Is there a type of plastic that has a low melting point or low soft temperature?

In summary, the group is looking for a plastic with a low melting point or soft temperature to use in creating a ball with a 6mm hole. They need the plastic to be dry in order to remove it easily and would like to reuse it if possible. Suggestions for potential materials include waxes, polymorph, and linear LDPE.
  • #1
peterje
4
0
Is there a type of plastic that has a low melting point or better a low soft temperature?
What we need is to blow up a ball (3-7 cm in diameter), cover the ball except a 6mm hole, let it dry, and then removes the plastic ball through the 6mm hole.
So to remove the plastic it needs to be soft and still in one piece be able to get it out of the 6mm hole.
 
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  • #2
You could alternatively use a solvent to remove your plastic?
 
  • #3
kateman said:
You could alternatively use a solvent to remove your plastic?

When Removing the plastic it must be dry.
 
  • #4
peterje said:
When Removing the plastic it must be dry.

Also we like to reuse the plastic if possible.
 
  • #5
there are some kinds of waxes that melt significantly lower than 100C. i'd suggest speaking to a company that specializes in model waxes and similar materials. i recall that a company (Freeman?) was particularly helpful for me in the past. note that there is often a limit to how often you can reuse a wax before crystallization limits its meltability.
 
  • #6
How about beeswax? I don't know if it tends to get grainy after repeated uses like paraffin does, but it might be worth a shot.
 
  • #7
Will wax stick enough together to pull it out easily from a small hole?
Can you blowup wax to a ball or dos it has to be full of was? If full than how to get it out before it turn to liquid or sticky mass?
 
  • #8
Try polymorph - has a melting point around 60 degrees - otherwise known as polycaprolactone (PCL) thermoplastic
 
  • #9
Rubber balloon. Why do make this stuff so hard?
 
  • #10
try linear LDPE. Won't melt too easily but can handle extreme 500% stresses and 20% strains, and can be molded at 50 degrees.
 

1. What is the definition of a low melting point for plastic?

A low melting point for plastic refers to the temperature at which the plastic begins to soften and lose its solid form. This temperature can vary depending on the type of plastic.

2. Is there a specific type of plastic that has a consistently low melting point?

Yes, there are several types of plastic that have a consistently low melting point, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene.

3. What is the softening temperature of these low melting point plastics?

The softening temperature for these low melting point plastics can range from 60-150 degrees Celsius, depending on the specific type of plastic and its composition.

4. Can low melting point plastics be used for food storage?

Yes, some low melting point plastics, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, are commonly used for food storage and packaging as they are generally considered safe and do not leach harmful chemicals into food.

5. Are there any drawbacks to using low melting point plastics?

One potential drawback of using low melting point plastics is that they may not be suitable for high-temperature applications, as they can melt or deform easily. Additionally, some low melting point plastics may also release toxic fumes when burned. It is important to carefully consider the intended use of the plastic before selecting a type with a low melting point.

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