Expanded Polypropylene
 

I just heard about this unbreakable material called Expanded Polypropylene, even though you have probably been aware of it for a long time. However, what I was wondering was were this stuff can be purchased. Is it available in hobby stores or do I have to order it from the company which makes it?

RE: Expanded Polypropylene
 

This is the material that the Zagi type of flying wings are generally made of. It looks more or less like eps (expanded polystyrene) - white foam. However, this foam, when compressed, bounces back with some resilience. I could not find any locally (St. Louis), but you can order it on-line. I do not have any web sites right now, but you can probably find them with google, etc.

I cut my flying wing from this stuff using the same homemade foam cutter As eps. Takes a little more heat but otherwise cuts fine.

RE: Expanded Polypropylene
 

Hey thanks. Is this stuff expensive? It seems like it would be because it is too good to be true. A material that doesn't break. Who don't they make every trainer out of this stuff. Is it very light, or is it the same as other foam? I tell you what though. I am going to have to get some of this stuff. No more smashed planes for me thank you. :D:D:D

RE: Expanded Polypropylene
 

I think it weighs about 1.3 poinds per cubic foot. this is slightly heavier than the lightest beaded eps foam. It is still breakable, however, but much less so than other foams or balsa wood. I have never seen a "normal" looking airplane made from this. (by "normal" I mean with a conventional fuselage and wing). Many flying wings are made from this material, as it works very well in this application. If a flying wing hits hard enough, even this material will break. Also, it must be heavier than balsa wood construction, although I have never made a flying wing in the conventional (balsa) way.

RE: Expanded Polypropylene
 

Yo Dave!

Been flying?

Dion

RE: Expanded Polypropylene
 

Try this,

and yes it is expensive

www.rpvi.com/EPP.html

William[8D]

RE: Expanded Polypropylene
 

Dang, I had no idea it was that expensive. I think I might hold off on thinking about purchasing that material for a while.

RE: Expanded Polypropylene
 

hatty,

I think this stuff is worth it's weight in gold (and probably same $/oz)

go to www.tufflight.com and watch the videos of how much abuse this stuff can take. You'll probably get some.

William

RE: Expanded Polypropylene
 

To StlPilot: Yes, Dion, I flew today and last Thursday, too About 33 degrees today but little wind at Buder. Thursday was colder and really too windy to fly (but we flew the zagi-type wings anyway). Today, I had a successful maiden flight of the "Mirage" -- the little foam pusher electric that a lot of folks are flying. Tom Kihlken was there, Steve Mizerani, Greg ?, and a couple others. With the front coming in tonight we may be down for a while. Take care...