This material is really intriguing. It reminds me of “GreenLinE”, a material developed by Buffet Crampon and which is used for some of its high-end models as a substitute to ABW. Apparently it’s made of 95% Grenadilla wood powder and 5% epoxy resin. It’s very stable and doesn’t crack, but I heard that when it falls it breaks like glass. Having said that, I don’t think a fall would do any good to a wooden flute…
Edit: found the actual composition of the stuff…
Interesting. Is there a preferred orientation to the oval? Long axis through the toneholes and embouchure hole, or perpendicular to them? (I can see the latter making the flute slightly easier to hold.) Do you want the whole bore oval, or does the headjoint stay round?
(See also this intriguing thread, https://forums.chiffandfipple.com/t/all-in-my-head/101988/1)
De nada.
I did searches on the guitar forums, etc. and there seem to be no particular problems with Richlite, other than lack of color stability (some graying over time, restored by wiping with oil). Possible easier fracturing/splintering, so may not be as robust as Delrin if dropped. Repair technicians doing neck resets have had some burning/bubbling of the Richlite with contact by hot lightbulbs, but otherwise have been good with steaming & heat blankets to approx. 350 degrees F. Some references to being careful with oils, as some apparently not best for fretboard use. There are paper/resin products from other companies that do show streaks/patterns on sanding as they may have paper layering, at least towards the surfaces of the materials, and you can wear through those. Richlite is claimed to be all from ground wood pulp, so does not appear to be a factor with that.
Casey any updates on the richlite experiment?