Shop teacher could use a little help

[saryon7]

Hi there everyone. I am going to be starting a lesson where students will be designing a new snowboarding helmet. One of the possible materials to consider is glass reinforced plastic. What type of CHEAP commonly available product uses GRP? I want the students to be able to handle the GRP and get a feel for the texture, physical characteristics, and looks. I would prefer the GRP to be flat, but will take what I can get. What can I buy?

I would also like to show low density foam. Would people consider the insulation that wraps around plumbing pipes to be low density? If not, what would you recommend?

thanks a bunch guys.

 

[crerus75]

Off the top of my head, some of the plastic intake manifolds used in automobiles are glass-filled nylon. On some you can see the reinforcing fibers very clearly. A junkyard or Craigslist intake manifold would probably be cheap and could be sliced into sections on a bandsaw to show inner contours, section thickness, gussets, molding/parting lines, etc.

 

[rlitman]

Helmets use closed cell foam. Bicycle helmets often use EPS (expanded polystyrene). The same stuff that white foam cups are made from, though a higher density. The issue with EPS is that once compressed, it does not return to its original shape, so it is suitable for only a single impact.

EVA foam (also closed cell) does return to its original shape, and so is often used in skater and sports helmets. It is also found in those interlocking foam floor coverings (look like big colorful puzzle pieces).

DIY fiberglass is so easy, why not make a project of it?

 

[dawgee]

glass reinforced plastic is not cheap i had to buy a piece of 1/2 x6"x6" and it cost 40 bucks

 

[Bondo]

glass reinforced plastic is not cheap i had to buy a piece of 1/2 x6"x6" and it cost 40 bucks

Ayuh,.... There's Lotsa different "glass reinforced plastic",.....

Probably the simplest most common is the fiberglass boat, or shower surround,....

I'm guessin' what you bought was an extruded or die-cast,..??

 

[saryon7]

Well, I never was able to find any great examples of the fiber reinforced plastic. If I had more time, I would probably try the intake manifold idea.

But I wanted to say thanks to those who helped. I was able to find it all except for the fiber reinforced plastic.

thanks

 

[rancherbill]

I don't know what it is called, but the gun guys buy sheets of ?, heat it and press it on to their guns and make holsters. A gun guy can tell you the name of the product. It's very workable and tough when finished.

 

[ravedave]

Kydex for the holsters.

 

[GN4WHLN]

You might be able to get a plastics supplier to send you some samples. I had a truck bed tool box that was made of glass reinforced ABS. I currently have some treadplate material made of the same. Try a Google search and you may come across a manufacturer that will send samples or help you out a little. Never hurts to ask and I have found there are people out there who want to help out but don't know how or who.

What school is lucky enough to still have shop classes?

 

[rlitman]

I don't know what it is called, but the gun guys buy sheets of ?, heat it and press it on to their guns and make holsters. A gun guy can tell you the name of the product. It's very workable and tough when finished.

That is kydex, but it is not glass reinforced.

 

[woodzy]

I happen to mold a helmet out of two different materials ABS and a Polypro. I might be able to supply a few samples if you have some account to ship them to.

Let me know..

Pic removed by woodzy

 

[kaymccampbell]

Go to NAPA and buy a bucket of Tiger Hair?
Mix with hardener. Put in a mold. It's good for making cheap one-off grp parts.
That do ya?

 

[sb7979]

A little late I guess, but is this what you were looking for? Best example is probably on the wall of the restroom at your local gas station.

http://www.menards.com/main/paint/paneling-planking/paneling/fiberglass/fiberglass-reinforced-plastic-textured-wall-paneling-khaki/p-1966053-c-8168.htm