Kydex instead of aluminum?

[Rebel]

Can the kydex be solvent glued together by overlapping? For instance, on the roof and not leak? This would solve the problem of extra length.

Also, could kydex be used with foam between it and the inside paneling (without plywood imediately under it) if .040 was used? That would be more expensive, but would eliminate the cost of the sub plywood. And it would be lighter.

They have a neat woodgrain color (riga birch) that can be seen from this link and clicking the "Granite and Woodgrain" link at the top of the color chart. http://kydex.rappadvertising.com/Products/TexturesAndColors.asp

[IraRat]

I took a pot of water yesterday, boiled it, and placed it on a sample and let it sit for 10 minutes. No damage.

So Rebel, does this mean all your dealer has is the black? What thickness? And if it's one of the thinner grades, should I assume it can be rolled into a tube for cheaper shipping?

I'm gonna try this guy again at Kydex and see what he can do. Maybe he can direct me somewhere.

And Rebel--that's the one really I want--the Riga Birch! I have the sample in front of me, and it looks fantastic.

[Chris C]

Yes, Rebel, it can be lapped and solvent bonded. I might add.......consider carefully the woodgrained materials. The image you see of the woodgrain is a very thin photographic lamination and if ever scratched cannot be repaired as the material underneath is a solid color.

[Chris C]

IraRat, before you decide it will withstand a pan of boiling water, realize the material becomes formable at lower temp than the pan you set on it. Check out this site. http://kydex.rappadvertising.com/Techni ... icleID=524

[Rebel]

This batch was purchased some time ago. However, she is willing to buy a skid if the demand is there. Hope to have more info later.

The cost would be much higher on anything she orders now due to the higher cost of petrolium products.

I agree. The riga birch is very pretty. I wonder if that would be sufficient as the skin over foam? Without underlying plywood? Especially if the size is the .040? If she buys a skid of .040, that would be 22 sheets. If there was demand, I think she would do that.

And yes, up to and including .040, it can be rolled. I note on the kydex site, they have 60" x 120" in addition to the standard 48" x 96".

Here is a link to their FAQ. http://kydex.rappadvertising.com/Technical/FAQ.asp

[IraRat]

But Chris, if it's mounted on the horizontal, on top of a piece of ply, how is it it going to deform? I was more concerned about damaging the "veneer," the surface itself.

Should I be looking at mica instead, or ALSO looking at mica?

And Rebel, do you mean to use as an interior skin? I don't see why not. And for the interior roof, no bending problems THERE. I just don't know how much the interior roof contributes to the TD structurally, and whether the Kydex would meet that requirement.

[Chris C]

IraRat, you could damage the photo lamination if the sub-material starts flowing...............which it can at lengthy expoxures to high heat. Mica? Mica is a lampshade material made of mineral. Do you mean Formica? Personally, I don't think you can beat Formica for an all-round serviceable material for your countertop. It is available in many more colors and styles than Kydex ever thought of offering. It resists moisture, stains, tolerates heat, and is lightweight. Easy to clean and care for. That's where I'm headed with my galley. But its a personal choice everyone has to make. Any time you "sandwich" materials like most people are doing on walls, floors and ceilings, you increase the structural rigidity many times. (I'm no engineer, so I can't give you numbers) You creat a truss, much like a bridge. Thats why hollow core doors are so rigid, and much lighter than their solid counterparts. So you definately want your top skin attached to the stringers and inside skin also attached. Once again, it's a personal choice and some choose not to do it. But it will be stronger if done that way.

[IraRat]

I said "mica" as opposed to using the brand name "Formica." And yeah, that's what I'm talking about. Formica.

But there is nothing structural about using it for the galley. Countertops, cabinet facing, etc.

Point is, the Kydex is more than up to this task. I just don't understand why you posted that it's dangerous to use for countertops because of its vulnerability to heat damage, when that's clearly not the case here.

[Chris C]

IraRat, Formica goes on top of plywood to make a countertop. Kydex is not really suited to use as a countertop material. And why in the heck does everything have to end up in an argument? I'm just trying to help. Don't think I'll respond to you in the future. Not worth it. You don't seem to be intetersted in honest suggestions anyway.

[IraRat]

IraRat, Formica goes on top of plywood to make a countertop. Kydex is not really suited to use as a countertop material. And why in the heck does everything have to end up in an argument? I'm just trying to help. Don't think I'll respond to you in the future. Not worth it. You don't seem to be intetersted in honest suggestions anyway.

Sorry I upset you, Chris. I just thought it was kind of curious that you posted something about heat damage when I didn't see that to be true. Not really an argument, more a matter of me differing with your opinion on something.

I also remember one particular nasty post of yours directed to me in reply to another post--an entire thread which Mike deleted.

Again, you're right. Let's call a truce. We won't respond to each other's posts. This way, I won't be forced to agree with you.

[madjack]

...congratulations Ira, you are definetly learning...arguments, especially those that turn personal do not solve anything and just get your blood pressure up...a lesson that others need to take to heart also...Thank You
madjack

[An Ol Timer]

Formica is a brand name of a laminated plastic material. Laminated plastic is made from layers of paper that are first impregnated with resin and then bonded together under pressure and high temperature, forming a rigid sheet. Down and Gone!!

[Rebel]

I talked with a sales person and they in turn talked to they manufacturer. It seems that 1) kydex 510 is good for exterior applications, but cannot be had in woodgrain., It can be had in beige and other colors. Here is the url http://www.kydex.com/Products/ProductSearch.asp?Submit=Search&hideFilter=true. Scroll down the left side to locate kydex 510. I asked specifically about the availability of 60" by 120" sheets in .040 thickness. They would have to run at least 22 sheets (a skid) at $130 plus freight. Thats kinda high not knowing the final cost including the freight. I also checked for aluminum in Atlanta at SAF and found the cost of four sheets 60 x 120 to be about $90 or so a sheet with free delivery.

Interesting but dealers would have to know they had a market for the skid.

[Rebel]

Wanted to clarify the cost per sheet of Kydex 510 60 x 120 is $130 each sheet - that was not clear in my pervious post above.