Aluminum Flex Plates?
07-22-2013, 11:53 AM
#1
Aluminum Flex Plates?
I've read soem time ago people replacing flex plates with aluminum and sometimes titanium. I fly from grass so my flex plates crack if the grass is too long.
I am wondering if using aluminum would defeat the purpose of flex plates?
The flex plates I have are 2.5mm (.098 in) thick. I picked up some 1.7mm (.068 in) aluminum since I figured I want it to have some flex. I had to chose that or the standard 1/16 or 1/8 in. I think 1/16 too thin and 1/8 too thick. I could machine down the 1/8 to 1/10 but I still think it may be too thick, perhaps I am wrong.
Share your experiences if you have tried this. Or your thoughts.
I have looked at CF sheets, so far cost is far more than aluminum.
I am wondering if using aluminum would defeat the purpose of flex plates?
The flex plates I have are 2.5mm (.098 in) thick. I picked up some 1.7mm (.068 in) aluminum since I figured I want it to have some flex. I had to chose that or the standard 1/16 or 1/8 in. I think 1/16 too thin and 1/8 too thick. I could machine down the 1/8 to 1/10 but I still think it may be too thick, perhaps I am wrong.
Share your experiences if you have tried this. Or your thoughts.
I have looked at CF sheets, so far cost is far more than aluminum.
07-22-2013, 12:25 PM
#2
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RE: Aluminum Flex Plates?
ORIGINAL: essyou35
I've read soem time ago people replacing flex plates with aluminum and sometimes titanium. I fly from grass so my flex plates crack if the grass is too long.
I am wondering if using aluminum would defeat the purpose of flex plates?
The flex plates I have are 2.5mm (.098 in) thick. I picked up some 1.7mm (.068 in) aluminum since I figured I want it to have some flex. I had to chose that or the standard 1/16 or 1/8 in. I think 1/16 too thin and 1/8 too thick. I could machine down the 1/8 to 1/10 but I still think it may be too thick, perhaps I am wrong.
Share your experiences if you have tried this. Or your thoughts.
I have looked at CF sheets, so far cost is far more than aluminum.
I've read soem time ago people replacing flex plates with aluminum and sometimes titanium. I fly from grass so my flex plates crack if the grass is too long.
I am wondering if using aluminum would defeat the purpose of flex plates?
The flex plates I have are 2.5mm (.098 in) thick. I picked up some 1.7mm (.068 in) aluminum since I figured I want it to have some flex. I had to chose that or the standard 1/16 or 1/8 in. I think 1/16 too thin and 1/8 too thick. I could machine down the 1/8 to 1/10 but I still think it may be too thick, perhaps I am wrong.
Share your experiences if you have tried this. Or your thoughts.
I have looked at CF sheets, so far cost is far more than aluminum.
07-22-2013, 12:26 PM
#3
RE: Aluminum Flex Plates?
Hi,
I fly off grass exclusively. I have used aluminum flexplates on a Kingcat with good success. The obvious downside is that in a major trauma,the airframe structure will be more damaged. I have also doubled up carbon flexplates on that same jet with good success. Good luck,
Erik
I fly off grass exclusively. I have used aluminum flexplates on a Kingcat with good success. The obvious downside is that in a major trauma,the airframe structure will be more damaged. I have also doubled up carbon flexplates on that same jet with good success. Good luck,
Erik
07-22-2013, 12:28 PM
#4
RE: Aluminum Flex Plates?
it depends on the grade of aluminum. I have used aluminum on a king cat, and after a while it would bend and retain its bent shape. I had most success just doubling on the carbon ones. A single carbon plate rips out easily on grass , even on not the worst of landings ..
Voy
Voy
07-23-2013, 04:28 AM
#6
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RE: Aluminum Flex Plates?
There is a team of guys that work at techshop. They can make whatever you want that might help.
techshopguys.com I have used them in the past. The first part is usually more than the rest of the parts.
07-23-2013, 05:28 AM
#7
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RE: Aluminum Flex Plates?
On my bobcat I laminated one of the stock flexplates with carbon cloth.
The other one, i laminated with poly ply, and then sandwiched the gear between two flexplates, one below and one on top.
Havent broken a plate yet, or damaged the airframe.
On my electra, i used the BVM supplied carbon reinforcement and trailing link legs- Has been fine since.
The other one, i laminated with poly ply, and then sandwiched the gear between two flexplates, one below and one on top.
Havent broken a plate yet, or damaged the airframe.
On my electra, i used the BVM supplied carbon reinforcement and trailing link legs- Has been fine since.
