Best Method For Gluing/Binding Glass Panels Together?

[Daniel Johnson]

So I've designed a custom radiator tower for my water cooling set-up via Google Sketchup, as seen here.

The entire glass case, including the top and bottom covers weighs around 70 pounds (about 32kg) @ 10mm (about 3/8") thick glass; it weighs around 90 pounds (about 41kg) @ 13mm (about 1/2") thick glass.

I will most likely just leave the top cover resting on top and not bound, unless it begins vibrating from the fans or anything, in which case I'll just spot glue the corners with a basic glue, this way I can still open it and work/fix any problems that come up later on.

I've heard that E6000 would be best, I know epoxy can hold tons of weight, but I don't know if it would work for glass, I've recently discovered nano470 which can apparently is incredibly strong.

So, what do you all think the best way would be to glue the side and bottom glass panels of the case together and have it hold rigidly without flexing very much?

 

[DonkeyOatie]

I don't know your level of skill, but I spent some time at University making some glassware and blowing glass. You could bend the case out of a single sheet of glass and melt the edge together.

Otherwise, I'd want a little flexibility and would use the silicone adhesive technology used for 'see-through' plate-glass showers. (Built one of those too)

 

[gbb0330]

So I've designed a custom radiator tower for my water cooling set-up via Google Sketchup, as seen here.

The entire glass case, including the top and bottom covers weighs around 70 pounds (about 32kg) @ 10mm (about 3/8") thick glass; it weighs around 90 pounds (about 41kg) @ 13mm (about 1/2") thick glass.

I will most likely just leave the top cover resting on top and not bound, unless it begins vibrating from the fans or anything, in which case I'll just spot glue the corners with a basic glue, this way I can still open it and work/fix any problems that come up later on.

I've heard that E6000 would be best, I know epoxy can hold tons of weight, but I don't know if it would work for glass, I've recently discovered nano470 which can apparently is incredibly strong.

So, what do you all think the best way would be to glue the side and bottom glass panels of the case together and have it hold rigidly without flexing very much?

silicone aquarium sealant - its very strong and looks nice.

 

[Daniel Johnson]

I don't know your level of skill, but I spent some time at University making some glassware and blowing glass. You could bend the case out of a single sheet of glass and melt the edge together.

Otherwise, I'd want a little flexibility and would use the silicone adhesive technology used for 'see-through' plate-glass showers. (Built one of those too)

How would flexibility help? Cracking?

And if I were to melt the edges together I'm guessing I'd need something more like an acetylene torch, rather than a simple propane torch?

Edit: I don't think a single sheet would a good idea here anyways. For example, if it were to shatter, the crack(s) would continue all the way around the case and would be quite expensive and difficult to repair. With glued joints, the crack(s) would not be able to go beyond each joint, so only a single panel of glass would be lost.

Also, what type of glass would you recommend for this type of project? Tempered? Laminated? or something else?

 

[DonkeyOatie]

Yes, you would need a lot of skill and the right tempering tools. A professional might be able to do it. Do you know anyone that makes art glass??

You are gluing heavy plates together and then heating them asymmetrically with all the parts and hot air inside. The flexibility of silicone will allow the glass to expand and contract as it heats and cools, without stressing the adhesive. The glass won't crack in the size you are using, but the adhesive will take a lot of stress if it is not flexible.

 

[Daniel Johnson]

Yes, you would need a lot of skill and the right tempering tools. A professional might be able to do it. Do you know anyone that makes art glass??

You are gluing heavy plates together and then heating them asymmetrically with all the parts and hot air inside. The flexibility of silicone will allow the glass to expand and contract as it heats and cools, without stressing the adhesive. The glass won't crack in the size you are using, but the adhesive will take a lot of stress if it is not flexible.

I don't know anyone like that, but I believe silicone would be the better option here anyways.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

If I were doing it myself for an art exhibition system, I would get someone to make the case for me and put in some really exciting lighting. Otherwise, I'd use silicone.

Why did you use glass rather than a synthetic of some sort?

 

[Daniel Johnson]

If I were doing it myself for an art exhibition system, I would get someone to make the case for me and put in some really exciting lighting. Otherwise, I'd use silicone.

Why did you use glass rather than a synthetic of some sort?

I wanted to build this all myself because I like hands-on projects, especially when it comes to electronics, and take pride in my work.
I'm not a materials engineer haha I just know what most people know when it comes to that stuff, metal wood glass plastic etc...
I love the way glass looks for this project.
Is there a synthetic that would look like glass, but perform better?

 

[DonkeyOatie]

Glass certainly looks great and is very durable, but it is a bu**er to work with and it is dense and comparatively fragile. A plastic of some sort is likely to be a lot easier to work with and shape to your needs; albeit it is more prone to scratching. Over 30kg is going to be tough to move and handle when you fill it.

There will be some sort of synthetic, intended for aquariums or store/bank security that may work for you.

 

[Daniel Johnson]

Glass certainly looks great and is very durable, but it is a bu**er to work with and it is dense and comparatively fragile. A plastic of some sort is likely to be a lot easier to work with and shape to your needs; albeit it is more prone to scratching. Over 30kg is going to be tough to move and handle when you fill it.

There will be some sort of synthetic, intended for aquariums or store/bank security that may work for you.

Think I'll take a look into glass substitutes and see if I can dig anything up, thanks again