properties of modern materials

modern materials

KPHP

• a material that has been engineered to have improved properties

kelvar

Used for body armour, cut-proof gloves, surfboard components and puncture resistant tyres - aramid fibres

Advantages

• Impact resistant

• Heat resistant

Disadvantages

• Poor UV resistance and degrades with sunlight

• Prone to moisture degradations

• Poor in compression unless reinforced

precious metal clay (PMC)

Used for jewellery, decorative items, small sculptures - clay consistency made up of fine metal particles

(works like ceramic clay easily mouldable, shaped and formed)

Advantages

• Easily mouldable/formable

• Sets hard once fired with kiln/butane torch

• Inexpensive compared to solid metals

Disadvantages

• Fragile (behaves like ceramic)

• Can dry out whilst being moulded

high density modelling foam

Used for 3D modelling, prototypes - polyurethane closed cell foam blocks or sheets

Advantages

• Easy to work using traditional woodworking tools (CNC miller/router)

• Can be sanded easily

• Intricate shapes can be created

• Lightweight

Disadvantages

• Adhesives can dissolve the material

• Material is soft/deforms easily

polymorph

Used for modelling, shaping ergonomic handles, prototype mechanical parts - it comes in small beads and is used for modelling and prototyping

Advantages

• Can be remoulded multiple times

• Low melting point (62 celcius)

• Easily pigmented

• Made from thermoplastic material, it can be shaped and reshaped a number of times

Disadvantages

• Only mouldable for limited time

• Can be burned if heated above 65C for a long time