Week 2 - Tools , Equipment & Model Materials

Stryene Box Assignment.

Our first assignment is to create a 3d model of a 50mm sq cube. Using 1mm styrene we need to ensure it is
-Square
-dimensions are accurate
-clean joints
-no lips or overhangs
-surfaces are clean and smooth ready for painting.



Consideration for the matterials thickness was a crucial part of the planning.

For this assignment I was introduced to my first new material and adhesive.

Material - Styrene Sheets
(High impact polystyrene, Plasticard, Bextrene)

Available in thicknesses of 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, & 3mm in sheet sizes of 1372 x 660mm.
It comes in a variety of primary colours, white, black and clear with a gloss/matt or matt/mat finish.

It is a farily dense, rigid sheet material. Althought it is a heavy material, when thin sheets are used to construct 3D shapes it provides a strong, light, low cost material with an excellent surface finish.

Styrene, particularly 0.5 - 1mm, can be cut quite easy with a sharp blade. For thicker sheets, a Score & Snap technique can be used. Running a blade down the sheet a couple of times will weaken the sheet enough so the piece can be snapped off. This leave an extremely clean edge, however, a ridge left after scoring or cutting should be removed with a flat blade or sanded off.



Square off,
measure in,
score,
remove excess,
and snap.


Styrene can be heated and used in a vacuum former.



Adhesive - Dichloromethane 'Dichlo', Plastic Weld.

This actually welds the material together as the solvent melts both surfaces of the joint. Components can be taped into place or supported with block and the dichlo can be bled into the joint with a fine brush or applicator. Not suitable for joints with gaps. For larger pieces double sided tape or contact adhesive is prefered.



The styrene surface can be sanded with a 400 or finer sand paper to give paint a hold. Prepared surfaces can be sprayed with QDSE, Cellulose and Acrylic.

Styrene can be sourced from

4D Modelshop, London -
http://www.modelshop.co.uk/search?category=113&q=styrene&view=images

Stockline Plastics, Glasgow -
http://www.stockline-plastics.co.uk/


Amari Plastics, Glasgow -
http://www.amariplastics.com/amari/search/productscrollresults.asp?pid=13

Prices vary between roughly £2 -£7 depending on the thickness.