Building a platform for the bed - Hexcel?

[Sandi]

So, we're toying with the idea of using aluminum for the framing, and Hexcel Honeycomb panels seem like an ideal, lightweight platform material.

Anyone used it in their homemade build? Pros? Cons? Other than the price?

Sandi

[AndrewST]

Am looking into using light panels in my build.

I was thinking using aluminium but changed my mind as in cold weather when heating, the moisture will condensate on the aluminium.

Not yet decided what material I will use.

[spomo1]

I have been pricing and trying to figure the strength/weigh numbers to replace the bed panels with Aluminum. They are HEAVEY. I had not thought about the condensation. Would it really be that big an issue? I had spec'd out 5/8 box section with cross members and a 1/4 marine ply face. The honeycomb is an interesting idea.. I wonder if its is strong enough on its own?? The current base is just plywood. Id be interested in swapping Idea's. Any weight I can get off the roof..

[AndrewST]

You can find honeycomb panels with aluminium, fiberglass, laminate, wood sides and the core can be aluminium, plastic honeycomb core and also foam core.

If you take the correct thickness, you will have plenty of strength to build the bed.

I have received samples, will take pictures and post them here as the weights.

Condensation will be dependent of the moisture level of the air, if you heat / cook with gas and outside temperature.

Andrew

[Sandi]

To be clear, we're thinking of aluminum as the welded frame, and the Hexcel as the panel material on which we'd lay the foam mattress.

The idea is to have something lightweight enough to remove easily, if we need to use the van to haul larger items. We don't want "permanent" installation of the bed and frame.

Sandi

[AndrewST]

Here are the pictures of the samples I received.





Links to the companies:
http://www.ayrescom.com
http://www.bellcomb.com
http://www.plascore.com
http://www.panelteccorp.com

One problem might be the amount needed to order, the last one seems to have some stock but they didn't answer me yet

[Zaskoda]

I saw this stuff on "How It's Made" and thought about using it as well. Please keep up posted on how it goes, what you choose, etc. And pics, lots of pics.

[spomo1]

Do you have any deflection numbers for these on a 40" span? Its possible that no frame is needed..

[Sandi]

Originally Posted by spomo1

Do you have any deflection numbers for these on a 40" span? Its possible that no frame is needed..

Yeah, but we'll use the frame to build the platform, which will allow for bin storage underneath.

Sandi

[spomo1]

Ahhh.., I see what you are doing now. I was looking to use this material to replace the two heavy bed sections in my penthouse bed. The current bed is 40 inches wide between the rails