Upcycle Project Progress

I did a bit of research on what method I would like to use to create the coasters. I came across a YouTube video on someone experimenting with silicone molds.[4] His method of melting the filament can be recreated easily, so I will try and do the same. I have created a short BOM for the materials I need: 

Table 1: BOM for Upcycling Project 

In the YouTube video, you can see the creator making his own mold. Luckily, while searching for a silicone mold kit I came across coaster molds intended for resin. [1] I will purchase these and see how well they hold up. 

I can also design a mold if the ones purchased don’t work well. I will do something simple for now just so that I can test the melting method and durability of the purchased mold. I will try and stick with the PLA filament so that the melting temperature stays consistent.  

Rev 1 of the mold design I made to pour silicone into

Further, I will have to collect more filament scrap as I go along with the project. Prior to starting this project, I would throw away my scraps as it was initially thought of as waste. However, to collect more scraps I will probably ask friends or utilize the printing lab on campus to find more scrap material. It might be tricky if the scraps are mixed with different types of filaments, so I’ll have to experiment and see how this would turn out. 

Another idea to play with is how I can create a design while creating the coasters. This will also be something I mess around with if I wanted to make a certain pattern or design. If making the mold proves to be simple, I can try and see if I can make more. Maybe I’ll experiment with different shapes for the coasters or create something like a trivet. 

Ikea trivets 

I’m excited to try this out and curious to see what I can come up with! 

References:

1. https://www.amazon.com/LETS-RESIN-Coaster-Silicone-Octagon/dp/B0BKZ6ZH2S/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2H2UJ7VAECDCZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KWcBnrKjomNJjrcBxvjwVPEUOcdrgmfYnlV0aqXwIwL4D_uJpusq9o00hv_bI_MiV0k8iIR1hvkWn7T9aKkprOkA6rOC8a2McRjoDHs3k7oErm6kPwqsS_uxzk506CbjqgxxMIqgFRm7codRgDtsXBR03hrYmp8IxRUY3zwjX-e-AU477q4jtTGDNIkrHfUCgwURblPXB53AcrP5BrDuaSeoQxuTGy9z3A57fkZqsrTJ7L5dOuirq_fKYyCFbPd8VH2rX2ZFunNm9pu40CGRhh6ARsHw1U4yMRfDxlAl0TNX-LXS340pMKk6KKjqXJGfYT1t3070Ns9OUDwpVFmB3L4XVMtfnJV4i4Fx9uqswRA.0rnPteyhvqeByZ-zorfBSG-bvzeMvvvtMTehoqjnooE&dib_tag=se&keywords=silicone+mold&qid=1738804773&s=home-garden&sprefix=%2Cgarden%2C133&sr=1-5
2. https://www.walmart.com/browse/home/toasters-ovens/4044_90548_90546_90774
3. https://www.walmart.com/ip/BLENDER-BLACK/5336908588?classType=VARIANT&athbdg=L1200&from=/search
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nypitKDr928
5. https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/heat-trivet-cork-87077700/