Reinforcement

[CaptainPersley]

How can I reinforce a piece of cardboard to make it stronger?
Let's imagine that the mentioned piece is a structural component that will have to support the build's whole weight. What do you guys suggest?
Any suggestion is highly appreciated.

[GyverX]

I guess it would depend how much weight it needs to hold. You could use Balsa wood to Bass wood. You could us a cross beam of cardboard.
I guess it really depends on the context of what you are supporting and the room you have to work with.
Can you give more info?

[Butelczynski]

Card made tubings,I beams,square, rectangular formers can solve a lot of issues. Placing extra them in large enough "envelope" before inserting wherever it goes solves problem with outer sheet falling in/collapsing under weight or stress.

When dealing with weight same principles apply to both paper and wood or metal constructions. Only difference is the scale.

[CaptainPersley]

Originally Posted by GyverX

I guess it would depend how much weight it needs to hold. You could use Balsa wood to Bass wood. You could us a cross beam of cardboard.
I guess it really depends on the context of what you are supporting and the room you have to work with.
Can you give more info?

I need to reinforce this piece, it is the strut frame of the R33 Nissan I am working on. It is mandatory for this part to maintain its shape, the fenders and hood will be attached to this part, it is one of the key structural pieces, and it will need to hold the full weight of the build. As of yet, I have no idea how to reinforce it, except maybe metal wire or tons of super glue underneath, on the out-of-sight face, paper pieces (i,e. papier mache) are out of discussion, as this piece will be visible since the hood will be openable, and I want everything to look neat.

[Maltedfalcon]

flatten an aluminum can glue the paper to the can and cut out the piece then bend it back.
The underside would just look like metal since thats what it is....

[CaptainPersley]

Originally Posted by Butelczynski

Card made tubings,I beams,square, rectangular formers can solve a lot of issues. Placing extra them in large enough "envelope" before inserting wherever it goes solves problem with outer sheet falling in/collapsing under weight or stress.

When dealing with weight same principles apply to both paper and wood or metal constructions. Only difference is the scale.

Good ideea, I should probably make some I-beam like reinforments from wooden toothpicks or matches, they are lightweight, strong, easy to work and also slim, so hiding them should not be an issue.

[CaptainPersley]

Originally Posted by Maltedfalcon

flatten an aluminum can glue the paper to the can and cut out the piece then bend it back.
The underside would just look like metal since thats what it is....

Trust me, this was exactley the first ideea I had
I used this method in the past, but the "aluminium" can started to rust. Maybe this time I will be a bit more luckier. The aluminum sheet is also tougher than the toothpicks/matches I have considered using by sticking on the back with super glue.

[GyverX]

With this, I would use balsa wood, Cheep, Light, easy to shape and strong enough for what it needs to hold up(Wheels and axles). Basla wood and Titebond II then put the print on top of it. The main issue is making sure the cross beam will fit. But the titebond dries super hard and solid. The problem is if it needs to be painted.

Its an option. Your goal needs to be strong and light because of your axles and wheels.

[Lighter]

Plywood is available down to 1/64" Your part looks to me that 1/32" would do the trick. The stuff is tough to cut and has a grain in terms of stiffness. Either account for the grain or cut on the bias.

[rgmarine]

If the part does not show in finished model you can saturated it with thin superglue. Yhis will make it extremely strong and hard.