Can you give more information about what type of product you are trying to prototype. Don’t share the idea, but give enough information so we can give you some suggestions.

Hi Dond, Thanks for the response. The product is for hunting purposes and will be about the size of a fist so I don’t think I need much of the plastic material. I am trying to create/sculpt the first model but not sure where to begin or what the best approach is.

I hope its a hand grenade to get rid of these pasture fleas..now that would sell

Pasture fleas? I have never heard that term but I love it! I am from the NW and we don’t have those in our backyard but I have heard they can be quite a nuisance. I came across a product today called Shapelock. Any familiar with it?

ok it all depends on your product ,,, you could possibly make a mold from clay and stamp one out using a local vacuum former. Or I would suggest a 3d printer ..

Hi Dan, I had not heard of ShapeLock and found a mini-review at

http://www.micsaund.com/2006/03/13/plastic-you-...

The product sounds intriguing given that it can be machined and you can paint it. The downside is it’s low melting point of 160 degrees and being a blob of material it may be difficult to get a nice looking prototype without a mold to press the material into. You might consider sending an EN “Friend Request” to Shawn Galloway who post here and who has been doing some work with plastics and building prototypes. You can send me a friend request, but my experience is more in electronics. Best of luck.

This is great information. I also found another product called Friendly Plastic. Seems very similar. I ordered some of both so it will be interesting to try. Essentially, my idea will most likely be made out of rubber and maybe some metal for rigidity, with no moving parts. This is my first idea I have actually taken an initiative on so it is always great to hear feedback. Thanks again.

Yes dan, what kind of item is it, is it a shape which can be cut easily? If you can make a mold from something then you could use many different products. One which comes to mind is plastidip which you use to coat tool handles. if you could make a mold and just pour it in might do what you need and it has some flexibility to it as well. If you like I can see what could be done. I have not been doing much with plastic molding lately as other things have been keeping me busy but I certainly would see what I can do to help. am busy the next couple of days but send me an email. I would sign an NDA if you like so you can go into more detail. HDPE which is from milk jugs melts easily with a heat gun and you may be able to press it into a mold, it would give a much harder finish and perhaps be more durable depending on the function.

Hey Shawn, Thank you for the reply and the offer to help. I have been playing in Sketchup today trying to design a 3d model of it, however doing so, I have exposed a few kinks with my original design which will require some more time (My novice abilities in Sketchup does not help much either) At this point in my process I think I am going to see what I can do with that Friendly Plastic and Shapelock stuff. If anything, it will help me understand the process as a whole better. I know what I get my head wrapped around the project a bit more, I will definitely need some help! Thanks again for the offer. It is greatly appreciated!

Hi Dan

I have had some success with a product called Super Sculpey. You can get it at most craft stores. Its a clay that you can sculpt with your hands into shape and then bake in the oven. When I did my prototype using it I put it on a bed of polli fil (the stuff used to stuff pillows with) to bake it. It worked great.

No knowing much about what you are making I am not sure if this will help you or not, but I hope it will

P.S.

Dont bake it on a cookie sheet you ever want to use again.

Hi Allison, I just Googled Super Sculpey and it may be just what I need at this time. My first thought was clay, but I have never really used it before and my memory of it from grade school art class makes me wonder if the consistency would be rigid enough. The Super Sculpey looks pretty durable. I think i am going to give that a shot. Thank you for the comment – and the how to bake suggestion (or not how to) :)

Dan, If you like I can help with 3D modeling as well. If you like you can send me what you have and I will see what I can do with it.

Good Luck Dan….Learn from all my mistakes … I’ve made lots of them ;-) If your craft store does not carry the super sculpey and only has the original version called sculpey order the super one online. The original version is too soft and wont keep its shape as well. The more you work with it the easier it becomes to form. At first it’s really tough to work with so give it time and be patient. Plan to take many breaks while making your prototype.