Alternate hull materials

Discussion in 'Construction' started by Kun2112, Sep 12, 2013.

  1. Kun2112

    Kun2112 Active Member

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    i was having a theoretical discussion with the owner of my LHS, a retired engineer, and I mentioned one of my long-term projects, the CLASSIFIED, and the weight and size challenges of building that small. He suggested building a plug and vacuforming. Since I come from a scale model back ground, I was kind of suprised that I didn't think of this myself. Has anyone tried or tested the impact survivability of lexan or ABS?
     
    Kun2112, Sep 12, 2013
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  2. Tugboat

    Tugboat Facilitator RCWC Staff Admiral (Supporter)

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    We've used 1/8" ABS for superstructure for a while now and it holds up well.
     
    Tugboat, Sep 12, 2013
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  3. GregMcFadden

    GregMcFadden Facilitator RCWC Staff

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    abs is quite impact resistant. it welds easily with acetone, although the bonds are not anywhere near as strong as the parent material
     
    GregMcFadden, Sep 12, 2013
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  4. tgdavies

    tgdavies Active Member

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    Some people say Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) is better for welding ABS -- any opinion?
     
    tgdavies, Sep 12, 2013
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  5. Tugboat

    Tugboat Facilitator RCWC Staff Admiral (Supporter)

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    I like acetone, it's the standard in the reprap community.
     
    Tugboat, Sep 12, 2013
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  6. Tugboat

    Tugboat Facilitator RCWC Staff Admiral (Supporter)

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    I like acetone, it's the standard in the reprap community.
     
    Tugboat, Sep 12, 2013
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  7. Anachronus

    Anachronus Well-Known Member

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    reprap?
     
    Anachronus, Sep 12, 2013
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  8. Tugboat

    Tugboat Facilitator RCWC Staff Admiral (Supporter)

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    The type of 3D printer I have. RepRap is Self-Replicating Rapid-prototyping machine. There are several types, but the basic technology varies very little.

    Acetone is the main chemical we use to weld ABS. And it's welding, not gluing. So I'd have to wonder what makes MEK 'better' for welding ABS; I hadn't even heard of it being used for ABS welding until this thread.
     
    Tugboat, Sep 12, 2013
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