Smart Materials Kit
For a taste of smart materials to satisfy your “smart” crafting craving, the wonderful folks at Make put together a smart materials starter kit. What you get: • Fashioning Technology, by Syuzi Pakhchyan (a $29.99 value) • ¼ oz Phosphorescent Powder (it glows in the dark!) • 10g of Photochromic powder, Blue (it changes color in different lights) • 10g of Photochromic powder, Yellow (it changes color in different lights) • 10g of Thermochromic powder (it changes color at different temps) • 2 feet of shape memory wire (it contracts when heated) • 5 crimp beads (to control the shape memory wire) • 2 ounces of polymorph plastic (heat it in hot water – mold it into whatever you want).
Thermochromic powder in Smart Materials Kit
With this kit you get a sampling of the various smart powders (mix with the appropriate transparent base of your choice) to get a smart ink.
Textile example printed with photochromic ink
Also for all of you curious about Nitinol, you can begin experimenting with shape memory alloys and textiles (the crimp beads are included).
Polymorph plastic ready to be sculpted
Lastly, if you’ve never played with polymorph plastic, I guarantee that you’ll quickly get hooked. Polymorph is a great way to sculpt unique forms in seconds that are durable as any plastic. Best part, if you don’t like what you make, simply re-heat and start again!
Example of a hand-sculpted flower (and LED light) creating using polymorph.
Fashioning Technology includes all the basic primers and info you need to begin working with these amazing materials. Smart Materials Kit available at the Maker Shed for $65
