How To Make Parabolic Mirrors From Space Blankets - NightHawkInLight

NightHawkInLight2 minutes read

A 28-inch parabolic mirror is created by shaping aluminized mylar with compressed air on a PVC base plate, incorporating a bicycle tire valve for air injection, and securing the mirror with fiberglass and a plastic trim ring for solar applications.

Insights

  • Compressed air is utilized to shape aluminized mylar into a parabolic mirror, commonly employed for solar purposes such as heating and cooking, showcasing the innovative use of materials and techniques in creating functional solar devices.
  • The process involves intricate steps like stretching aluminized mylar on a wooden frame, adhering it to a PVC base plate, inflating it to shape with compressed air, and reinforcing it with fiberglass and a trim ring, illustrating the detailed craftsmanship and engineering involved in producing a durable and efficient solar mirror.

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Recent questions

  • How is a 28-inch parabolic mirror made?

    By shaping aluminized mylar with compressed air.

  • What material is used for the base plate?

    1/2 inch PVC sheet.

  • What is used to adhere the mylar sheets to the base plate?

    Epoxy.

  • How is the mirror secured in place?

    With a plastic landscaping trim ring.

  • What is the purpose of the bicycle tire valve in the mirror-making process?

    For air injection.

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Summary

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Creating Solar Mirrors with Compressed Air

  • The process of making a 28-inch parabolic mirror involves using compressed air to shape aluminized mylar into a parabola, commonly used for solar applications like heating and cooking.
  • To create the mirror, a flat, airtight surface made of 1/2 inch PVC sheet is used as a base plate, with a bicycle tire valve mounted in the center for air injection.
  • The aluminized mylar sheets, initially folded as space blankets, are stretched out on a wooden frame using spray adhesive before being adhered to the PVC base plate with epoxy.
  • After inflation, the mirror is molded with fiberglass to maintain its parabolic shape, with a plastic landscaping trim ring used to secure the mirror in place, resulting in a reflective and functional mirror.
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