Shapelock allows you to rapidly create mechanical prototypes parts, brackets, housings, molds, etc. This amazing plastic melts in hot water and locks rigidly at room temperature! Super Strong, Tough, Safe and Reusable! So what is it? ShapeLock is an Ultra-High Molecular Weight Low Temperature Thermoplastic similar to Nylon or Polypropylene in toughness but does not need high temperatures or high pressures to form into useful shapes.
Features
- 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.
12 thoughts on “New in the Maker Shed: ShapeLock”
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Ok will ask.
Could this be used in a 3D printer. Would make it easy to build. Then when not needed recycled.
That might be possible with a screw-type extruder, similar to injection molding? Not sure, but it sure would be cool to try it out!
But I think it’s phase shift might be too slow, unless your temperature control is really spot on. The bead also needs to heat the underlying mating surface enough to stick to the previous layer, I’ve built structures by re-dipping the frozen part in hot water, as otherwise it tends not to stick. Not sure how that translates into a smaller bead, then again, you probably have better control over the temperature on a extruder head.
Given it’s very low melting temp, maybe refrigerating the working area would help? I’m thinking a Peltier junction/heatsink type deal.
I absolutely love shapelock and have a nice big container of it. I’ve used it for all sorts of weird things. Since it’s so easily reused, over and over, it would be a fantastic feedstock if it can be made to work.
Unfortunately I’m about a year out from having my own rig to experiment with, anybody else going to try it?
That’s a really good point!
Cool stuff! I received a “sample” size last year and have played with it. Sets up very hard indeed, and 3d printing is a great idea and worth exploring.
Oh, is this friendly plastic?