How to Make Your Invention Prototype
InstaMorph used to
create a custom wing-nut
Have you found a new and unique way to solve a problem? Don't underestimate
the value of your idea. Many incidental inventors have made big money from their ideas.
But one of the first things you might want to do is protect your idea by getting a patent.
Technically a prototype is not required to file for a patent, but a prototype can help you
eliminate any design flaws and prove that your idea actually works. Making a prototype
can help you make your patent drawings and write your patent application.
To make a prototype, you donít need to spend thousands of dollars at a prototying
company. Your prototype doesn't need to be perfectly molded and machined, a rough,
simple model can suffice.
InstaMorph is an advanced modeling compound that melts
in hot water or air and solidifies at room temperature.
When warm, it acts like clay, but when it cools it resembles a strong plastic. Unlike
other products that once they dry they are locked in that shape forever, InstaMorph
can be reheated over and over again and re-molded into any number of configurations.
When It's heated to molding temperature, the pellets turn clear. Once the
plastic cools, it returns to its original white color. It can be painted, machined,
carved or attached to other materials. It can also be dyed or impregnated
with glow in the dark powder for other exciting project possibilities. Mold it with your
hands, tools, or press around an object to make a mold. It is ideal for prototypers or
makers who want a strong, reusable compound.
R. R. Girard of Panama says,"
• I used a tiny pot that holds maybe a cup of water.
• I placed a strainer into the pot (after cutting off the handle and "ears" and pushing the bottom up to flatten it).
• I put two teaspoons of white pellets (they look like plastic BBs) in the strainer.
• I used medium heat and watched it until the pellets turned clear, then removed the strainer.
• I dumped the molten plastic out onto a cutting board. It now looks like a clear blob.
"At this point, it has already cooled enough to mold with your hands. It is somewhere
between soft and medium-hard, and difficult to tear with your hands. So you need to cut
whatever section you need if you melted too much.
"I needed to repair a knob that had broken off of my coffee grinder. I used a small
paring knife to cut a section of molten plastic off, then pushed that into the knob (after
preparing the inside of the knob), then pushed the knob onto the shaft real hard while
the plastic was still soft. The plastic formed around the shaft and made a good fit. It dries
clear, so it looks just like clear plastic or common household silicon glue.
"I then placed the unused portion of molten plastic back into the canister.
"I am really happy with this. There are numerous uses that I can't even think of yet.
But I know I will be able to use for lots of things."
Another InstaMorph user says,"I'm the sort of guy who likes to make prototypes and
what not, but I blow through money on supplies rather quickly because I am bad at
measurements. This stuff is amazing, It's about as strong as nylon or pvc (when trying
to drill through it) but it is reusable. If you end up butchering it, you can heat up and start
again. It's a great product for amatuer inventors."
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