Need a rigid insulation material?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for a rigid insulation material suitable for a project, specifically looking for sheets that are about 1/8" thick and resistant to compression. Participants explore various material options, including ceramics, polyimide, Teflon, and foam core materials, while clarifying whether the insulation is intended for electrical or thermal applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) is considering ceramic materials but is unsure about availability in the desired thickness.
  • Some participants suggest ordinary Teflon sheets as a viable option due to their rigidity and electrical insulation properties.
  • Another participant mentions foam core materials from marine suppliers or refrigeration contractors as suitable for thermal insulation.
  • There is a clarification regarding the type of insulation needed, with some participants initially assuming electrical insulation while the OP confirms a need for thermal insulation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the type of insulation required, with some focusing on electrical insulation and others on thermal insulation. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best material choice for the OP's specific needs.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions about the intended application of the insulation (electrical vs. thermal) that may influence the recommendations provided. The discussion does not resolve which material is definitively better suited for the OP's project.

Topher925
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Need a rigid insulation material?

I have a project that requires insulation sheets that are rigid and difficult to compress, about 1/8" thick. I was thinking about some type of ceramic material but can't find anything in that thickness. I'm not looking for some type of exotic material, just something I can get from grainger or mcmaster.

I was looking at using this polyimide material but not sure how compressive it would be.
 
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ordinary teflon sheets are commonly available, fairly rigid, good electrical insulators, and dense enough to resist physical compression.
 


Bobbywhy's idea is good if you are looking for electrical insulation.

But if you are looking for thermal insulation you have two good choices. Both the choices are basically the same, but from two different products sold by two different sources. One is to use foam core material sold though marine suppliers for boat building. The other is to find a large refrigeration contractor, one that would take a contract to insulate a warehouse for refrigeration. They use many different types of sheet foam. You would be looking for the variety they put on the floors that the forklifts drive over.
 


Pkruse, Thank you for your comments. Too bad I assumed the OP was looking for "ELECTRICAL" insulation sheets. Now, it seems you are guessing the OP was looking for "THERMAL" insulation sheets.

Topher925, will you please be specific? Exactly what kind of insulation are you seeking?

Cheers,
Bobbywhy
 


Bobbywhy said:
Pkruse, Thank you for your comments. Too bad I assumed the OP was looking for "ELECTRICAL" insulation sheets. Now, it seems you are guessing the OP was looking for "THERMAL" insulation sheets.

Topher925, will you please be specific? Exactly what kind of insulation are you seeking?

Cheers,
Bobbywhy

Whoops. Yes I was referring to thermal insulation, not electrical. I like the PTFE idea, I don't know why I didn't think of that.
 

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