How To Make Parabolic Mirrors From Space Blankets - NightHawkInLight
NightHawkInLight・1 minute 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.
