The Many Uses of ShapeLock

Technology Workshop

I am the Evangelist for the Maker Shed. It seems that there is no limit to my making interests. I'm a tinkerer at heart and have a passion for solving problems and figuring out how things work. When not working for Make I can be found falling off my unicycle, running in adverse weather conditions, skiing down the nearest hill, restoring vintage motorcycles, or working on my car.

View more articles by Michael Castor

@MichaelCMaker

September 28th, 2011July 15th, 2016 5

ShapeLock is an amazingly useful polycaprolactone plastic that starts to melt and become moldable at around 160ºF. When it cools to room temperature, it becomes rigid and tough with qualities similar to nylon. By heating it in water with a microwave or using a heat gun, you can easily hand form it into almost anything.

Check out these projects to get some ideas for what you can do with this impressive material:

SwashBot3 by Crabfu

Android 10 by James of XRobots.co.uk

Robotic Arm by Alexey (Google Translation)

Prototype Pick and Place Head by John

Hand rest for an ergonomic mouse from Tiny Little Life

Eyeglasses repair by Macetech

Halloween Mask by Andrew

As you can see, this stuff is awesome! If you want to pick up some of this amazing material, it’s available in 250 gram and 500 gram bags in the Maker Shed!

The Many Uses of ShapeLock

By Michael Castor