Job Specification:

Project: Clear Handheld Terminal
Processes Involved: CNC machining, Vapor Polishing   Material: Polycarbonate (PC)
Lead Time: 10 days

How The Individual Components Were Made:

 After reviewing the 3D CAD data, the parts were CNC machined from solid blocks of polycarbonate. Since the covers needed to be completely transparent, they were first hand sanded up to 1000 grit to prepare them for vapor polishing.

Vapor polishing is a technique that uses Weld On 4 gas heated to 43° C in a controlled environment. The gas vapor reacts with the plastic at the molecular level to cause it to partially melt and smooth out to optical clarity. 

This is a dangerous operation requiring skilled workmanship in an atmospherically sealed chamber.