Thermoplastics

[MikeG.]

I saw a posting on here a week or two back on thermoplastics.....some sort of granule that someone used to mould their own plastic objects.

I need to make a couple of small things out of plastic that aren't really suitable for cutting out of solid sheets or rods, so I wondered what people know on the subject......

This isn't the same thing as the big thermoplastic sheet question I had many months ago.......I'm making small and slightly complex shapes this time.

Thanks.

Mike

 

[duncanh]

I've used some once and it was pretty straightforward. I wasn't after a finely finished piece so was happy with the rough finish that I got.
The product I used was called Polymorph and I got it from Ebay (I tried to give a link but for some reason it's not working - search for Polymorph on Ebay)
You can also get it from Maplins

It's very easy to use - just put the granules into a pan of hot water, stir it round and they melt into a single mass. Instructions are on that Ebay page.
Once it's in a single mass you mould it to the shape you want. I did this by hand but you may be able to press it into a mould.

It's not that expensive for a small amount, so if in doubt buy a little and experiment.

Duncan

 

[Steve Maskery]

Mike, do you mean the Polymorph stuff? Lots on eBay. For some reason the link isn't pasting properly, I think it has a weird character in it. Anyway, Polymorph is the name.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/500g-POLYMORPH-9- ... dZViewItem
S

Edit - Duncan beat me!

 

[MikeG.]

Thanks fellas!

 

[RogerS]

How is its' longterm stability?

Reason for asking is that my shoe repairer commented that I would probably be able to reheel my shoes one more time before the soles decomposed. Apparently, shoe soles are made out of some plasticky powder and heated but from that time on, they are gradually reverting back to powder. The centre of my heel support had already gone to dust.