Creating assistive technology solutions requires creativity, adaptability, and resourcefulness. Moldable materials are essential tools in this process, transforming everyday objects into personalized solutions—whether it’s customizing grips on paintbrushes or building up buttons for ease of use. In this post, we’ll explore five versatile moldable materials that can elevate your DIY assistive technology projects. Whether you’re a professional, a caregiver, or someone with lived experiences that require adaptive solutions, explore the possibilities with products like Sugru and FixIts to unlock your creative potential.
In this post, we’ll delve into five unique moldable material options, catering to a range of skillsets and project requirements. Whether you’re a seasoned assistive technology specialist or someone just embarking on their creative journey, this post is your guide to exploring the world of moldable materials. Get ready to shape the way you approach assistive technology projects with products like Sugru, FixITs, and more.
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Moldable materials for DIY assistive technology. Pictured: Instamorph Moldable Plastic, FIMO Professional Clay, Sugru Mouldable Glue, FixIts, and Polly Plastics thermoplastic sheets Who Can Create DIY Assistive Technology Using Moldable Materials?
This post is for makers from all walks (and wheels) of life. You may be:
People with lived experiences that require adaptive solutions to everyday tasks
Amateur or professional assistive technology creators
Assistive Technology Professionals (ATP)
Caregivers
Occupational Therapy Practitioners (OTPs), Physical Therapists, or Speech Therapists
Teachers
Special Educators
Orientation and Mobility Specialists
Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists
Ergonomics Specialists
Rehab Engineers
Adult Day Services Providers
Wheelchair Technicians
Disability Services Providers
Inclusion Services Providers
Anyone interested in DIY assistive technology
What are Moldable Materials for Assistive Technology?
Important Notes Before You Start Molding!
As with any project, please read all product materials for instructions and safety information. Look for safe handling advice, age recommendations, and potential hazards. When molding materials for any project, it’s important to consider potential skin sensitivities and plan accordingly. Individuals may need to consult a healthcare provider before using certain materials to ensure safety and comfort.
Assistive Technology Ideas for Moldable Materials
- Ergonomic handles for joint protection
- Push button adaptations for sensory and dexterity needs
- Computer mouse customizations
- Cell phone and charger cord adaptations
- Adaptations to medicine bottles and other containers
- Eating utensil modifications
- Oral care accessibility
- Adaptive art
- Crochet hook modifications
- Adaptive writing aids
- Touch screen stylus hacks
Low tech assistive technology devices created out of moldable materials. Pictured left to right: custom universal cuff, custom pencil grip, lid handle, build up button for a garage door opener, custom grasp aid for a paint brush, Chapstick lid pull, deodorant lid pull, cell phone built up buttons and grip.1. Sugru: “Mouldable Glue” for DIY Assistive Technology
Sugru is a remarkable “mouldable” silicone glue that sets into a durable silicone rubber. Sugru comes in small packages, each containing only 0.12 ounces, so you may need more than one for any given project. It’s perfect for small jobs like custom finger grips and built up buttons. This versatile material adheres to various surfaces, making it an excellent choice for customized adaptations to everyday objects like utensils and small wheelchair parts. The possibilities are endless with Sugru, and its properties ensure that your creations will be functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Important Notes
Sugru comes in several colors to add personalized touches to your designs.
It does not bond to oily plastics like polypropylene, polyethylene or Teflon™.
Allow up to 48 hours for projects to fully set, depending on the thickness of the application.
Be careful with electricity and limit your projects to small consumer electronics with low current and below 24 volts.
Unopened Sugru has limited shelf life but you can make it past the expiration date by storing it in the refrigerator.
Sugru used to build up volume buttons on the side of a cell phone case.2. FixIts for Repairs, Assistive Device Hacks, and More
FixIts are moldable plastic sticks for repair, crafts, and more. FixIts are not an adhesive, rather, they are made from a bioplastic compliant with the European regulation EN14995 for compostability. The makers of FixIts encourage users to ditch the “disposable mindset” and repair your things instead to save money and reduce waste.
FixIts can be used to fix a variety of small everyday items like broken glasses, zipper pulls, levers, and more . Or you can create new items, such as key holders, phone stands, and fidgets. They are ultra portable and handy to tuck in a drawer or tool bag. FixIts soften at temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius (above 140 degrees Fahrenheit). The instructions state to dunk the sticks in boiling water for around one minute.
Important Notes:
FixIts come in different colors for personalization.
Dimensions of each stick: 150 x 16 x 3.5 mm (5.9 x 0.6 x 0.14 inches).
They do not have an expiration date.
Because FixIts are heat activated, they shouldn’t be stored or used near heat sources of 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) or more.
FixIts Mouldable Fixing Sticks – Image From FixIts (2022) Press Kit
FixIt strip used to build up a garage door opener button3. Thermoplastic Beads: Shaping Adaptive Innovations
Thermoplastic beads offer a versatile and user-friendly approach to DIY assistive technology projects. Popular brands include Polyshape Polymorph, Instamorph, and Plastimake. Composed out of a biodegradable polyester called polycaprolactone (PCL), these beads become moldable when exposed to boiling water. Manufacturers vary in their temperature recommendations, anywhere from 140-150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once heated, the beads fuse together, creating a stable structure that can be reheated and reshaped multiple times. Once cool, they harden into strong, lightweight pieces. This property makes thermoplastic beads an excellent choice for crafting custom tools or intricate DIY projects. Add as many beads as you need to scale up the size, too.
Important Notes
Coloring kits and pigment packs are available for customization.
Because thermoplastic pellets can be reheated, this material does not work well for finished products that may come into contact with high heat. For example, don’t add it to a utensil that will be sanitized in water sources of 140 degrees Fahrenheit or more.
Thermoplastic pellets don’t stick to many materials, but will readily bond to other plastics like ABS, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyester, PVC, and vinyl plastics.
Loose thermoplastic beads alongside an object formed from the previously heated beads.
Heated Instamorph beads were used to create button build ups. A lever enhancement was added to the middle button. These enhancements had to be glued to the controller buttons.4. Low Temperature Thermoplastic Sheets: Forming Functional Devices
Low temperature thermoplastic sheets are activated by heat (variable by manufacturer and type between 140-175 degrees Fahrenheit), which allows them to become malleable for complex shaping. These sheets are well known in the medical field as “splinting material” and come in a wide range of options such as varying thickness, resistance to stretch, and solids or perforations. A few popular brands include Rolyan, AliMed, and Orfit. Aside from medical uses, low temperature thermoplastic sheets can also be found for crafts and costume creation, in brands like Polly Plastics and Worbla. Craft application thermoplastic sheets are often much thinner than splinting material.
Thermoplastic sheets are excellent for assistive technology projects requiring larger scale molding or for devices that must conform around body parts. You can create hand conforming universal cuffs, electronic device holders, and many other projects.
Important Notes
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including heat-resistant gloves.
Allow sufficient cooling time to solidify the thermoplastic so it retains its molded shape.
You can run cold water over the newly molded project to speed the setting time.
Some low-temperature thermoplastics can be reheated while others degrade with reheating.
Some thermoplastic sheets permanently bond when heated surfaces pinch together, while others resist bonding.
Use small test pieces to experiment with bonding, stretch, and surface compatibility prior to using for your project.
A heat gun can be used to spot-heat minor adjustments.
Custom universal cuff made out of a scrap piece of perforated splinting material. The cuff was then decorated using markers for a personalized touch.
Customized key made out of Polly Plastics thermoplastic sheet. Added surface area improves leverage, decreases the risk of dropping the key, and improves joint comfort.5. Air Dry and Polymer Clay: Sculpted Solutions for Assistive Tech
Air Dry Clay
Polymer Clay
Polymer clay offers greater durability than air-dry clay, making it a solid choice for DIY assistive technology projects that require more robust adaptations. While it needs to be baked in an oven to harden, only the clay itself is heated—not the object you’re adapting. This allows for the creation of custom, long-lasting components such as grips or buttons, providing a durable solution without compromising the shape or functionality.
Important Notes
For polymer clay, we like Kato Polyclay, Fimo Professional, Sculpey Premo, and Sculpey Soufflé.
Try Sculpey-Air Dry if baking isn’t an option.
You may finish cured clays with an appropriate sealant to protect the surface and enhance durability. Consider a finish that aligns with the intended use, whether it be glossy or matte.
Ensure that any adhesives used are suitable for both the clay and the adjacent materials.
A handful of polymer clay knobs, holders, and devices made out of Sculpey Premo
Custom grasp aid for a short brush made out of baked polymer clayMoldable Materials for DIY Assistive Technology Summary
We’ve concluded our exploration of moldable materials and their potential to transform everyday objects into personalized aids for individuals with disabilities. Whether you choose Sugru, Instamorph, Polly Plastics, or Sculpey Premo, these materials empower you to create personalized solutions that cater to unique needs. This list is not exhaustive, and the best material choice depends on the specific needs and application. Consider factors like strength, flexibility, size needs, and skin contact compatibility when selecting materials. If needed, consult with a qualified assistive technology specialist for personalized recommendations. Happy making!
