Diolen questions

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Diolen questions

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G200	G200 posted 11 Years Ago HOT Topic Details
Group: Awaiting Activation Posts: 9, Visits: 192	Hi guys, new to this forum foun it from looking for sources of materials and seems like a very helpful forum! A couple of questions from me, I work with composites but new to diolen and just wondering: 1. Can I use diolen (got a roll spare) for car parts eg a bonnet, front wings and front bumper, using it as the sole material as in the tutorial video for making a carbon bonnet? With a 3/5mm Soric core? I have seen diolen isn't as strong as carbon so would I need more layers/a glass layer/ or is it strong enough with the core and making both parts? 2. Is diolen ok for skinning parts as the parts won't need to be stronger so is it ok to use and easy to get a good finish on? Used to working with rc200 and doing clear coats on top but never done final coat Hope to hear soon thanks!
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Warren (Staff)	Warren (Staff) posted 11 Years Ago HOT Post Details
Group: Administrators Posts: 2.5K, Visits: 7.9K	Diolen can be used for both of those perfectly fine. For panels you will end up with very nice abrasion and impact resistant panels. In terms of skinning, it won't look like carbon unless you are using a specialist black diolen like our Black Diolen 200gsm 2/2 Twill Warren Penalver Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Support Assistant
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G200	G200 posted 11 Years Ago HOT Post Details
Group: Awaiting Activation Posts: 9, Visits: 192	Thanks a lot Warren! So will 1 layer each side of the Soric be strong enough for the bonnet as it is with carbon? Another question is for car parts (as above) do they have to be vacuum bagged? Or is that just to get the strongest and lightest option? I have made small objects without bagging before just by consolidating and getting rid of air bubble etc. just want to know your thoughts on a big piece without bagging? Edited 11 Years Ago by G200
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Warren (Staff)	Warren (Staff) posted 11 Years Ago HOT Post Details
Group: Administrators Posts: 2.5K, Visits: 7.9K	For a race car you might get away with a layer either side of soric. For a road car you might want it a bit thicker, or make a carbon copy of the frame too to support the skin. You can make big parts wetlay, however resin infusion will produce parts a bit lighter and stronger. Plus its easier to get consistancy on cosmetic finish. Warren Penalver Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Support Assistant
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G200	G200 posted 11 Years Ago HOT Post Details
Group: Awaiting Activation Posts: 9, Visits: 192	Ok thanks warren well it's mainly a road car with some track time, how about 1 layer either side of the Soric for outer skin then 2/3 layers of just diolen for inner skin/frame? Unsure how strong diolen is, (yes was going to use black twill diolen) What would you reccommend for each part? Also is polyester resin ok? What do I use for clear coating after to get the finish? Edited 11 Years Ago by G200
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Warren (Staff)	Warren (Staff) posted 11 Years Ago HOT Post Details
Group: Administrators Posts: 2.5K, Visits: 7.9K	That layup sounds fine. Polyester resins are generally cheaper but structurally inferior to epoxies so I guess it depends on your priorities. And epoxy bonnet would be slightly stiffer and stronger. On the plus side, you can buy polyesters that are UV stable. or you can just clear coat the parts afterwards with an automotive lacquer. Warren Penalver Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Support Assistant
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G200	G200 posted 11 Years Ago HOT Post Details
Group: Awaiting Activation Posts: 9, Visits: 192	Ok thanks, will coremat be easier to use or closed cell PVC foam? Is the foam form able enough for a bonnet shape?
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Warren (Staff)	Warren (Staff) posted 11 Years Ago HOT Post Details
Group: Administrators Posts: 2.5K, Visits: 7.9K	coremat will drape into the mould easier. But for most slightly curved bonnets, PVC foam will bend to the shape and hold the curve easily enough with a bit of heat applied from a heat gun. Coremat soaks up a lot of resin so would make a bonnet a lot heavier compared to a foam cored equivilent. Warren Penalver Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Support Assistant
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