Material Selection: Clear polymer for site glass
Material Selection: Clear polymer for site glass
(OP)
I have an application where we have seen failures on a site glass due to external material (dirt/rocks) impacts. The site glass is ~1" in diameter and made of Borosilicate. Apparently this is essentially "Pyrex". I would like to move towards another material that is more impact resistent, transparent, and able to function with oil splash of up to 120 deg C. I would think something like a Polycarbonate might be an option. Given the dirt environment, would that material lose transparency due to scratches/fading? The purpose of this part is to give the operator a go/no go check of oil in the machine during a walk around. If its not already clear, non-metallics have not been my specialty. Any hints on available materials (and other design considerations) would be great. Thanks.





RE: Material Selection: Clear polymer for site glass
Why not put a clear acrylic or polycarbonate cover around/over the sight glass to keep the rocks/sand from impinging on it directly? Or put a mudflap or similar to block whatever path the dirt/rocks are taking to strike the sightglass.
RE: Material Selection: Clear polymer for site glass
I like your idea of "dual pane" type gage with a clear acrylic being expose to the debris, and the Borosilicate on the oil side.