylic to lean approximately 10°.
PLEXIGLAS ®Acrylic Sheet STORAGE AND HANDLING (Begin Page 13)
http://www.plexiglas.com/export/sites/plexiglas/.content/medias/downloads/sheet-docs/plexiglas-general-information-and-physical-properties.pdf
Storage areas should be well ventilated. Air should circulate freely and should be relatively moist and cool. The temperature should not exceed 125°F. If Plexiglas® acrylic sheet is stored in a hot, dry environment or for extremely long periods of time indoors, the adhesive on the masking paper may eventually dry out, making it difficult to remove. Excessive moisture may cause the paper to deteriorate and reduce its effectiveness for protecting the plastic. Storage areas for Plexiglas® acrylic sheet should be completely separated from spray painting booths and other possible sources of solvent vapors that may attack and soften the surface of the material. Plexiglas® should never be stored outdoors. Packages of Plexiglas® acrylic sheet should be stored on edge at a 10° angle from the vertical. Two-by-three inch wood strips placed on the floor about 42 inches apart will keep package edges off the floor and facilitate handling with forklifts or hand trucks.
NOTE: See "FIGURE 5 - A-Frame Rack" below...
But I think it would be neat to do something that combines the first "Example" above (CRL 3' x 5' Wood "A" Frame Glass Truck) with the image embedded in the PLEXIGLAS ®Acrylic Sheet STORAGE AND HANDLING instructions just above...
OK ~ Try not to laugh too hard... (my chop-skillz are SERIOUSLY lacking! LOLz) ... but, something like this...
you can stop laughing now... =P
Additional Suggestions
From Frank S:
When I worked at the prosthetics lab the leadman was a former cabinet maker. We used at least a couple full sheets of thermoplastic a day and kept about 40 at a time in a rack like this one that he built out of MDF.
It was about 49" x 95" x 18", so the sheets stuck out a little bit and you could get your fingers on them. The back was open but pushed against a wall, so when it was time to clean it (empty) you could pull it out a bit and blow it out with compressed air without getting a face full of plaster dust.
Up to you guys as to how much to scale it down, but it makes an awesome low dividing wall at full size.
