Plastic board

[matt1]

Hi

i need to mount an old solar panel on a solid, weatherproof board (something about 12-18mm for rigidity). I'd rather avoid wood as once the the panel is glued to the board I won't be able to remove it for repairing etc.

So I'm trying to find a fairly rigid plastic board, about 12mm thick that I can drill through to attach securing lines. Needs to be able to withstand the winter! I can find suppliers of makrolon or Perspex, both of which would either be too flexible or brittle ....and of course I am only after a small off cut rather than a whole sheet (which doesn't help).

Any ideas?

 

[sarabande]

HDPE - except that glueing will be a problem.

Suppliers on ebay have all sorts of sizes.

Or you could try aluminium honeycomb as used in boats.

 

[Don107]

Hi Matt

Can you use kitchen cutting board like this http://www.ebay.com/bhp/hdpe-cutting-board

Regards Don

 

[Ian h]

Something like this ?

http://protoboat.co.uk/store/index.php?route=product/category&path=80

 

[savageseadog]

There's a sign board called Foamex plus similar products

 

[vyv_cox]

For close to the ultimate for strength, rigidity and long life, Tufnol is the stuff. There are winches and blocks made in this excellent material still going after 40 years. Not the cheapest of course but plenty of Ebay traders sell smaller pieces.

 

[savageseadog]

I can assure the OP that Foamex is the thing. It's light, rigid and weather proof. 10mm would be good, 12mm better.

 

[Kelpie]

Any solid plastic board is going to have to be very heavy and expensive to give enough stiffness. A cored product sounds a much cleverer bet.

 

[matt1]

Thanks all

 

[Daydream believer]

6mm Th Trespa would be more than adequate. Available in a range of colours. Will not deteriorate in marine environment.
Often used to clad buildings or in panelling around access doors to flats where druggies likely to try & kick their way in

 

[doug748]

I found a bit of stuff in the boatyard skip that I used to mount a bilge pump. Looks ideal for this sort of thing, about 10mm with a smooth finish and what looks likes a rigid foamed internal structure. Stiff, strong stuff.

Deeplas it says on the protective film so I assume it is used for cladding and PVC replacement roofing bits and pieces. Any one know just what it is and where you can buy a sheet retail?

 

[salar]

Try these guys: The Plastic People for cut-to-size of various types of sheet. I have used them, good service.

 

[lw395]

I found a bit of stuff in the boatyard skip that I used to mount a bilge pump. Looks ideal for this sort of thing, about 10mm with a smooth finish and what looks likes a rigid foamed internal structure. Stiff, strong stuff.

Deeplas it says on the protective film so I assume it is used for cladding and PVC replacement roofing bits and pieces. Any one know just what it is and where you can buy a sheet retail?

I'm using something similar for a 'bodgery' project. It's a scrap length of window cill I think.

 

[galeus]

What about a bread/chopping board from Wilko?