Another question regarding foam

[B J StalParticipant @bjstal88383]

Trying to figure out foam.

Building an RC air-boat. Very simple rigid piece of foam for the main hull and structure. — Plan on giving it some extra protection by either covering it with some type of skin, or possibly just coating it with either paint on or spray can. – What is the best rigid foam to use, regarding price, strength, fabrication, availability, glue-ability, etc. etc.? There are pink, green, blue, and maybe more. – Are the Styrofoam insulations available at, like Home Depot or other building supplies, about as good as anything?

Thanks again

[B J StalParticipant @bjstal88383]

Best for job?

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

BJ. Blue Styrofoam is probably the best. Check out the density per Kg figure, this gives you a measure of how "solid" the foam is. Anything to light will likely not have the strength and snap…covering with glass will obviously strengthen it but at more cost as the layer will need to be thicker to compensate.

​It cuts nicely with no mess and you can get a nice smooth surface on it. For your air-boat, a covering of fine glass cloth and Z-Poxy, or another epoxy-resin will make it as tough as anything. An Acrylic varnish and tissue covering will also provide a fairly tough surface, obviously not as good as resin, but cheap and easy….Eze-Kote is a special acrylic resin. I mentioned J-Cloths….vey tough but not such a smooth finish without work however probably good enough for your intended use.

Builders merchants insulation foam is not as stiff, and usually very crumby when cut, as it is simply made for installing in slabs.

​Gluing…. Foaming Gorilla glue is economical and 100% waterproof, or an epoxy glue. There are foam friendly glues available but they are very expensive.

​Snaps…."Foam Flyer" Ecranoplan  (on the right, ply/balsa one on left), Blue Styrofoam. Just painted with Eze-Kote and then enamel paint. As also supplied to someone in kit form to make their own..

​Ashley

Edited By ashley needham on 17/03/2018 08:23:56

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