Plastic Mini Projects
Below are three mini projects that focus on different skills and techniques I wanted to grow in. These projects developed my ability to work Bend Acrylic, build with Coroplast Plastic, successfully Vacuum Form.
Acrylic Toothbrush Holder
This Acrylic Toothbrush Holder is simple in design, yet works efficiently and effectively. Utilizing only a small piece of acrylic and a washer, this toothbrush holder doesn't take much to work well.
Here is my initial design concept design for the holder. I used drew up the design on Inkscape and then cut the piece out on a Laser Cutter. The hole at the top is where the toothbrush is inserted, and the drawn lines mark where I would bend the acrylic.
I applied an even layer of heat using a Heat Gun, and then I bent a 90 degree angle on that line. I repeated this process until there were two even bends.
From here, the toothbrush holder would not support the toothbrush from the bottom because there was not enough friction. So I used Super Glue and applied a washer onto the bottom to contain the toothbrush. This proved as an easy solution to the problem, and it fit well within the design.
Coroplast Tool Box
This a Coroplast Tool Box with a vacuum formed insert organizer. This project shows the versatility of such a common material, coroplast. This project is not affiliated with any political party, it is merely a free sign my professor provided!
First I traced out the sides and then cut into the sign. If I wanted to make a 90 bend, I would use a Coro Claw to score half of the depth of the sign and then bend up. If I wanted to completely cut through the sign, I would use a Utility Knife to fully penetrate.
To lock the box in place, I used a makeshift "Rivet" system. I drilled a hole using an Electric Drill, and then I fed a Zip Tie through that hole. On the other end I attached another Zip Tie and used a Cable Tie Gun to tighten and trim the rest of the Zip Tie. This proved to be an effective method for keeping the box together.
Finally I Vacuum Formed a wooden skeleton to form the divider for the box. And then I used a Utility Knife to trim the edges.
Vacuum Formed Pickleball Paddle
This quick project helped me practice my Vacuum Forming skills. I thought my pickleball paddle would be a great mold, and it turned out great!
I wrapped the paddle in Cellophane Wrap to protect the silicone from the heat. I loaded a sheet of Poly Wall into the Vacuum Former, and let it heat for about 3 minutes (through trial and error, I found this to be the optimal heating time). When the Poly Wall was ready I brought it down and turned the vacuum on, creating the mold.
When the mold cooled down, I used a Utility Knife to clean up the edges, and my paddle was ready!
