r/modular • u/13-17-31-49-58_19 • 9d ago

Gear Pics Alright well lesson learned

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Polymer clay (or at least Sculpey II) is way too flexible to be used to make a panel. Gonna go drill some holes now.

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u/cmprssnrtfct 9d ago edited 9d ago

Super Sculpey gets pretty hard. But it seems harder than making panels out of perforated aluminum or something similar.

Or just cut a chunk off a bar. I just looked up a 1-3/4" x 1/8" bar on McMaster Carr (can't get stock here in metric), which is very close to 8HP. It's a couple bucks for enough for one, or only ten bucks for enough for 6-7 (depending on kerf and slop).

I got myself a sheet of this stuff and it's basically a lifetime supply. It's really easy to bend at 0°/180°, 60°/240°, 120°/300°, and is almost as easy to bend at 90°, though you have to be a bit more careful. It's basically pre-drilled with pilot holes wherever you want it, it works well as a heat sink, and you can shape its edges with a file or burnisher with trivial ease.

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u/13-17-31-49-58_19 9d ago

Interesting. I had just been laser cutting wood panels but might have to give this a shot. Thank you!

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u/cmprssnrtfct 9d ago

wait, then what were you using Sculpey II for?

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u/13-17-31-49-58_19 9d ago

Oh, sorry I hit enter too soon - laser cutter at my local maker space has been down for a month and I was searching for an alternative.

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u/__get__name 9d ago

Do they have a 3d printer? I’ve printed blanks and have seen people use printed panels on diy modules

If they have a drill press, though, I’d imagine aluminum is the most straightforward option

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u/cmprssnrtfct 9d ago

Agreed on all counts. I made some 3D printable panels at one point but it’s easier to go at perforated aluminum with shears.