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Topic: polyethylene terephthalate  (Read 2535 times)

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Offline philpense

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polyethylene terephthalate
« on: November 16, 2014, 08:39:06 AM »
Working in a molecular biology lab.  Most of us have had general and organic chemistry... but decades ago.  We have a need to create small, custom made, irregularly shaped objects and thought this might make a suitable base material.

Is there a path for such a project that would allow us to use PET bottles as a base material?  Much thanks in advance for an informed opinion.

Offline billnotgatez

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Re: polyethylene terephthalate
« Reply #1 on: November 16, 2014, 10:32:19 AM »
Your question seems so general, it makes me think you might not read the forum rules
See link near top of page     Forum Rules: Read This Before Posting

I use some of the following
clay
glass
polymer clay
precious metal clay
base metal clay
wood

Otherwise you might use glues on your PET bottles.

If I have been unhelpful, I apologize.



Offline Enthalpy

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Re: polyethylene terephthalate
« Reply #2 on: November 16, 2014, 03:10:09 PM »
Petp is an excellent candidate for irregular shapes with small details. Though, other polymers are good for that, and I feel the process is the limit, more than the material.

A mould for plastic injection costs $$$$$. Is your aim to avoid this cost? If not, just ask your favorite injector, he has all polymer granules at hand.

Polymers can be shaped by suction in a warm mould. This is reasonably cheap for small series. Then, a polymer film is the base material and is cheap.

Having paid an affordable mould (milled for instance), you can can produce the objects by electrodeposition of nickel, aka electroforming. These can be sterilized and resist UV, water and many chemicals indefinitely. One example among many
http://www.electroformednickel.com/services
Very small series are the usual job for them.

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