Alternatives to Fiberglass?

[Albinopopscl]

Hey everyone, I've been browsing the site for a while now, I've got a Helmet, Chest, and both feet made from cardstock. But I would like to know, is there anything else to make the paper stronger besides fiberglass? I've heard of pulping methods, but those sound very messy, and unpredictible, and I'd like to try and keep the detail of the pepakura design...

 

[daystar558]

someone was talking about mixing aluminum powder into resin to make it like metal, i would imagine it would be stronger. I dont know if anyone has used this method yet or not, but its sounds feasible.

 

[Spartan 013]

i was thinking.. couldn't you do paper machete?

 

[Gokussj5okazu]

Paper mache has a habit of being clumpy and weak. The reason fiberglass is so good is because it is actually plastic. Companies who use fiberglass structurally often include other agents such as metal powder for extra strength.

 

[Durlaburban]

the best alternative to fiberglass, beside bondo, is expanding foam! yes i know what your thinking. but what you do is spray it really thin. then add more and more layers as it dries to desired thickness. do this on the inside of the armor and itll work awsome. trust me. but key is to Never spray it too thick or itll desroy your pep helm.

 

[AoBfrost]

if you want something nice, use fiberglass, it;s the easiest to work with, just sue elmers glue, glue it in, and then resin over it, very easy and cheap, if you try doing something cheaper, you'll screw your project over and regret it.

 

[Master Chief 13]

i recently finished an entire armor set using foam . it's easy you dont need layers. there are some pieces that need paper mache on the outside but just sand it. I will posts pics when its completely done. it needs a few adjustments and some paint

 

[Spartan 013]

Paper mache has a habit of being clumpy and weak. The reason fiberglass is so good is because it is actually plastic. Companies who use fiberglass structurally often include other agents such as metal powder for extra strength.

ok well ive done paper machete before on other things and its not clumpy if u do it right.

 

[Killer Koala]

word on the street is:

you can't sit on paper mache.......or can you??

 

[jecaro]

Hey everyone, I've been browsing the site for a while now, I've got a Helmet, Chest, and both feet made from cardstock. But I would like to know, is there anything else to make the paper stronger besides fiberglass? I've heard of pulping methods, but those sound very messy, and unpredictible, and I'd like to try and keep the detail of the pepakura design...

I wish people would use Search before posting new threads. There was already another thread with almost the same exact title (Fiberglass Alternatives).

Someone suggested using cotton muslin fabric and diluted white glue as a non-toxic alternative http://405th.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=4263

I'm going to use a carbon fiber-Kevlar composite.