Playing with PCL
Whether you know it as ShapeLock, PolyMorph, InstaMorph, ThermoMorph or some other brand name, polycaprolactone (PCL) is an amazing low temperature melt plastic that is great for prototypes, repairs, and making great stuff.
shapelock
How-To: ShapeLock Sanding Blocks
Inspired by the Sandables concept that recently made the rounds, we’ve been experimenting with adding abrasive grit to polycaprolactone (aka ShapeLock) thermoplastic to make rigid sanding blocks that can be reformed, with mild heating, to fit into hard-to-reach nooks and crannies on your work.
Use ShapeLock for Semi-Permanent PVC Glue Joints and Fittings
One of the downfalls of using PVC pipe as a construction media is that your joints are either permanent, or they fall apart when pulled. If only there was a way to make a robust, temporary connection. Thanks to Bill Waters’ happy mistake, he discovered how to do just that by using ShapeLock (PCL.)
The Many Uses of ShapeLock
ShapeLock is an amazingly useful polycaprolactone plastic that starts to melt and become moldable at 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.
Custom ShapeLock GPS mount
Having a hard time figuring out how to affix your GPS unit to a secure spot on your dash? Crappy suction cup mounts always falling off? Sandbag mounts sliding around all over the place? If you don’t mind sticking things in your HVAC vents, you might consider trying something similar to this custom ShapeLock GPS mount from Portuguese maker Rui Cabral.
