Foam sheeting vs, Ribbed
06-22-2002, 08:57 PM
#2
My Feedback: (4)
Foam sheeting vs, Ribbed
Depends on the technique and materials used. Could be either one. My buddy who builds some big ones for me once in a while is building me an Edge right now with a new wing technique. Uses a wing jig to hold blocks of foam - puts templates on each end and cuts them like you would a foam blank, except these are now foam ribs - puts spars - wing tube - carbon fiber - all as needed and sheets the thing. Strong as any other technique and don't weigh nothing.
Dan
Dan
06-23-2002, 03:03 PM
#3
Senior Member
Foam sheeting vs, Ribbed
The only foam wings I have built are on gliders. They are exceptionally strong, straight, and light. Also, most all of the F3A and advanced IMAC pilots are using foam wings. You really have a lot of freedom in the construction details. Here is a short list of options from my limited experience:
1) Foam density, 1lb, 2lb, 3lb/cubic foot. (white, pink, blue)
2) Sheeting, balsa, obeechi, glass, carbon, or any combination.
3) Spar, wood, wood wrapped with carbon filament, no spar at all.
5) Adhesive. I always used epoxy to avoid warping but others have used plain wood glue, spray adhesive, polyurethane, double sided tape.
6) finishing, plastic covering, paint, none/natural.
Even though most of my planes have rib wings (kits and ARF) I firmly believe that a superior wing can be made using a foam core or molding process.
1) Foam density, 1lb, 2lb, 3lb/cubic foot. (white, pink, blue)
2) Sheeting, balsa, obeechi, glass, carbon, or any combination.
3) Spar, wood, wood wrapped with carbon filament, no spar at all.
5) Adhesive. I always used epoxy to avoid warping but others have used plain wood glue, spray adhesive, polyurethane, double sided tape.
6) finishing, plastic covering, paint, none/natural.
Even though most of my planes have rib wings (kits and ARF) I firmly believe that a superior wing can be made using a foam core or molding process.
