sagging peixiglass or lexan

[James Baker SD]

I've seen links to calculators to tell you how much wood will sag based on its length and thickness. Does such a thing exist for plastic panels? I need to make plastic diffuser panels for a kitchen fluorescent light well. I would probably use lexan or plexiglass. Panels will be 48"x 30" and supported on all 4 sides. Mounted horizontally. How thick do they need to be to not sag in the middle under their own weight? I've seen very thin panels at the BORG and they become noticeably convex at my size when only supported at the edges. Thanks.

[ray hampton]

I would try to hold a pane the size that you need [ get a friend to help]and see if it sag

[Dan Hintz]

1/4" will have a slight sag, but likely not noticeable... your best bet is to just pick up a piece, as Ray suggests.

[Myk Rian]

What do aquarium builders use? 1/2"?

[Charles Wiggins]

Maybe you should talk with an expert: http://www.fluorolite.com/home