Sofia Martinez
Plastic armour is a popular option for members of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) because it is durable, lightweight, and easy to work with. While plastic armour may not be accepted outside of SCA events, it is a suitable option for those who want to create their own armour without the need for complex tools. One popular type of plastic used for SCA armour is high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which can be purchased or recycled from large barrels. HDPE is known for its impact resistance and strength, making it ideal for armour that needs to withstand blunt force. ABS plastic is another option, although it may become brittle in cold temperatures. When creating plastic armour, it is important to ensure a proper fit, and some SCA members choose to cover their plastic armour with fabric or leather for a more authentic appearance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic armour-making process | Cover plastic with thin leather lining |
| Buy HDPE sheets or cut up 55-gallon drums | |
| Use a heat gun to soften the HDPE | |
| Form HDPE into desired shape and run under cold water to set | |
| Plastic armour traits | Does not rust, rot, soften, or dent |
| Impact-resistant and strong | |
| Less likely to shatter than ABS | |
| Excellent force-dispersal properties | |
| Suitability for SCA | May be acceptable for SCA but not for reenactments |
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What You'll Learn
- HDPE is a good plastic for armour due to its impact resistance and strength
- ABS plastic is not ideal for armour as it gets brittle in the cold
- Plastic armour is not period-accurate and may not be accepted outside of SCA
- Cover plastic armour with fabric or leather to hide the modern material
- Plastic armour is good for HEMA level of force fight but not for Buhurt
HDPE is a good plastic for armour due to its impact resistance and strength
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a great material for making armour. It is a thermoplastic polymer produced from the monomer ethylene, and it offers superior impact resistance and strength compared to other plastics. HDPE is also lightweight, easy to work with, and highly resistant to corrosion and abrasion.
HDPE is a popular choice for armour due to its high strength-to-density ratio. Its density ranges from 930 to 970 kg/m3, and its strength exceeds that of low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The difference in strength between HDPE and LDPE is greater than the difference in density, giving HDPE a higher specific strength. This makes it an ideal material for armour, where strength and lightweight properties are crucial.
HDPE is also known for its excellent force-dispersal properties, which is a key factor in armour making. Its ability to disperse force helps protect the wearer from the impact of strikes, making it safer and more effective armour. HDPE is less likely to shatter than ABS or other super-rigid plastics, which is an important consideration for armour that needs to withstand impacts.
Additionally, HDPE is a low-cost, versatile plastic that is easy to fabricate, bond, and weld. It can be purchased as sheets or drums, and with a simple heat gun, it can be softened and formed into the desired shape. This ease of use makes HDPE a great entry-level armour material, as it requires fewer complex tools and skills compared to metal armour fabrication.
Overall, HDPE is a good plastic for armour due to its impact resistance, strength, lightweight nature, and ease of fabrication. It is a safe, effective, and affordable option for those seeking to create their own armour, especially for members of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) who wish to make their own gear.
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ABS plastic is not ideal for armour as it gets brittle in the cold
ABS plastic is widely used for making armour. However, it is not ideal for this purpose as it gets brittle in cold temperatures. This makes it less durable and more likely to shatter than other plastics, such as HDPE (high-density polyethylene). HDPE is a better alternative for armour as it is impact-resistant and has excellent force-dispersal properties. It can be easily formed into shape using a heat gun and offers better protection than ABS plastic.
While ABS plastic armour may be safe for some forms of combat, such as HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) competitions, it may not be suitable for heavier forms of combat where stronger impacts are involved. In such cases, the risk of the ABS plastic shattering due to its brittleness is higher.
The process of forming HDPE into armour is straightforward and cost-effective. HDPE sheets can be purchased online or obtained by cutting up 55-gallon "pickle-barrel" drums. A heat gun, costing around $30, is then used to soften the HDPE, allowing it to be shaped with gloved hands. Once the desired shape is achieved, the HDPE is cooled under running water, resulting in a sturdy and lightweight piece of armour.
For those seeking to create their own armour, HDPE is an excellent entry-level material. It requires fewer complex tools than metal and is lighter in weight. By following the simple process of heating and shaping HDPE, individuals can craft safe and durable armour for their protective needs.
In conclusion, while ABS plastic may be used for armour, its tendency to become brittle in cold temperatures makes it less than ideal. HDPE is a superior alternative due to its impact resistance, force-dispersal capabilities, and ease of crafting. With its simple forming process, HDPE armour provides a safer and more reliable option for individuals seeking to create their own protective gear.
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Plastic armour is not period-accurate and may not be accepted outside of SCA
Plastic armour is a modern invention, developed for merchant ships by the British Admiralty during World War II. It was not used in the medieval period, which is the era that the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) focuses on. As such, it is not period-accurate for SCA and may not be accepted by the organisation or at SCA events.
The SCA has strict requirements for armour, which must be both safe and historically accurate. Plastic armour may not meet these requirements, particularly in terms of historical accuracy. SCA armouring regulations are based on extensive research into the armour used in different historical periods and regions. The materials, construction techniques, and designs of armour used by SCA participants must match those of the relevant historical context as closely as possible.
Plastic armour is more commonly used in other forms of live-action role-playing (LARP) and historical European martial arts (HEMA). In these contexts, the focus is more on safety and practicality than strict historical accuracy. Plastic armour is lightweight, durable, and impact-resistant, making it a popular choice for protective gear. However, it may not provide sufficient protection against heavy weapons or the full-force strikes typical of some HEMA and SCA combat styles.
While plastic armour may be acceptable in some LARP and HEMA contexts, it is important to check the specific rules and requirements of the group or event you plan to participate in. Some groups may have restrictions on the types of armour allowed, especially if they prioritise historical accuracy. Therefore, plastic armour may not be accepted outside of SCA, particularly in groups or events that prioritise historical accuracy over practicality or safety.
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Cover plastic armour with fabric or leather to hide the modern material
When creating plastic armour, you may wish to cover it with fabric or leather to improve its aesthetic and to disguise the modern material.
Leather is a good option for covering plastic armour. One source recommends using mission leather lining, which is the thin leather used to bind bibles. This can be purchased from leather factories. Leather is a good option for those with limited tool-using skills, as it requires fewer tools and is easier to work with than metal. It also has a nice finish. However, it can be relatively expensive.
If you are looking for a more affordable option, faux leather could be a good alternative. Faux leather is made from plastic, so it will pair well with plastic armour. It is also very durable, easy to clean, water-resistant, and stain-resistant. It is also much cheaper than genuine leather, with some sources stating it can be up to 75% less expensive.
Fabric is another option for covering plastic armour. Historically, linen was used as fabric armour by Greek heavy infantry in the 5th century BCE and by infantry in northern India until the 19th century. Quilted fabric armour is another option, as it was used by Chinese warriors in the 11th century BCE and by Mongols in the 13th century CE.
When covering plastic armour with fabric or leather, it is important to consider the type of plastic used. Some plastics, like ABS, can become brittle in cold temperatures, so a more flexible plastic like HDPE may be preferable. HDPE is also stronger and less likely to shatter than ABS.
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Plastic armour is good for HEMA level of force fight but not for Buhurt
Plastic armour is a good option for those participating in HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) due to its impact resistance, strength, and force-dispersal properties. It is also lightweight, requiring fewer complex tools than metal armour, and does not rust, rot, soften, or dent. However, plastic armour is not suitable for Buhurt, a full-contact combat sport with specific regulations for armour and weapons to ensure safety and historical authenticity.
Buhurt fighters don historically accurate armour, primarily made of metal, that balances protection and mobility. Armour types include plate armour, chain mail, brigandine, composite armour, and leather armour. Each type must meet specific standards for material, thickness, and body coverage. While leather armour provides greater mobility, it offers less protection. Metal armour, on the other hand, provides substantial defence against strikes while still allowing reasonable movement.
The choice between plastic and metal armour depends on the specific requirements of the combat sport. For HEMA, plastic armour's impact resistance and lightweight properties make it a suitable option. In contrast, Buhurt's emphasis on historical accuracy and the need for stronger protection against strikes make metal armour a more appropriate choice.
Additionally, Buhurt combatants wield blunted steel weapons that adhere to specific regulations. These include swords, axes, and maces, with rounded edges to ensure safety. The sport focuses on teamwork, strength, skill, and strategic coordination, resulting in intense and authentic combat. Therefore, the armour and weapons used in Buhurt require materials that can withstand the force of these blunted steel weapons and the physical demands of the sport, making plastic armour less suitable.
In summary, while plastic armour is a good choice for HEMA due to its impact resistance and lightweight properties, it may not provide sufficient protection or meet the historical accuracy requirements for Buhurt. Metal armour, with its stronger defensive capabilities and alignment with Buhurt's regulations, is a more appropriate option for this full-contact combat sport.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use either ABS plastic or HDPE plastic. However, some SCA members recommend using HDPE as it is less likely to shatter than ABS and other super-rigid plastics. HDPE can be sourced from recycled big blue barrels used for food storage.
You can use a heat gun to soften and shape HDPE. Run the heat gun over the HDPE until it becomes soft and pliable, then form it into the desired shape with gloved hands. Run it under cold water to set the shape.
Plastic armour falls under the anachronism part of the Society for Creative Anachronisms. While it may be accepted within the SCA, it may not be accepted outside of it. Plastic armour is fine for use with rattan weapons but is not suitable for steel weapons.
