Questions about styrene

[wolfshui]

Alright. so i am thinking about making some Iron man/War machine armor from styrene. I know that there are a few different methods, one being vacuum forming, another being layering, and a few others.

I was wondering if it is possible to follow a pep file with styrene? Not make a paper pep, just make it in styrene?
Also, does anyone have any suggestions of which method is better?
Is it more hassle than its worth?

 

[SUPERprops]

I'f your going to do pep files your better off to make them in paper and then fiberglass them.
As for the vacuum forming you should probably buy some ABS plastic sheets.

 

[wolfshui]

whats the difference between styrene and abs?

 

[SUPERprops]

ABS is stronger and doesn't yellow. Styrene warps and yellows.

 

[cal196]

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=23013&catid=715&clickid=searchresults

 

[TD7614]

HIPS ( Hi impact polistyren) is good to thermoforming. Precisely the forms and it is whiter and less expensive then ABS.

 

[cal196]

Ya Hips is good too I've used it before and currently using it to make a Sigmar costume from Warhammer using .080 thickness

I think stormtrooper armor is .090 but I am fiberglassing the bigger pieces. I don't think the smaller pieces require reinforcing.

I got it from usplastics too http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=22883&catid=715&clickid=searchresults