Thermoform body panels |
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Ejrice
Double Secret Probation Joined: Feb/11/2015 Location: Nebraska Status: Offline Points: 9 |
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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.
Thanks and happy building!
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Nick914
Organizer Joined: Jun/16/2010 Location: U Laval Status: Offline Points: 256 |
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We have used hdpe, works well
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Nicholas Lefebvre
Universite Laval |
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Andy.R
Welding Master Joined: Dec/02/2014 Location: Ames, IA Status: Offline Points: 150 |
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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
Baja Godfather Joined: Nov/15/2012 Location: Hamilton, ON Status: Offline Points: 1258 |
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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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McMaster Baja Racing (09-Dec 2015)
Team Captain 2012-2015 Suspension Lead 2015-2016 All spoonfeed PM requests will be billed at $10 USD per reply, payable via paypal. |
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ConnorD
Bolt Sorter Joined: May/28/2015 Location: Waterloo, ON Status: Offline Points: 21 |
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We have always found Nylon is the best body panel material. ABS being a bit too prone to cracking.
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