the right sintra

[Demar Falco]

Is this the right sintra to buy?

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=22883&catid=715&clickid=searchresults

also which thickness is optimal. i need to be sure before purchase

[Biohazard]

I wouldn't use that. It's more like "for sale" sign material.


What you want is this:

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=23330&catid=733


This is what I used on my current set.



Sintra = Expanded PVC board

[Ohl'd Vart]

Bio is correct...."Sintra" is just a brand name of one manufacturer of PVC foamboard. Just check your local YP's for "plastic suppliers"...there should be some in your area. Be prepared to spend between 25 and 30 USD for a 48" x 96" sheet of 3 mm.

The most common thickness used is 3mm; some folks, like Bio I believe, also incorporate the 6mm thickness into their kit...it's a matter of personal taste.  

Rob

[Biohazard]

Well, it depends. If you want heavier weight armor, I'd get 6mm. IT'll need more rounding off on the edges, but will look much thicker and be much more solid. Many people get 3mm because it's cheaper and does a decent job too. I personally think 3mm bend/forms too easily, and it often has waves in it because people heat it up unevenly and it ends up wrinkling like wet paper.



0.12" = 3mm
0.240" = 6mm






Also, US Plastics is a good company to order from. I'd suggest getting two smaller sheets. The shipping on the larger sheets is outrageous.

Instead of a 48"x96", get four 24"x48". You don't save much more than a few pennies by buying the larger sheets. It's also easier to work with.

[Kora]

I think sometimes the "waves" you see in 3mm are, not only the occasional over heating so it's too warped, but also because sintra doesn't take compound curves, and if you try to force it into them that creates the waves. If you get the 6mm, definitely round off the edges though, else it just looks like you're wearing chunky/thick plastic. lol

[Biohazard]

...

 If you get the 6mm, definitely round off the edges though, else it just looks like you're wearing chunky/thick plastic. lol

Or metal, depending on how you weather it. lol.




My advice: Go with 6mm.

When forming it, don't just evenly heat it and lay it on your chest to shape. That will make for some very bad looking armor.

What you should do:


Use a directed heat source, like a heat gun, to heat it along a line. Make a bend on that line. I only put one bend in my chest plates. If they are accurately sized to you, you shouldn't have to make more than one bend, to be honest. That bend goes along at about a 20 degree angle to seperate the "Wing" from the plate.


Example:

(this is 6mm with 3mm on top for the raised portions) (( It's not as thick as some people like to claim it is, and it's not hard to work with))




And also as a side note: I wouldn't make that bend across a hard surface, like a table edge. I'd just wear gloves and gentle bend it to the correct position naturally, so that it becomes an even, smooth transition, rather than a hard line. It looks more natural.

[Ohl'd Vart]

^^^^^^^^^That's the Bio armor I was referring to^^^^^^^^^
Rob

[Gett Bora]

Sintra has a relatively low softening point, around 150 degrees Fahrenheit. For small pieces you can actually put them in boiling water for 10-15 seconds to get them into a rather pliable state. Just have to watch out not to crush the piece when pulling it from the water with tongs. Then after getting it into the shape you want either run it under cold water or dip in a bucket of the stuff.

I actually have a 12 quart soup pot that I have "freed" from kitchen duties to serve for larger pieces. This method also works for lexan "visor" material upto 1/8 inch thick. Learned the expensive way that Heat guns can cause thermoplastics such as Sintra and Lexan to bubble and warp. Boiling supplies an even heat source throughout the piece, I just usually leave a tab on those pieces to grab onto with pliers or tongs that can be snipped or cut of after forming the piece.

[Kelan Ord]

Good advice! I like that tab idea...!

[Atina Kiele]

could you buy sintra at home depot? Since my dad is gonna be helping me with this, im trying to ake it convenient

[Kora]

I think you're going to have to get it online or find a local sign shop. I haven't found it yet it at places like Home Depot or Lowes. Sadly. Life would be much simpler if I could. lol

[Ohl'd Vart]

Try a local plastic supplier, in your city's industrial area ("plastic suppliers" in the phone book)...they will most likely have it in bulk, cheaper, and in more colors and thicknesses. 

I use Farco in my area: http://www.farcoplastics.com/

Rob

[Atina Kiele]

hah thanks! and YES... if it were in Home Depot.. MUCH easier.. Thanks for answer my questions

[Lucas McCoy]

ya 3mm is great for the more complex curve pieces like gaunts, 6mm is awesome for more gentle pieces like chest armor. Using both like bio adds depth and a great look to armor.

[Atina Kiele]

cool! I'll keep THAT in mind!