I'm trying to build an airtight sliding door made of acrylic glass for a wooden cabinet I constructed. My plan involves gluing metal U-guide profiles with rubber felt pads on the sides, allowing the glass to slide and be compressed by the rubber pads. Is this a good approach? Will it actually maintain an airtight seal over time, or can I expect some problems?
2 Answers
Honestly, it might be tough to get a perfect airtight seal, even in sliding doors. Consider that even with good seals, there’s always some air infiltration. Plus, sealing a wood cabinet can create humidity problems later on due to the moisture difference inside and outside. If you’re trying to keep dust out for cooling, remember that air will move, so even with seals, maintaining airflow with fans might still let in a bit of dust, especially if you have vents. How crucial is it for you to have that airtight setup?
Creating an airtight seal on a sliding component is pretty tricky. It sounds like you're trying to do this for a specific reason, but remember, sliding doors need a bit of wiggle room to function properly. Over time, wear and tear might make that airtight seal less effective. One idea is to add a locking mechanism that could seal up the door once it's closed. Have you considered whether you really need it to slide? A hinged option might simplify things and still do the job better without the air leak issue. I guess that depends on the cabinet's setup though.