***** Here you will find a categorized list of stock materials that students have access to. *****
Plastics
A plastic material is any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids that are moldable. Plastics are typically organic polymers of high molecular mass, but they often contain other substances. They are usually synthetic, most commonly derived from petrochemicals, but many are partially natural.
There are two types of plastics: thermoplastics and thermosetting polymers.
Thermoplastics are the plastics that do not undergo chemical change in their composition when heated and can be molded again and again. Examples include polyethylene, polypropylene,polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride
Thermosets can melt and take shape once; after they have solidified, they stay solid. In the thermosetting process, a chemical reaction occurs that is irreversible.
There are two types of plastics: thermoplastics and thermosetting polymers.
Thermoplastics are the plastics that do not undergo chemical change in their composition when heated and can be molded again and again. Examples include polyethylene, polypropylene,polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride
Thermosets can melt and take shape once; after they have solidified, they stay solid. In the thermosetting process, a chemical reaction occurs that is irreversible.
High Impact Polystyrene (HIPs)
(HIPS) is a versatile, economical and impact-resistant plastic that is easy to machine and fabricate. HIPS is often specified for low strength structural applications when impact resistance, machinability, and low cost are required. It is frequently used machining pre-production prototypes since it has excellent dimensional stability and is easy to fabricate, paint, and glue. Common uses include: appliance components, TV and audio-visual equipment parts, recording tape cassettes, bicycle trailer, toys, instrument panels and fittings, gasoline tanks, hot and cold drinking cups, computer housings and vacuum forming
(HIPS) is a versatile, economical and impact-resistant plastic that is easy to machine and fabricate. HIPS is often specified for low strength structural applications when impact resistance, machinability, and low cost are required. It is frequently used machining pre-production prototypes since it has excellent dimensional stability and is easy to fabricate, paint, and glue. Common uses include: appliance components, TV and audio-visual equipment parts, recording tape cassettes, bicycle trailer, toys, instrument panels and fittings, gasoline tanks, hot and cold drinking cups, computer housings and vacuum forming
Acrylic
Acrylic is a polymer created when giant carbon molecules combine chemically. Finished acrylic sheet exhibits glass-like qualities – clarity, brilliance, transparency, translucence – but at half the weight and up to 10 times the impact resistance. It can be tinted or colored, mirrored or made opaque.
We stock a wide variety of colours, but with limited availability. In school we currently use acrylic for making molds for pewter casting, (see pewter) 'A' Level work and we also use this material quite frequently with the Versa laser. (see classroom machines)
Acrylic is a polymer created when giant carbon molecules combine chemically. Finished acrylic sheet exhibits glass-like qualities – clarity, brilliance, transparency, translucence – but at half the weight and up to 10 times the impact resistance. It can be tinted or colored, mirrored or made opaque.
We stock a wide variety of colours, but with limited availability. In school we currently use acrylic for making molds for pewter casting, (see pewter) 'A' Level work and we also use this material quite frequently with the Versa laser. (see classroom machines)
Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer used in a wide variety of applications including packaging and labelling, textiles (e.g., ropes, and carpets), stationery, plastic parts and reusable containers of various types, laboratory equipment, loudspeakers, automotive components, and polymer banknotes. An addition polymer made from the monomer propylene, it is rugged and unusually resistant to many chemical solvents, bases and acids. As polypropylene is resistant to fatigue, most plastic living hinges, such as those on flip-top bottles, are made from this material.
Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer used in a wide variety of applications including packaging and labelling, textiles (e.g., ropes, and carpets), stationery, plastic parts and reusable containers of various types, laboratory equipment, loudspeakers, automotive components, and polymer banknotes. An addition polymer made from the monomer propylene, it is rugged and unusually resistant to many chemical solvents, bases and acids. As polypropylene is resistant to fatigue, most plastic living hinges, such as those on flip-top bottles, are made from this material.
Foam board
Foam board, also known as foam core, is a backing material widely used in framing art. It is made of a type of Styrofoam covered on both sides with paper or plastic so that the foam is the core of the sandwich. This material is very lightweight as well as strong, which makes it ideal for framing large works of art or posters, since it adds so little weight to the overall piece.The foam is easily cut into shapes with a razor-type knife. It accepts paints and felt-tip markers and fabric can be glued to its surface. For these attributes, foam board has replaced balsa wood as the modeler's choice for building material.
Foam board, also known as foam core, is a backing material widely used in framing art. It is made of a type of Styrofoam covered on both sides with paper or plastic so that the foam is the core of the sandwich. This material is very lightweight as well as strong, which makes it ideal for framing large works of art or posters, since it adds so little weight to the overall piece.The foam is easily cut into shapes with a razor-type knife. It accepts paints and felt-tip markers and fabric can be glued to its surface. For these attributes, foam board has replaced balsa wood as the modeler's choice for building material.
Correx
Correx is a brand name of corrugated plastic and a registered trademark of D.S Smith Correx (a member of the D.S Smith Group). Correx has become a generalized trademark for corrugated plastic in Europe because of its wide use. Correx is an extruded, twin-wall, fluted polymer that can have a wide variety of additives to make it flame retardant, UV resistant, biodegradable etc. As colour is added to the base polymer any variation of colour can be produced. Correx is fully recyclable.
Correx is a brand name of corrugated plastic and a registered trademark of D.S Smith Correx (a member of the D.S Smith Group). Correx has become a generalized trademark for corrugated plastic in Europe because of its wide use. Correx is an extruded, twin-wall, fluted polymer that can have a wide variety of additives to make it flame retardant, UV resistant, biodegradable etc. As colour is added to the base polymer any variation of colour can be produced. Correx is fully recyclable.
Styrofoam
Styrofoam is a trademarked brand of closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam currently made for thermal insulation and craft applications. It is owned and manufactured by The Dow Chemical Company. Styrofoam has since found a variety of uses. Dow produces Styrofoam building materials, including insulated sheathing and pipe insulation.
Dow also produces Styrofoam as a structural material for use by florists and in craft products. Dow insulation Styrofoam has a distinctive blue color; Styrofoam for craft applications is available in white and green. Styrofoam can be used under roads and other structures to prevent soil disturbances due to freezing and thawing
In the store room we stock different thicknesses of Styrofoam, these are 10 mm, 25 mm, 50 mm and 75 mm. We generally use Styrofoam in school for model making and for making shapes to vacuum press plywood laminates onto.
Styrofoam is a trademarked brand of closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam currently made for thermal insulation and craft applications. It is owned and manufactured by The Dow Chemical Company. Styrofoam has since found a variety of uses. Dow produces Styrofoam building materials, including insulated sheathing and pipe insulation.
Dow also produces Styrofoam as a structural material for use by florists and in craft products. Dow insulation Styrofoam has a distinctive blue color; Styrofoam for craft applications is available in white and green. Styrofoam can be used under roads and other structures to prevent soil disturbances due to freezing and thawing
In the store room we stock different thicknesses of Styrofoam, these are 10 mm, 25 mm, 50 mm and 75 mm. We generally use Styrofoam in school for model making and for making shapes to vacuum press plywood laminates onto.
Metals
Metals are generally defined as being solid elements which share certain physical, chemical and mechanical properties that differentiate them. Apart from their shine, malleability, ductility, hardness, resilience and elasticity, they are good conductors of heat and electricity, and have a high light reflection capacity.These characteristics are due to their having a crystalline internal structure with atoms that are arranged and linked in an orderly, specific manner, on planes which allow the atoms to slide when any type of force is exerted on them. It is this possibility of sliding that makes metals malleable. Their electrical conductivity is also due to their atomic structure: they have a nucleus with a positive charge and electrons with a negative charge revolving around it, and this allows them to transmit heat and electricity.
Steel
Steel is an alloy of iron and a little bit of carbon. Carbon is the primary alloying element, and its content in the steel is between 0.002% and 2.1% by weight. Additional elements may also present in steel: manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, and traces of oxygen, nitrogen and aluminium.
Alloy steel is steel to which additional alloying elements have been intentionally added to modify the characteristics of steel. Common alloying elements include: manganese, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, boron, titanium, vanadium and niobium.In the stock room we have steel in 4 forms, these are: rod, tube, bar and sheet
Aluminium
Aluminium is a relatively soft, durable, lightweight, ductile and malleable metal with appearance ranging from silvery to dull gray, depending on the surface roughness. It is nonmagnetic and does not easily ignite. A fresh film of aluminium serves as a good reflector (approximately 92%) of visible light. Aluminium is almost always alloyed, which markedly improves its mechanical properties, especially when tempered. For example, the common aluminium foils and beverage cans are alloys of 92% to 99% aluminium. The main alloying agents are copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, and silicon.
Aluminium is a relatively soft, durable, lightweight, ductile and malleable metal with appearance ranging from silvery to dull gray, depending on the surface roughness. It is nonmagnetic and does not easily ignite. A fresh film of aluminium serves as a good reflector (approximately 92%) of visible light. Aluminium is almost always alloyed, which markedly improves its mechanical properties, especially when tempered. For example, the common aluminium foils and beverage cans are alloys of 92% to 99% aluminium. The main alloying agents are copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, and silicon.
Pewter
Pewter is a malleable metal alloy, traditionally 85–99% tin, with the remainder consisting of copper,antimony, bismuth and sometimes, less commonly today, lead. Silver is also sometimes used. Copper and antimony act as hardeners while lead is common in the lower grades of pewter, which have a bluish tint. It has a low melting point, around 170–230 °C (338–446 °F), depending on the exact mixture of metals. The word pewter is likely a variation of the word spelter, a term for zinc alloys. In school we use the pewter mainly for casting jewelry using laser cut acrylic molds.
Pewter is a malleable metal alloy, traditionally 85–99% tin, with the remainder consisting of copper,antimony, bismuth and sometimes, less commonly today, lead. Silver is also sometimes used. Copper and antimony act as hardeners while lead is common in the lower grades of pewter, which have a bluish tint. It has a low melting point, around 170–230 °C (338–446 °F), depending on the exact mixture of metals. The word pewter is likely a variation of the word spelter, a term for zinc alloys. In school we use the pewter mainly for casting jewelry using laser cut acrylic molds.
Brass
Brass is an alloy made of copper and zinc; the proportions of zinc and copper can be varied to create a range of brasses with varying properties. Brass is a substitutional alloy. It is used for decoration for its bright gold-like appearance; for applications where low friction is required such as locks, gears, bearings, doorknobs, ammunition casings and valves; for plumbing and electrical applications; and extensively in musical instruments such as horns and bells for its acoustic properties. It is also used in zippers. Brass is often used in situations where it is important that sparks not be struck, as in fittings and tools around explosive gases.
Brass is an alloy made of copper and zinc; the proportions of zinc and copper can be varied to create a range of brasses with varying properties. Brass is a substitutional alloy. It is used for decoration for its bright gold-like appearance; for applications where low friction is required such as locks, gears, bearings, doorknobs, ammunition casings and valves; for plumbing and electrical applications; and extensively in musical instruments such as horns and bells for its acoustic properties. It is also used in zippers. Brass is often used in situations where it is important that sparks not be struck, as in fittings and tools around explosive gases.
Woods
Wood is a hard, fibrous structural tissue found in the stems and roots of trees and other woody plants. It has been used for thousands of years for both fuel and as a construction material. It is an organic material, a natural composite of cellulose fibres (which are strong in tension) embedded in lignin which resists compression. Wood may also refer to other plant materials with comparable properties, and to material engineered from wood, or wood chips or fibre.
It is common to classify wood as either softwood or hardwood. The wood from deciduous trees (e.g. pine) is called softwood, and the wood from non-deciduous trees (usually broad-leaved trees, e.g. oak) is called hardwood. These names are a bit misleading, as hardwoods are not necessarily hard, and softwoods are not necessarily soft. The well-known balsa (a hardwood) is actually softer than any commercial softwood. Conversely, some softwoods (e.g. yew) are harder than many hardwoods.
The Earth contains about one trillion tonnes of wood, which grows at a rate of 10 billion tonnes per year. As an abundant, carbon-neutral renewable resource, woody materials have been of intense interest as a source of renewable energy.
It is common to classify wood as either softwood or hardwood. The wood from deciduous trees (e.g. pine) is called softwood, and the wood from non-deciduous trees (usually broad-leaved trees, e.g. oak) is called hardwood. These names are a bit misleading, as hardwoods are not necessarily hard, and softwoods are not necessarily soft. The well-known balsa (a hardwood) is actually softer than any commercial softwood. Conversely, some softwoods (e.g. yew) are harder than many hardwoods.
The Earth contains about one trillion tonnes of wood, which grows at a rate of 10 billion tonnes per year. As an abundant, carbon-neutral renewable resource, woody materials have been of intense interest as a source of renewable energy.
Plywood
Plywood is a type of engineered (man-made) wood made from thin sheets of wood through made by gluing them together. Each ply is placed at a right angle to the one below resulting in plywood having a lot of strength. Plywood is mainly used for wall panelling, flooring and furniture. Stockroom sizes are: 4 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm and18 mm thicknesses and usually get delivered in 1220 mm x 1220 mm (4 f/sq) sheets
Plywood is a type of engineered (man-made) wood made from thin sheets of wood through made by gluing them together. Each ply is placed at a right angle to the one below resulting in plywood having a lot of strength. Plywood is mainly used for wall panelling, flooring and furniture. Stockroom sizes are: 4 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm and18 mm thicknesses and usually get delivered in 1220 mm x 1220 mm (4 f/sq) sheets
Flexi ply
Also known as Aero ply, is a form of plywood but it is extremely flexible. Thin marine plywood can be forced to form curves and bends, but eventually it will split, if pressured too far. Normal plywood tends to resist bending. However, flexi ply is composed of layers of thin plies. This means that it will bend into various ‘curved’ shapes, quite easily. we stock 0.8mm and 1.5mm in 1220mm x 1220mm sheets
Also known as Aero ply, is a form of plywood but it is extremely flexible. Thin marine plywood can be forced to form curves and bends, but eventually it will split, if pressured too far. Normal plywood tends to resist bending. However, flexi ply is composed of layers of thin plies. This means that it will bend into various ‘curved’ shapes, quite easily. we stock 0.8mm and 1.5mm in 1220mm x 1220mm sheets
M.D.F
M.D.F stands for medium density fibreboard because it is a manufactured fibreboard similar to particle board. The difference between the two is the size of the particles, particle board is made from larger wood chips and medium density fibreboard is made from a very fine wood dust.
Medium density fibreboard is made basically the same way as particle board which is by gluing the fibres together with a resin and then compressing the board under heat, later the board is cut into appropriate lengths after it has dried.
M.D.F stands for medium density fibreboard because it is a manufactured fibreboard similar to particle board. The difference between the two is the size of the particles, particle board is made from larger wood chips and medium density fibreboard is made from a very fine wood dust.
Medium density fibreboard is made basically the same way as particle board which is by gluing the fibres together with a resin and then compressing the board under heat, later the board is cut into appropriate lengths after it has dried.
Hardwoods
Hardwood is wood from deciduous trees and broad-leaf evergreen trees. All hardwoods produce flowers and are the most assorted and largest group of land plants. Hardwoods all have enclosed nuts or seeds. Hardwood is in contrast to softwood which come from conifers, cone bearing seed plants. Hardwoods are not always harder than softwoods, Balsa wood being a notable exception. Hardwoods have a more complex internal structure than softwoods. It is mostly solid wood fibres with hollow tubes (vessels) used to supply water to the tree. Softwoods have a structure that looks like many drinking straws bound together all of which are used to supply water to the tree. Hardwood trees are more varied than softwoods and there are about 100 times more species of hardwood than there are softwoods
Hardwood is wood from deciduous trees and broad-leaf evergreen trees. All hardwoods produce flowers and are the most assorted and largest group of land plants. Hardwoods all have enclosed nuts or seeds. Hardwood is in contrast to softwood which come from conifers, cone bearing seed plants. Hardwoods are not always harder than softwoods, Balsa wood being a notable exception. Hardwoods have a more complex internal structure than softwoods. It is mostly solid wood fibres with hollow tubes (vessels) used to supply water to the tree. Softwoods have a structure that looks like many drinking straws bound together all of which are used to supply water to the tree. Hardwood trees are more varied than softwoods and there are about 100 times more species of hardwood than there are softwoods
Softwoods
Evergreen trees are often called softwoods. Softwood is the source of about 80% of the world's production of timber, with traditional centres of production being the Baltic region (including Scandinavia and Russia) and North America and China. The term is opposed to hardwood, which is the wood from angiosperm trees. Softwoods are not necessarily softer than hardwoods. In both groups there is an enormous variation in actual wood hardness, with the range in density in hardwoods completely including that of softwoods; some hardwoods (e.g. balsa) are softer than most softwoods, while the hardest hardwoods are much harder than any softwood. The woods of longleaf pine, western red cedar, Douglas fir, and yew are much harder in the mechanical sense than several hardwoods.
Evergreen trees are often called softwoods. Softwood is the source of about 80% of the world's production of timber, with traditional centres of production being the Baltic region (including Scandinavia and Russia) and North America and China. The term is opposed to hardwood, which is the wood from angiosperm trees. Softwoods are not necessarily softer than hardwoods. In both groups there is an enormous variation in actual wood hardness, with the range in density in hardwoods completely including that of softwoods; some hardwoods (e.g. balsa) are softer than most softwoods, while the hardest hardwoods are much harder than any softwood. The woods of longleaf pine, western red cedar, Douglas fir, and yew are much harder in the mechanical sense than several hardwoods.
Paper and card
Paper is a thin material produced by pressing together moist fibers, typically cellulose pulp derived from wood, rags or grasses, and drying them into flexible sheets. Paper is a versatile material with many uses. Whilst the most common is for writing and printing upon, it is also widely used as a packaging material, in many cleaning products and in a number of industrial and construction processes.
GSM is an acronym standing for ‘Grams per Square Meter’. Quite simply, it allows print buyers and print suppliers to know exactly about the quality of paper that is being ordered. The higher the GSM number, the heavier the paper.
35gsm to 55gsm: This is very thin paper indeed. Most newspapers will commonly be printed on this paper thickness.
90gsm to 100gsm: This is the weight of most household printer paper.
120gsm to 140gsm: This GSM range covers the paper thickness of most posters you’re likely to find on pub walls etc. Paper with this GSM is sturdy enough to withstand a bit of wear and tear. Its also the thickness of low-cost flyers you might have had posted through your front door.
210gsm to 300gsm: Moving onto premium flyers now. This GSM range will cover most of the sturdy printed flyers you get given in the high street. This paper stock range is approaching card but will still have a bit of a bend when held with two fingers. Think of the magazine covers you see on the racks at newsagents.
350gsm to 400gsm: This GSM is essentially card. It will stand up under its own weight and is most commonly associated with premium flyers and business cards. As well, it is likely to be the stock that high-quality wedding invitations are printed on.
GSM is an acronym standing for ‘Grams per Square Meter’. Quite simply, it allows print buyers and print suppliers to know exactly about the quality of paper that is being ordered. The higher the GSM number, the heavier the paper.
35gsm to 55gsm: This is very thin paper indeed. Most newspapers will commonly be printed on this paper thickness.
90gsm to 100gsm: This is the weight of most household printer paper.
120gsm to 140gsm: This GSM range covers the paper thickness of most posters you’re likely to find on pub walls etc. Paper with this GSM is sturdy enough to withstand a bit of wear and tear. Its also the thickness of low-cost flyers you might have had posted through your front door.
210gsm to 300gsm: Moving onto premium flyers now. This GSM range will cover most of the sturdy printed flyers you get given in the high street. This paper stock range is approaching card but will still have a bit of a bend when held with two fingers. Think of the magazine covers you see on the racks at newsagents.
350gsm to 400gsm: This GSM is essentially card. It will stand up under its own weight and is most commonly associated with premium flyers and business cards. As well, it is likely to be the stock that high-quality wedding invitations are printed on.
Adhesives
An adhesive is any substance that, when applied to the surfaces of materials, binds the surfaces together and resists separation
P.V.A Glue (Polyvinyl Acetate)
As an emulsion in water, aPVAc emulsions are used as adhesives for porous materials, particularly for wood, paper, and cloth, and as a consolidate for porous building stone, in particular sandstone.
Uses:
As an emulsion in water, aPVAc emulsions are used as adhesives for porous materials, particularly for wood, paper, and cloth, and as a consolidate for porous building stone, in particular sandstone.
Uses:
- as wood glue PVAc is known as "white glue" and the yellow "carpenter's glue" or PVA glue.
- as paper adhesive during paper packaging converting
- in bookbinding and book arts, due to its flexible strong bond and non-acidic nature
- in handcrafts
- as envelope adhesive
- as wallpaper adhesive
- as a primer for drywall
Pritt Stick
Pritt Stick is the ideal clean, quick and accurate way of sticking paper, cardboard and photos. The glue can be applied smoothly and evenly, and allows sufficient time to reposition the object.
Dichloromethane / Tensol 12 / PK1
Dichloromethane, also known as Methylene Chloride is a solvent adhesive used to bond acrylic to acrylic. The adhesive provides a clear bond and works by capillary action using a blunted needle or a dropper. It is widely used as a paint stripper and a de-greaser. In the food industry, it has been used to decaffeinate coffee and tea as well as to prepare extracts of hops and other flavourings. Its volatility has led to its use as an aerosol spray propellant and as a blowing agent for polyurethane foams. D.C.M chemically welds certain plastics. For example, it is used to seal the casing of electric meters. Often sold as a main component of plastic welding adhesives, it is also used extensively by model building hobbyists for joining plastic components together. It is commonly referred to as "Di-clo."
WARNING! Due to the hazardous nature of this chemical, gloves, face masks and goggles are mandatory. Teacher supervision is always needed and this chemical is kept in a locked Flammables / Haz-chem cupboard.
Dichloromethane, also known as Methylene Chloride is a solvent adhesive used to bond acrylic to acrylic. The adhesive provides a clear bond and works by capillary action using a blunted needle or a dropper. It is widely used as a paint stripper and a de-greaser. In the food industry, it has been used to decaffeinate coffee and tea as well as to prepare extracts of hops and other flavourings. Its volatility has led to its use as an aerosol spray propellant and as a blowing agent for polyurethane foams. D.C.M chemically welds certain plastics. For example, it is used to seal the casing of electric meters. Often sold as a main component of plastic welding adhesives, it is also used extensively by model building hobbyists for joining plastic components together. It is commonly referred to as "Di-clo."
WARNING! Due to the hazardous nature of this chemical, gloves, face masks and goggles are mandatory. Teacher supervision is always needed and this chemical is kept in a locked Flammables / Haz-chem cupboard.
Contact adhesive
When an adhesive is a "contact" this means it adheres to itself, taking along what ever it is attatched to. To use a contact adhesive you simply apply even coats of the adhesive to each material you wish to adhere, allow it to dry, and stick them together. Contact adhesives are ideal when it is awkward to clamp, or when you have large surface area. Some Glues can be used as contact adhesives or as straight application
When an adhesive is a "contact" this means it adheres to itself, taking along what ever it is attatched to. To use a contact adhesive you simply apply even coats of the adhesive to each material you wish to adhere, allow it to dry, and stick them together. Contact adhesives are ideal when it is awkward to clamp, or when you have large surface area. Some Glues can be used as contact adhesives or as straight application
UHU Glue
UHU All Purpose Adhesive, the proven fast, crystal-clear universal adhesive. For universal applications at home, in the office, for modelling, at school and for crafts. Glues many materials rapidly and durably. Its adhesive bond remains temporarily correctable and it does not wrinkle paper.
UHU All Purpose Adhesive, the proven fast, crystal-clear universal adhesive. For universal applications at home, in the office, for modelling, at school and for crafts. Glues many materials rapidly and durably. Its adhesive bond remains temporarily correctable and it does not wrinkle paper.
Epoxy resin / Araldite
Epoxy is both the basic component and the cured end product of epoxy resins, as well as a colloquial name for the epoxide functional group. Epoxy resins, also known as polyepoxides are a class of reactive prepolymers and polymers which contain epoxide groups. Epoxy resins may be reacted (cross-linked) either with themselves through catalytic homopolymerisation, or with a wide range of co-reactants including polyfunctional amines, acids (and acid anhydrides), phenols, alcohols, and thiols. These co-reactants are often referred to as hardeners or curatives, and the cross-linking reaction is commonly referred to as curing.
"ARALDITE® RAPID is a two-part adhesive supplied a syringe.
It is a powerful adhesive with a fast setting time for rapid bonding.
It is solvent free, room temperature curing, high strength adhesive."
Epoxy is both the basic component and the cured end product of epoxy resins, as well as a colloquial name for the epoxide functional group. Epoxy resins, also known as polyepoxides are a class of reactive prepolymers and polymers which contain epoxide groups. Epoxy resins may be reacted (cross-linked) either with themselves through catalytic homopolymerisation, or with a wide range of co-reactants including polyfunctional amines, acids (and acid anhydrides), phenols, alcohols, and thiols. These co-reactants are often referred to as hardeners or curatives, and the cross-linking reaction is commonly referred to as curing.
"ARALDITE® RAPID is a two-part adhesive supplied a syringe.
It is a powerful adhesive with a fast setting time for rapid bonding.
It is solvent free, room temperature curing, high strength adhesive."
Hot Melt Adhesives (HMA)
Hot melt adhesive (HMA), also known as hot glue, is a form of thermoplastic adhesive that is commonly supplied in solid cylindrical sticks of various diameters, designed to be melted in an electric hot glue gun. The gun uses a continuous-duty heating element to melt the plastic glue, which may be pushed through the gun by a mechanical trigger mechanism, or directly by the user. The glue squeezed out of the heated nozzle is initially hot enough to burn and blister skin. The glue is tacky when hot, and solidifies in a few seconds to one minute.
Hot melt adhesive (HMA), also known as hot glue, is a form of thermoplastic adhesive that is commonly supplied in solid cylindrical sticks of various diameters, designed to be melted in an electric hot glue gun. The gun uses a continuous-duty heating element to melt the plastic glue, which may be pushed through the gun by a mechanical trigger mechanism, or directly by the user. The glue squeezed out of the heated nozzle is initially hot enough to burn and blister skin. The glue is tacky when hot, and solidifies in a few seconds to one minute.
Smart materials
Smart materials are designed materials that have one or more properties that can be significantly changed in a controlled fashion by external stimuli, such as stress, temperature, moisture, pH, electric or magnetic fields.
Polymorph
Polymorph is a thermoplastic material that can be shaped and reshaped any number of times. it is normally supplied as granules that look like small plastic beads. In the classroom it can be heated in hot water and when it reaches 62 degrees centigrade the granules form a mass of ‘clear’ material. When removed from the hot water it can be shaped into almost any form and on cooling it becomes as solid as a material such as nylon.
Although expensive, polymorph is suitable for 3D modelling as it can be shaped by hand or pressed into a shape through the use of a mould.
Polymorph is a thermoplastic material that can be shaped and reshaped any number of times. it is normally supplied as granules that look like small plastic beads. In the classroom it can be heated in hot water and when it reaches 62 degrees centigrade the granules form a mass of ‘clear’ material. When removed from the hot water it can be shaped into almost any form and on cooling it becomes as solid as a material such as nylon.
Although expensive, polymorph is suitable for 3D modelling as it can be shaped by hand or pressed into a shape through the use of a mould.
Memory wire (NiChrome wire / Nitinol) A shape-memory alloy (SMA, smart metal, memory metal, memory alloy, muscle wire, smart alloy) is an alloy that "remembers" its original, cold-forged shape: returning to the pre-deformed shape when heated. This material is a lightweight, solid-state alternative to conventional actuators such as hydraulic, pneumatic, and motor-based systems. Shape-memory alloys have applications in industries including medicine and aerospace.
Photochromic pigments
These are pigments, usually manufactured in the form of a powdered or liquid state for application, that alternate their colour intensity, respectively dependant to the amount of Ultra violet light (sunlight) they receive. Applications include: paints, novelty items, jewelery, sunglasses and many more.
These are pigments, usually manufactured in the form of a powdered or liquid state for application, that alternate their colour intensity, respectively dependant to the amount of Ultra violet light (sunlight) they receive. Applications include: paints, novelty items, jewelery, sunglasses and many more.
Thermochromic pigments
Similar to Photochromic except here the thermo-reactive pigments change colour according to how much heat they are exposed to, applications include: paint, printing inks, novelty items such as coffee cups, colour changing bath toys, thermometers etc..
Similar to Photochromic except here the thermo-reactive pigments change colour according to how much heat they are exposed to, applications include: paint, printing inks, novelty items such as coffee cups, colour changing bath toys, thermometers etc..