VHS outer cases - what plastic are they made from?

[NazNomad]

Just been watching Randy Knapp on youtube making slingshots out of HDPE buckets. He leaves his in huge bits to melt it.

 

[n0legs]

That's an excellent how to guide, thank you. I was expecting it to turn to liquid and be able to pour it, so the insight is very helpful. It sounds very similar to polymorph.

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Cheers Coley .
I was expecting a liquid like state, but no its a fairly stiff plastic dough. Apparently the extruders use quite a bit of pressure when injection moulding.
Having never heard of polymorph I went for a quick look. Similar yes, but I'll bet this stuff is harder. It planes like wood :lol:

 

[ColeyS1]

How long have you got before it becomes unworkable? I guess if it comes out the oven you'd need welding gloves or something to be able to handle/knead it ?
Sounds like it could make a decent dog chew under supervision !

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[NazNomad]

Hi Naz - I think we're cross purposes, I'm not talking about the cassette parts, inner or outer; I mean the clam shell case that the cassette sits inside, the one with the plastic clear film and paper insert for the name of the movie - it feels softer and more pliable than the cassette, I can squish it with my fingers.

Ah, I WAS talking about the actual cassette, sorry.

Just looked on some clear VHS cassette covers and inside the spine, they have 5 (in a triangle) and PP marked on them.

 

[n0legs]

How long have you got before it becomes unworkable? I guess if it comes out the oven you'd need welding gloves or something to be able to handle/knead it ?
Sounds like it could make a decent dog chew under supervision !

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I found you had a little while to play with it, I suppose it's down to how hot you get it.
Yes welding gloves would be a good idea. I just had a pair of heavy work gloves, just make sure they're clean whatever's on them will stick to it.

 

[lurker]

We plan to replace our microwave in the January sales and I thought I might use the old machine to batch melt a load of these.

Will it work? As microwaves work on the water content I wouldn't have thought?

I wouldn't think a microwave would work, it won't generate heat.

Thanks, makes sense.
I watched a u tube ages ago and thought the bloke used a microwave, maybe it was a small oven and I wasn't paying attention,

 

[NazNomad]

I watched a u tube ages ago and thought the bloke used a microwave, maybe it was a small oven and I wasn't paying attention,

Americans usually call it a ''toaster oven''. It's the sort of thing students throw away, often with a hotplate on top as well. :-D