Kitebuilder Online

imagin · Joined: 22 Oct 2003 Posts: 196 Location: Moncton, NB Canada

I'd like to know more about Orcon. I've searched on the subject but didn't come up with much. Is it something like the fibre that they make seed and vegetable sacks out of? Where can you buy it?
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Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.

Kitesquid · Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 7:50 am Post subject:

Orcon is a company that made it's name by making irons and tape to connect seams in carpets.

They used their knoledge of heat setting adhesives to make vapor barrier materials for insulating airplanes.

They take polyester film (Mylar) and stick nylon threads to one side of it in about a 1/4" grid to make a "Ripstop" type pattern on the film.

It is probaly the lightest material you can make a kite out of that is semi-durable... dont expect a long life out of a kite made of this product.... Indoor kites and small light kites are where is realy shines. Fighter kite builders use it all the time.

Kite builders call the film "Orcon" but that is actualy the manufacturer. The product name is really "Orcofilm"

It comes in many configureations (thin and thick films and I have seen it in white, black and seldom in Silver [Aluinized]) and the only dealer of it that sells by the yard is Bonnie Marvin at Hang-Em-High fabrics in Richmond VA. (She is Steve's bigest compition in the kite parts industry and the only reason I mention her is that Steve does not have Orcon products in his catalog) If you want a larger quanity (a whole roll) try Orcon directley if you have a tax number and DEEP pockets.

HERE is Orcon's web site.

Click on Aerospace products then on Ocrofilm....

I think the film that most kite builders use is ORCOFILM®AN-36W or ORCOFILM®AN-36B which is the same film but black in color...

BTY I would like to see photos of the seed and vegatable sacks you are refering to. If you think they would make good kite fabric... as I normaly see seed bags made of paper that is reiforece with a bonded film (I assume HDPE).
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VR/
KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA

P.S. Yet another long winded post by the Squid..... Shocked

P.P.S. The wind is like the air, only pushier.

imagin · Joined: 22 Oct 2003 Posts: 196 Location: Moncton, NB Canada

This is the material I mentioned. This is a rice bag. It actually seems to be woven out of wide fibres. Mountain man made a fighter out of something very close to this. Not sure what he thinks of its performance. I'll try one out of this bag and see how it does.
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Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.

Kitesquid · Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 9:06 am Post subject:

Here is a nice fighter kite made from Orcofilm by KiteFencer

_________________
VR/
KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA

P.S. Yet another long winded post by the Squid..... Shocked

P.P.S. The wind is like the air, only pushier.

Steve D · Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 648 Location: USA GA Newnan

Actually Bruce Lambert also sells orcon and orcon tape by the yard. Sells bamboo spines as well (another material Steve Doesn't carry). As best I can tell he doesn't have a website but he can be reached by e-mail at kitefighter@yahoo.com for inquiries

KiteFencer · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 45 Location: Seattle, WA

If you're interested in Orcon for fighters, I think the AN-36B Orcofiolm is the right stuff. I've made kites out of half a dozen grades of this film, but the best results I've had were from using the AN-36B variety. The kite I built in the photo posted above is made of AN-36B Orcofilm.

This is truly a terrific material for building fighter kites.

-KiteFencer
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"This is the law of the jungle, as old and as true as the sky; and the wolf that shall keep it may prosper, but the wolf that shall break it must die"

Kitesquid · Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 10:29 am Post subject:

Stan · Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 7:35 pm Post subject:

I learned to re-launch from underwater with polyfilm giftwrap fighters. I doubt Orcon would hold up to that abuse so well, especially being dragged through seaweed. Very Happy

Orcon is a bit softer.

Stan

kleppin · Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 9:39 pm Post subject:

Several years ago we scored a whole roll of heavier silver Orcon (2+ oz?)at Boeing Surplus for $2 a pound. It is amazing stuff, sews well and is very durable. We've made several things out of it and it wears very well. The circoflex Jerry made out of it has still not found its proper balance, but the windmill blades we made to replace ones destroyed by sun and wind have held up to many, many hours of spinning happily in our yard. What I really want to make out of it is a Cody, but have not gotten my round tuit yet. I think I will make a Rok first.