Quote:
Originally Posted by adciv
I think we'd be interested, but do not know the techniques for making it. Can someone post information on making it? I remember running into Carborundum a few years ago and was impressed with their material.
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We have set up a vacuum press. Here's what we do:
- 3/4" thick plywood w/ melamine (resin doesn't stick to melamine surfaces)
- whatever the object is being formed around. This could be flat (thus the melamine), or some other shape. make sure it is covered in material that the resin doesn't stick to, or is intended to be part of the structure.
- epoxy resin
- carbon fabric
- more resin
- mylar sheet, for the smooth shiny finish that we are used to seeing on carbon
- nylon "fluff" to absorb extra resin
- "bag" material. this is very tough and stretchy plastic that is taped down to the melamine.
Talk to a supply shop, they can hook you up with the right materials. Oh, and you need a pump and a suction cup, too. These are not cheap. In fact, all of that will set you back a fair penny. Make sure you intend to use it for the long term before investing in all the setup, and make sure what you are using it for actually benefits your robot. We are using it as a wrap around a 1/8" thick Baltic Birch belly pan sheet. It makes it light, strong, and stiff.