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Anyone work with Aerogel?

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  • Member since
    November 2015
Anyone work with Aerogel?
Posted by STOVK on Sunday, December 29, 2019 1:17 PM

I was wondering if anyone has worked with Aerogel? Can you cut/sculpt it?

 

I was thinking of a material to use as the Hologram projection for R2-D2. The projection is very similar to Aerogel.

 

  • Member since
    May 2011
  • From: Honolulu, Hawaii
Posted by Real G on Sunday, December 29, 2019 1:37 PM

Intriguing.  How do you handle and process it to make a figure?  The material in its natural form adsorbs water, which will compromise its structure.  What is the method to protect it after forming?  Inquiring minds want to know!

Maybe a low(er) tech solution would be to SLA print the figure in translucent plastic?

“Ya ya ya, unicorn papoi!”

  • Member since
    November 2015
Posted by STOVK on Sunday, December 29, 2019 2:13 PM

Real G

Intriguing.  How do you handle and process it to make a figure?  The material in its natural form adsorbs water, which will compromise its structure.  What is the method to protect it after forming?  Inquiring minds want to know!

Maybe a low(er) tech solution would be to SLA print the figure in translucent plastic?

 

I was thinking of using a standard clear plastic figure and then cut/sculpt the Aerogel into a cone shape to recreate the Hologram light beam. Still kicking things around in my head.

  • Member since
    May 2011
  • From: Honolulu, Hawaii
Posted by Real G on Sunday, December 29, 2019 2:33 PM

Ah Ok, makes total sense now.

But just FYI, the Aerogel block needs to be moisture protected throughout, or it will be affected by humidity after it is carved.

You have an interesting project with a radically original concept - I love it!

“Ya ya ya, unicorn papoi!”

  • Member since
    November 2015
Posted by STOVK on Sunday, December 29, 2019 3:30 PM

Real G

Ah Ok, makes total sense now.

But just FYI, the Aerogel block needs to be moisture protected throughout, or it will be affected by humidity after it is carved.

You have an interesting project with a radically original concept - I love it!

 

 

Thanks. I'm in the early concept phase right now.

I wonder if a matte or gloss clearcoat would help to protect it?

 

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