In this “How To” you will be making Alphabet magnets out of PLA scraps from 3D prints. This process will require the use of an oven. This process will reach temperatures of 400°F so safety gear is needed.
Attachments
Resources
3D Files
Step 1 - Gather Supplies and Safety Equipment
You will need:
Small PLA Scraps
- Clippers
- Safety Glasses
- Oven Mitts
- Silicon Mold that can withstand up to 450°F
- Cookie sheet
- Magnetic tape
- Exacto knife
- Sanding paper
- An oven
Step 2 - Filling the Mold
Before filling the mold, put the mold on the cookie sheet to avoid spilling the scraps. Put on the safety glasses and use the clippers to break down the PLA scraps enough so that they fit in the mold. The scraps can go flying when you clip them. Try to fill the mold completely.
Step 3 - Melt the PLA
When done filling the mold with plastic, bring the cookie sheet with the mold on it to the oven. Set the oven temperature to 400°F and bake. We waited about 30 minutes for the plastic to melt, however, the oven we were using was very old so time may vary. Make sure to keep an eye on the plastic. When the plastic is melted, use oven mitts to take the cookie sheet out of the oven. Place the cookie sheet on a heat-safe surface such as the stovetop or another oven mitt. Wait for the cookie sheet to cool before moving on to the next step.
Step 4 - Repeat Steps 2 & 3
The mold may not be filled up enough, so clip some more scraps, put it in, and ugh so clip some more scraps and put it in the mold and melt again. Repeat till the mold is filled.
Step 5 - Pop the Letters Out and Put the Magnets On
After the mold has fully cooled down, pop the letters out of the mold. Get the sandpaper and sand down the backs of the letters to make them flat enough for the magnets.
When the backs are flat, roll out some magnetic tape and lay the letters on the sticky side of the tape. Use the Exacto knife to cut the magnetic tape off.
