Foam PVC?

[Yvan256]

Has anyone built a cabinet using "foam PVC" panels instead of MDF/plywood/etc?

I'm looking for something very lightweight yet strong enough to build a portable cabinet.

[mgb]

I've never done it but it seems possible enough.
It seems to me that it would work well with a Viewlix design.
Of course I assume your looking to use an LCD.

[SavannahLion]

I've never heard of PVC foam but I can see how its possible. I did a quick Google and its apparently used for fabricating some aircraft parts. From the descriptions, it's worked pretty much the same as Styrene (not foam), even going so far as to be vacuum formed. I'm not sure what airplane components would be fabled with it, but if its FAA approved, I don't see why not.

I don't know how much abuse it can take though. Do you intend of putting a shell, like fiberglass, on it?

[Yvan256]

I've never heard of PVC foam but I can see how its possible. I did a quick Google and its apparently used for fabricating some aircraft parts. From the descriptions, it's worked pretty much the same as Styrene (not foam), even going so far as to be vacuum formed. I'm not sure what airplane components would be fabled with it, but if its FAA approved, I don't see why not.

I don't know how much abuse it can take though. Do you intend of putting a shell, like fiberglass, on it?

My goal would be for foam PVC to be the structural component. The cabinet I'm designing is quite complex with moving parts, my best bets so far would be foam PVC or an aluminium frame with coroplast or similar panels on it.

[Burn4Evr]

I'd think its possible but would get expensive (at the thickness you would need), and personally wouldn't trust it 100% for structural parts. Also I know it comes in multiple densities, but I am assuming the denser the more expensive it would be.
I think having aluminum "bones" and foam PVC "skin" would work, especially if you could cover it with really thin plexiglass.

[Gray_Area]

Perhaps an explanation or display of your plans would help....

[Yvan256]

I was visiting my brother yesterday and he had some kind of display rack in his living room. With all the objects removed it was incredibly light, yet the tubular frame was still quite sturdy. I'll be looking into making a frame with this type of tube (it would help if I can locate square tubes).

Only Bender knows about the project so far, I'll add it to the projects section once I know it can be made physically. I have to rework all my plans since I wasn't planning on doing a round/square tubing frame.

[SammyWI]

You can get aluminum or fiberglass unistrut if you're going the internal frame route.  Mcmaster Carr has some.  Just a thought.  Unistrut goes together easily, almost like an erector set.

Oh great, now you've got me thinking about what I could build with this stuff.  

ETA:  McMaster also has various structural shapes like angles, tees, sheets, etc in aluminum and plastics.  And I have an old laptop with a busted screen laying around.  Hmmmm.  I'm thinking about an alternate construction bartop now ...........