Metal for human frame

[Ironstu]

Well, I bet this is a first!

I've been tasked with creating a metal frame for wearing on a body. The best illustration I can make is similar to an exoskeleton.

I'm pondering on the metal to use as there are a few requirements from the client.

Firstly the metal has to withstand high impact, there is the call for various physical effects to take place including hitting the frame multiple times and thus it shouldn't bend or crack or snap.

Secondly it needs to be economic on the weight. It's not the main concern as the talent is stationary most of the time, but there will be some action shots where he/she will need to move at pace so it cant be too heavy.

The frame is to be either welded, or riveted, we havent concluded that element yet.

So... metal choices? I'm thinking tool steel bars, but completely open to ideas as metal is not my speciality and have very limited knowledge.

Thank you for your time.

[dewaltdisney]

One of your issues will be articulation for the joints to allow free movement. If you check out old armour from the past you will see it is strapped on in sections to allow this. A padded suit with strategically placed metal protective strips would work better.

DWD

[kellys_eye]

Firstly the metal has to withstand high impact, there is the call for various physical effects to take place including hitting the frame multiple times and thus it shouldn't bend or crack or snap.

That introduces a whole load of problems as inherent strength comes from weight, structure and materials. You either go large dimension low-weight (aluminium) or small dimension high weight (steel). 'Exotic' materials like honeycombed metals would offer weight saving with added strength but cost/availability would become the big issue.

But why metal? These days carbon fibre does the job for most strength/weight construction and has no limitation on shape - indeed can be made stronger by careful shaping/design.

[Grendel]

What exactly is meant by high impact and what sort of angles of attack are involved? Also what cosmetic or aesthetic considerations are involved , it sounds as if it will be filmed so presumably it might need to look good as well. I have worn and fought in armour in re-enactment and it has limitations . Firstly it generally works by deflecting blows rather than stopping them dead . We generally don't tend to use weapons like maces and hammers as they can trash armour more easily than something like a sword. We also practice pulling blows as we are fighting friends and don't want to turn their expensive armour into scrap. The metal , steel , is maximum 2mm thick and that's normally just for helmets , most body armour is more like 1.6mm . A full harness can weigh up to 70lbs but as it's spread over the body it's not like carrying one big lump. That said a 2mm+ would be too heavy to wear and move normally in general. All armour needs a padded garment beneath it to absorb shock and reduce the chance of blunt trauma injuries. This padded garment introduces it's own problem of heat prostration .

[bourbon]

Bit late to the discussion but try typing Titan the robot into google. https://www.cyberstein.com/