I know it is really close to the season to start an outside project, but opportunity causes the inspiration not boredom. I am building a robotic arm for a guy that will allow him to autonomously take panorama photographs perfectly everytime. The device needs to obviously then be able to hold its own under normal circumstances and not flex more then a millimeter. Also we would like the device to be backpackable so that it can be used in remote locations for great shots. (sub 30 lbs) Also it needs to be corrosion proof, so It can be left in position for days maybe months at a time. (taking pictures of Eagle babies). Also small so that again it can be fit in a backpack. Also semi cheap, but that's not that important, because it is a high-quality device. Also durable so that it can be dropped while traveling yet continue to work for a long time.
So far I think Carbon-fiber is the best choice. I have no experience of carbon fiber other then a few hours of research I have done online. If I understand the process right I believe my best choice for production would be to craft the piece, in this case an arm tube, in a light yet stiff foam then wrapping it in 5 layers of carbon fiber then a process called "Vaccum infusing" applying the resin. I think I would then leave the foam in for solidity and to save time on the struggle of removing.
Please tell me if there is a better material to use, or a better way to manufacture carbon-fiber. Thanks in advance CD.
-Woody
PS the website of the guy who Im building this for is
http://russellschutte.com/