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shape lock

 
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trapperdale
Expert


Joined: 07 Jun 2009
Posts: 106
Location: fresno, california

PostPosted: Sun Jan 31, 2010 1:09 pm    Post subject: shape lock Reply with quote

Hey every one...

have any of you guys ever used shape lock?
seems like cool stuff for making prototypes...
i like the fact you can reuse it!

www.shapelock.com


Facts and Tips about ShapeLock


Reusable - Just reheat and remold, endlessly recycle-able.

Super Tough, Safe and Non-Toxic.

Machine-able - Easy to saw, drill, tap and mill.

Paintable - Readily accepts Acrylic hobby paints, dyes and pigments.

Excellent material for frames, brackets, forms, molds and custom parts.

How to Heat ShapeLock

With Hot Water - Place granules in a hot water bath of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, when the material turns clear remove it from the water bath with tongs, allow it cool for a minute or two and then squeeze out any excess water. A standard kitchen thermometer is useful for maintaining the correct temperature. Do NOT Overheat.

In the Microwave - Larger masses of ShapeLock can be heated in the microwave oven. Be sure to place the ShapeLock in a bowl of water to limit heating of the material. Do not allow the water to come to a boil. NEVER heat ShapeLock by itself in the microwave. The material can reach very high temperatures and cause potentially serious burns if touched. THESE HIGH TEMPERATURES ARE NOT NECESSARY, SHAPELOCK BECOMES MOLDABLE AT JUST 150 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT.

With a Hot Air Gun - A hot air gun of the type used for heat shrink tubing or a hair dryer can be used to heat ShapeLock to its moldable temperature. Be careful not to overheat the material.

What is ShapeLock?

ShapeLock is an Ultra-High Molecular Weight Low Temperature Thermoplastic.

What does "Ultra-High Molecular Weight Low Temperature Thermoplastic" mean in laymans English?

ShapeLock is a super strong plastic similar to Nylon or Polypropylene in toughness.

However, unlike the two former plastics it does not need high temperatures or high pressures to form into useful shapes.

ShapeLock is easily hand-formed into shape at just 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
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jegner
Site Admin


Joined: 30 May 2003
Posts: 2144
Location: Texas, USA

PostPosted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 4:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've used a similar material called "Friendly Plastic'. It works ok. but with a pretty low melting point, it was hard to move beyond mock-ups or prototypes with it.
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