Hello Everyone,
So I have been bitten by this bug to build some armor. So, I started doing some looking around online, and began creating an idea in my head about how I might go about the Helmet (I always like to start with the hardest part first...). I am a CAD guy and so I went to my strength and started to design a dome for the helmet. I modeled up a dome, and created a framework, that I think could be used as a type of mold. Not going as far as vacuum forming, but I was thinking I could use a heat gun and hand mold the plastic around it. I'll try to attach a picture of my mold idea.
Basically, I was going to use some 1/8" plywood to make a grid pattern (Like dividers in a box) that was cut to match the inside of the dome. I have it all modeled, and I don't think it will be too tough to put together. I guess what I really wanted to know, is what type of material should I use. I obviously want to use plastic, but I don't know for sure what type of plastic to use. Has anyone done anything like this? What was your experience and what type of material did you use? I have looked at Sintra, but I'm not sure if that would be the best material to use. Something that when heated becomes pliable and would form well over a form like this, but something that will also be durable and hold it's shape well.
Hopefully I have posted this in the correct forum, if I have not, please let me know where it should have gone, and I will pull it down and put it where it belongs.
Thanks in advance, and I look forward to hearing about your experiences,
Taltuu
So I have been bitten by this bug to build some armor. So, I started doing some looking around online, and began creating an idea in my head about how I might go about the Helmet (I always like to start with the hardest part first...). I am a CAD guy and so I went to my strength and started to design a dome for the helmet. I modeled up a dome, and created a framework, that I think could be used as a type of mold. Not going as far as vacuum forming, but I was thinking I could use a heat gun and hand mold the plastic around it. I'll try to attach a picture of my mold idea.
Basically, I was going to use some 1/8" plywood to make a grid pattern (Like dividers in a box) that was cut to match the inside of the dome. I have it all modeled, and I don't think it will be too tough to put together. I guess what I really wanted to know, is what type of material should I use. I obviously want to use plastic, but I don't know for sure what type of plastic to use. Has anyone done anything like this? What was your experience and what type of material did you use? I have looked at Sintra, but I'm not sure if that would be the best material to use. Something that when heated becomes pliable and would form well over a form like this, but something that will also be durable and hold it's shape well.
Hopefully I have posted this in the correct forum, if I have not, please let me know where it should have gone, and I will pull it down and put it where it belongs.
Thanks in advance, and I look forward to hearing about your experiences,
Taltuu