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Thermoform body panels

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Ejrice View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ejrice Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Thermoform body panels
    Posted: Jan/12/2017 at 9:00pm
Our team has experimented with thermoforming small parts on some previous cars, such as headlight lenses (acrylic) and are considering trying it out for body panels.  From some quick research it looks like ABS, styrene, and PETG are the most commonly used.  I am wondering what others have used in before we order the wrong stuff.  

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Nick914 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Nick914 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan/13/2017 at 7:48am
We have used hdpe, works well
Nicholas Lefebvre

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Andy.R View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Andy.R Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan/16/2017 at 3:17pm
I would be cautious when using a torch or something to form the plastic. 2 years ago, we formed a foam type plastic and it got extremely brittle. Ended up taking us out of the endurance race for a few minutes when a rock smashed though it. We ended up  replacing it with thin gauge aluminum sheet. 
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RLM View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RLM Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan/17/2017 at 8:44am
We've had some good luck the past couple years using polycarbonate. seems to take heat bending pretty well. haven't tried thremoforming any complex shapes though

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ConnorD View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ConnorD Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb/09/2017 at 10:40pm
We have always found Nylon is the best body panel material. ABS being a bit too prone to cracking.
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