Metal Art Supplies

I try to make my own diffuser using foldable nylon rip-stop, but can not find flexible strips of metal that make them pliable. The closest I can do is to buy the sunscreen protects you set up in the window of your car and snatching the matterial and substituting ripstop, but I would try to find a cheaper alternative. Home Depot, stockings, art supply stores do not seem to be the son of metal. Any links to sites found would be very useful.

You can try the hobby stores ... Perhaps kites supplies.
You can also ask the manufacturer of the softbox (like Alien Bees ... ask for parts) ... but the size may be limited. Another idea is to look at camping equipment stores ... Perhaps the framing used for tents can serve your purpose.

try eBay Flag

Your best bet is to make a broadcaster to buy fabric, hem the edges of it, and sew elastic material on the corners so it can spread on a frame made of a PVC pipe. (PVC is very strong) This is an easier way than trying to find the right type of spring steel and you can make the diffuser ANY size you like. I had a presenter who is 5 feet wide x 7 feet high with a PVC frame 2 inch perfect for brides, Portraits, Motorcycles. Just make sure not to paste the entire image PVC together so that you can break it down for storage. PVC is available in different sizes so that broadcasters of different sizes can be made hope this will help

You should come see us on the Strobist group on Flickr ... there are a couple of tutorials for broadcasters and a DIY softbox really great as what it seems you are asking. he used a toy kite collapsible nylon and is used in black and white rip-stop ... looks really good!