Hi!
I'm just wondering if anyone have any experience using SAN plastic for making your own building parts?

I want to start building simple robots using some sensors and DC motors, but have nothing to put them together with (except the Arduino UNO) to form an actual movable robot. (like a small car)
I'm thinking of buying some SAN, use a drill and saw and create my own parts. (and buy gears)

Is this a good idea?

Thanks!

 

I'm not familiar with SAN, but the first question I ask when dealing with plastics is what do I use as a bonding agent? What do you plan on using?

 

Its cheap/brittle/clear plastic..

It would not be my material of choice for virtually any project.
If I needed clear I'd choose acrylic or polycarbonate

Your question is basic/lacking any necessary detail to answer properly..
Do you need impact resistance? Thermal,chemical
Do you need to thermo form it?
Bond it?
Or just flat panels with some holes drilled in it?

 

As Mcgyver said, the first line in the link you gave under "properties", "SAN is similar in use to polystyrene. Like polystyrene itself, it is optically transparent and brittle in mechanical behavior."

ABS is another good readily available plastic to use. Many parts in autos are made from it and it bonds well. But don't think it is available clear.

 

I'm not familiar with SAN, but the first question I ask when dealing with plastics is what do I use as a bonding agent? What do you plan on using?

Forgot to mention that. I'm thinking of screws, as I have a lot of them already.

Its cheap/brittle/clear plastic..

It would not be my material of choice for virtually any project.
If I needed clear I'd choose acrylic or polycarbonate

Your question is basic/lacking any necessary detail to answer properly..
Do you need impact resistance? Thermal,chemical
Do you need to thermo form it?
Bond it?
Or just flat panels with some holes drilled in it?

Sorry for not asking properly
It want it to be transparent, light and impact resistant. Any ideas? I dont need to bend it. Water resistant but no need for thermal resistant etc.

Any ideas with these features?
Thanks guys

 

How about acrylic plastic? (PMMA)
It's either that or SAN for me, if I want to be able to buy it locally.

 

I'm not familiar with SAN, but the first question I ask when dealing with plastics is what do I use as a bonding agent? What do you plan on using?

Based on my limited experience and the suggestions of experienced people on building strange things, electronics aside, the point you rise, should be solved upfront simply for "just in case later...".

 

How about acrylic plastic? (PMMA)
It's either that or SAN for me, if I want to be able to buy it locally.

Extruded acrylic will be fine and is a better choice over SAN..

 

Extruded acrylic will be fine and is a better choice over SAN..

Okay, thanks for the help, all of you ;D
Will get some acrylic plastic to work with, as there is some in a local shop for a good price

Thanks again!