MDF vs Trupan vs Fiberglass vs Bamboo.

[Mr Cabinetry 10+ year member]

Interesting, I was thinking about building my new box out of 5/8" to maximize space.
But i will be using (3) 50+lb subs so maybe I should stick with 3/4"...//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/confused.gif.e820e0216602db4765798ac39d28caa9.gif

Why the confusion????

Think about it, 5/8" vs 3/4", your only talking a 1/8" difference of material thickness and in the grand scheme of things much like the tenor of this entire discussion there will not be any noticeable difference between 5/8" vs 3/4".

So, if you design/build/brace the enclosure using 5/8" MDF in same manner as you would with 3/4" MDF, I don't see the problem. If your concern is solely about the mounting application of the subs given their weight, I wouldn't worry about that either unless you intend to do a double layer baffle which would solve that issue.

Also, you'll save on weight as well, how much weight depends on the final design details of the enclosure as to total amount of mdf used per sq.in., but for the most part it's only a fews lbs at the very least.

I meant to post this earlier: Calculating Enclosure Weight

Total SQ. IN. MDF ( Parts ) x .33 ( ounce per sq.in. ) ÷ 16 ( ounces per LB ) = Weight of Enclosure

CLARIFICATION - The .33 ( ounce per sq.in ) is based on the MSDS sheet stated weight of MDF per sq.ft. So, depending on the MDF material used, this ounce per sq.in. can/will vary slightly since depend brands of mdf are not manufactured in the same manner.

Additional MDF Weight Classification Info:

Standard MDF

1/4" = .11

1/2" = .22

5/8" = .29

3/4" = .33

1" = .44

UL MDF

3/4" = .22

1" = .29

 

[audioholic 5,000+ posts]

Everyone worries about mass and density, its not really important. Let me explain.

Everything has a resonate frequency. The Ultimate goal, as it pertains to this discussion, is to build a box with a resonate frequency outside the frequency range that the box's driver(s) will be playing. You can do this two ways, lower the res freq very low (make it extremely heavy), or raise the res freq (make it very rigid).

In the home audio world, lowering the res freq below a sub's extended range can be done realistically. People build concrete boxes and such all the time. but in car audio, we all do just the opposite. We build a box, and brace it, to increase its rigidity, thereby raising its res freq above the range the subs will play.

Knowing this, we can conclude that any material, given enough rigity to maintain its form between braces, can work fine. If you want to use 5/8" mdf and are concerned about it flexing, brace it abit more. *shrug*

 

[Lil Poot 5,000+ posts]

how does trupan compare to good marine grade birch? still trying to decide on a material for my 18's box.

 

[Papermaker85 5,000+ posts]

Baltic birtch PLY= great material... i use this over anything... lighter and stiffer than MDF but less dense...

 

[Lil Poot 5,000+ posts]

i'm not planning on using mdf, was wondering how trupan compares to birch.

 

[TreyE 10+ year member]

Bamboooooo!!!

 

[cronic 10+ year member]

anyone know a source for 3/4" Trupan in western North Carolina

 

[PSturmer 10+ year member]

i am doing a test.

between berch and mdf. i can get berch ply $15 per 5 x 5 sheet for 3/4 '' stuff.

2 identical boxes with the same sub and amp going in. i am starting to build the mdf box monday. i will post results when i am done

 

[jrekully17 10+ year member]

birch is the best

 

[BMW Sidewayz 10+ year member]

birch is the best

But is it the heaviest? How bout Plexiglas?