The ETOC is always the best place to see the 'Cool New Thing' in foamy electrics. Last year was no different. So what was so different last year? One of the biggest differences were the severely lightened depron airframes.
The method for lightening that several competitors used was strategic milling of the depron structure using a CNC machine. Pockets were milled out in the structure to make them as light as could possibly be. Typically contestants milled the foam out with a CNC router. That method is fast, accurate and allows for quick changes if necessary. The guys at Fancy Foam and at Insane Foamies showed their engineering prowess by setting up their machines and producing special airframes for their sponsored pilots.
Some also used a more labor intensive method to do this themselves (I know AJ was busy
) This method is effective as well and gets the job done and gives the same benefits.....
So why does it work? Depron is a foam like most others, however a treatment given the foam during production produces a skin on both sides. This skin gives depron much of its strength, but also is where much of the weight is concentrated....
You've read on this far, you might as well see how you can do it at home- right?
