Anyone ever try using epoxy resin for cabinet material?

[ezkcdude]

So, I got this idea today when they were installing new countertops in my lab. Most of you have probably seen this two-component epoxy resin material. It's very dense, although it scratches quite easily. Wouldn't it be neat to create a "monocoque" speaker cabinet? One would have to construct a mold, and then simply fill the mold with the epoxy resin. Has anyone here considered this type of approach or heard of it being done?

[Ed Holland]

Interesting - I'd wondered about something similar, inspired by the worktops in our lab. I think the material is an epoxy composite with mineral filler.

It would be good for speakers, DIY shelving and I think has possibilities for turntable construction.

There is a similar product for bathroom kitchen surfaces (counters, showers etc.) that resembles marble.

Cheers,

Ed

[nickmckinney]

Originally posted by ezkcdude
So, I got this idea today when they were installing new countertops in my lab. Most of you have probably seen this two-component epoxy resin material. It's very dense, although it scratches quite easily. Wouldn't it be neat to create a "monocoque" speaker cabinet? One would have to construct a mold, and then simply fill the mold with the epoxy resin. Has anyone here considered this type of approach or heard of it being done?

It is about the same as fiberglassing or carbon fiber building a part. They have different types depending on what you want to do, the counter stuff is the cheapest and softest all around from what I have seen.

[walker112]

If I were to do this, I would mix the resin with sand or something similar to lower the mechanical Q (deaden-it acoustically).

Concrete would be good for speaker cabinets. So would cast-iron for that matter since these materials are self damping.

[woody]

A few years ago I saw something in Speaker Builder about a
man who built his cabs from a mixture of epoxy, ground rubber
and sand.

[wakibaki]

Originally posted by walker112
If I were to do this, I would mix the resin with sand or something similar to lower the mechanical Q (deaden-it acoustically).

+1 on that. I was going to suggest sawdust or fine wood chip.

You can bulk out the volume (use less expensive epoxy) and probably get a more acoustically inert material, which is what you want for conventional cabinet design.

Since you have to make a mould tho' it's probably less trouble to cut, screw and glue 12 MDF rectangles - unless you want a zillion, that is.

w

[ezkcdude]

Originally posted by nickmckinney




It is about the same as fiberglassing or carbon fiber building a part. They have different types depending on what you want to do, the counter stuff is the cheapest and softest all around from what I have seen.

I have to disagree. Have you ever tried lifting a slab of the typical countertop found in a lab? It's heavy as all heck - and very hard. These countertops are used to support centrifuges and other very heavy equipment. This is not fiberglass.

[Ed Holland]

^^ You have that right ezkcdude. This stuff is really dense. I had to move some a while back and was quite taken aback by the weight.

If one did need to perform cutting and or machining, I think it could pose a problem, as the material is very hard. Properly used, it could be put to very good purpose.

Easiest woud be a turntable plinth (I made a similar item with a 12" concrete paving slab). This is stood on squashy rubber feet, about 3/4" high made up from sections of silicone rubber, which offer vertical and lateral compliance. An excellent vibration insulation, for pennies.

Ed

[nickmckinney]

Originally posted by ezkcdude



I have to disagree. Have you ever tried lifting a slab of the typical countertop found in a lab? It's heavy as all heck - and very hard. These countertops are used to support centrifuges and other very heavy equipment. This is not fiberglass.

No this is the stuff that you impregnate fiberglass or carbon fiber with to get that clear carbon fiber look (like on the hoods of the cars) instead of polyester resin. I have watched it being used building 4 passenger airplanes, and that is where I learned how to use it. Here is a link to a place that sells a bunch of different varieties:

http://www.uscomposites.com/

IMHO - If the additive is heavy there is a chance it will fall out of suspension if the cure time is slow. You can use micro balloons or similar to make it into a paste like bondo.

[ezkcdude]

Originally posted by nickmckinney




No this is the stuff that you impregnate fiberglass or carbon fiber with to get that clear carbon fiber look (like on the hoods of the cars) instead of polyester resin. I have watched it being used building 4 passenger airplanes, and that is where I learned how to use it. Here is a link to a place that sells a bunch of different varieties:

http://www.uscomposites.com/

IMHO - If the additive is heavy there is a chance it will fall out of suspension if the cure time is slow. You can use micro balloons or similar to make it into a paste like bondo.

Nick, I have this material in my lab right now! It weighs a ton. I don't know why that is so hard to understand. Do you not believe me or something?