How Do You Construct a Legal Sci-Fi Motorcycle Helmet?

AI Thread Summary
A user is exploring the idea of creating a science-fiction-inspired helmet in Thailand, utilizing materials like carbon fiber and fiberglass, and referencing HJC's P.I.M technology. They are considering using a pepakura 3D model for molding but are unsure about its detail and durability compared to a 3D printed shell. The discussion highlights the challenges of achieving certification for homemade helmets, emphasizing the potential high costs and risks involved in destructive testing. While buying a commercial helmet is suggested as a safer and more cost-effective option, the user notes that material costs in Thailand are relatively low. The conversation underscores the complexities of helmet design and certification processes.
tadydrift
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Hi everybody,

I am new in this forum, and i have to say that i am not the best in physics but, i always loved playing with paint, carbon fiber and fiberglass etc...

I had an idea of trying to make a Helmet with a science-fiction look ( halo ) and make it legally to wear it ( In thailand )

I have used HJC Helmets for 3-4 years and i learned about their P.I.M (Premium Integrated Matrix) technology

Here is a link to it :
http://www.motozone.co.nz/resources/products/16168-40.388/hjc-pim-premium-integrated-matrix-technology.pdf

it has 4 main composite

- aramid twill epoxy
- Fiberglass twill epoxy
- Utra high Molecular Polyetylene
- Organic Non-woven Fabric

Those are the materials for the main helmet Shell, I used too make some mold from ABS bike parts.
But for the helmet i am willing to do i have no ABS real-model

The only think i have is a pepakura 3D model and a OBJ 3D model ready to be 3D printed, i wanted to ask if the pepakura could be used as mold ( i have never done pepakura before ).
3D printed main shell would make it easier to make a mold and have greater details but would cost more.
As for the pepakura, i think it will be hard to make it details but would cost way lower price and would be just good for a prototype maybe?

As for the inside i would make my own expended polystyrene shell, but i still lack a lot of knowledge in polystyrene. but i think i will use my HJC RPHA 10 helmet for reference for the polystyrene shell, so that i can use the foampads from my HJC helmet on my new homemade helmet.
P.S : but i have never bonded 4 materials together, so i would like to know a bit about bonding those particular 4 materials together, i think trying to reproduce this P.I.M tech. won't be easy, but if i can it would give a strong shell, as i experienced with my HJC helmet in some motorcycle racing crash

Thank you and feel free to comment, advise, etc...
 
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tadydrift said:
I had an idea of trying to make a Helmet with a science-fiction look ( halo ) and make it legally to wear it ( In thailand )
What is the certification process and how much does it cost?
I think you'd be better off buying a commercial unit (Google 'halo motorcycle helmet' for examples) than trying to get a home made helmet certified.
Google 'destructive testing', that's what certification will probably include. Do you want to make 10 helmets by hand and watch 9 get destroyed? I'm sure that'll cost more than a single, certified retail unit (699USD).
 
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billy_joule said:
What is the certification process and how much does it cost?
I think you'd be better off buying a commercial unit (Google 'halo motorcycle helmet' for examples) than trying to get a home made helmet certified.
Google 'destructive testing', that's what certification will probably include. Do you want to make 10 helmets by hand and watch 9 get destroyed? I'm sure that'll cost more than a single, certified retail unit (699USD).

Hi billy, thanks for your answer and advice, sure if i was outside Thailand like in france, it would cost like that price, for infos, materials and other tests in Thailand are relatively cheap 1 USD = 36-37 THB.

Sure buying a google one would be really easy, and more safe.
I will try to check out costs for materials to see if it's worth it.

thanks for your answer ;)
 
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