Flat Plate
 

I am making a small scale hovercraft. I need something to use for the "chassis" plate that the skirt, radio, batteries, and one of the motors will be mounted on. It will be about 5" x 16". I need something flat, very strong, impact resistant, thin, light weight, and able to resist twisting or bending with everything attached to it. Any suggestions?

RE: Flat Plate
 

Try end grain balsa with carbon fiber.. It is used for firewalls in planes...

RE: Flat Plate
 

Check out art hobbies./www.arts-hobby.com/store/. or areospace composites./www.acp-composites.com/acp-cat.htm. They both have lots of goodies that would fit the bill.

RE: Flat Plate
 

Thanks

I was thinking of something like an ACP Graphite plate:

http://www.acp-composites.com/acp-gp.htm

but I don't know enough about them to know what to buy and they look a little pricey just to experiment on.

Anyone familier with these?

RE: Flat Plate
 

A flat plate will give you none of the requirements that you listed. The end grain balsa suggestion is by far your best bet.

A 12x12 single layer of cured carbon is 1oz, it would take 13 layers to make a 1/8" panel which is 13oz.
The a-sandwich is 2 layers of carbon, 2oz, plus your core 1~4oz, so your looking at 3~6oz (depends on the core material) with increased stiffness and durablility.

RE: Flat Plate
 

Thanks, that sounds good.

Next question, is this something I need to make myself or can I buy a ready made carbon-end grain balsa sheet?

If I need to make it, how do I go about it? I am a beginnner in all this and don't have a vacuum machine and all the rest of the fun toys I am learning about here.

RE: Flat Plate
 

go to www.acp.composites.com and look under laminated panels, They have what you need[8D]..

scott

RE: Flat Plate
 

I'd be tempted to use PINK FOAM insulation, cheap, very light, and easy to work.

RE: Flat Plate
 

If you use foam then you must fill the cells with a slurry of epoxy and micro, then your weight is back up there. We only use foam when weight is not a issue.

RE: Flat Plate
 

Here's a supplier in the UK of the flat carbon plate you're after. Used a lot for model cars, 2mm thick, 6inches x 13.5 costs £22.00 so about $35.

http://www.fibretechgb.co.uk/DefaultHome.htm

Click on "Rods and Tubes" then scroll down the page to "Carbon Fibre Sheets".