Need to make 1st stage diaphragms what is best material ??

[globalmark]

Hi all 

I have had a good search but couldn't find anything definitive , I need to make some 1st stage diaphragm and just wondered if anyone know the best material . 

I have heard of 
CI rubber sheet   
EPDM reinforced sheets 
reinforced Neoprene 
reinforced Vitron ?
Nitrile rubber sheets 
Epichlorohydrin rubber or ECO 



does anyone know the best material or what manufacturers use , I need a couple different sizes thicknesses all I know it needs to be reinforced and presumable safe to use in Breathing apparatus . 
This is for 1st stage .. 
Thanks in Advance 
Mark 

[nikeajax]

Hi Mark, welcome! So what is the application: that is to say, what regulator? I bought a new diaphragm for my wife's USD Conshelf-XI, from my LDS, he's been around since he 1950's: when he handed it to me I looked at it and said, "Damn, I could make this myself..."

He looked at me a grinned, "Yeah, you probably could!"

As I remember, it's 1/16 polyester-reinforced neoprene.

Hope this was some help,
Jaybird

[nikeajax]

OH, and BTW, the diaphragm I bought was just a flat, round disc, it was for I think a Titan...

Jaybird

[globalmark]

Hi Jaybird

Thanks for the info , my father gave me 3 old twin hose plus I got a few old mares , old apeks and old Scubapro - so I was thinking with all the regs I have time to start making the Diaphragms as they are pretty expensive for basically a rubber disc .
1/16 polyester reinforced Neoprene - thanks for that I will do some more research and see if I can get some locally .
Cheers Mark

[herman]

Which 2 hose regs....make and model? If its a USD or Voit then first stage diaphragms (as well as all other parts) are available fairly inexpensively and already cut to the proper size so no need to DIY. If the reg is a single stage DH then it does not use a first stage diaphragm. An Apex uses the standard 1" one that most regs use (same as the USD/Voit DH regs), the SP is a piston reg so it does not use a diahpragm. SP did not make a diaphragm reg until a few years ago- MK-11 and 17 if I remember correctly. Odds are the SP is a MK-2 or Mk-5 piston reg, both very good regs and parts are readily available for them.
Tell us what make and model and we can do a much better job of helping you find what you need. If you are not sure of the make or model, attach photos.

[globalmark]

Hi Herman

the 2 hose regs - I dont know the Make as I am overseas at the moment and only Have my modern Mares Reg with me -
the Apeks reg I have has a approx 38mm diaphragm , Mares have approx 35mm diaphragm , SP no idea as not here ,

Basically what material do Manufacturers use these days then is the question - I know I can probably Buy them But I like DIY and would like to get some material and cut when i need some .
Most Diaphragms look pretty much same Material - similar size these days or last 15 years .

But I think Jaybird already Answered - unless there is different materials 1/16 polyester-reinforced neoprene (Thanks Jaybird)

Thanks Mark

[nikeajax]

Mark, PM sent...

jaybird

[ams511]

May 20, 2014 15:51:55 GMT -8 herman said:

 SP did not make a diaphragm reg until a few years ago- MK-11 and 17 if I remember correctly. 

This is incorrect. The first SP diaphragm regulator was the MK-14. After that they released the MK-16 and MK-18, the MK-18 was similar to a MK-16 but with a swivel turret. Scubapro then released their most recent diaphragm regulators, the MK-11, MK-17, and MK-19 (available in Europe). The MK-11 is unsealed, the MK-17 is sealed, and the MK-19 is sealed with a turret. 

[globalmark]

Hi ams511
Thanks for the correction from Hermans post but for my question does not really matter , all I wanted to know was material from Diaphragm .
Might be useful to someone though ?
Cheers Nark