Hello all, Quick question. Would there be any interest in having your keys sealed in a super hard transparent plastic. The keys are added to a plastic and then taken to a high pressure and temperature for about 20 mins. The results are "permanently" sealed key(s). You can get them out, but have fun... don't hurt yourself. There is a way that is a bit easier to get then out. If you know how to do it, don't tell. I'm sure you all can find devious ways to use this or for self lockers who don't want easy access to the keys. Honesty it may be easier to cut and buy a new lock. I'm thing about $25 to 30 USD shipped for the service. Anyway here are a few pictures to see the results. Let me know what you think.
I'd be worried about the plastic adhering to the key metal, so even if you did get to the keys, you'll still have to chip/file off any little clumps. Could probably do the same thing with generic casting resin; but spray the keys with mold release first.
I could use a mold release bit it tends to cloud the results just a bit. Part of the fun is scraping the bits off. I don't think it should be too easy. Lol
I love it. Only, I think I would add a naked picture of me inside the mold so every time he looks at his keys he is reminded of me.
I like it bit That might be tough one to do. At least in my process. The molding process is about 450 degree F and 4000 psi. Not sure the photo could take the heat.
Could you do the photo sandwiched between two disks and sealed together? Of course the key will be separated and in the top disk.
I did another set with the keys in a different orientation. I like it but the heat and pressure actually bent the keys slightly. I'm sure they would still work once hammered flat again.
Would epoxy be stronger than the plastic it bonds? Kinda of like wood glue in the way that it is stronger than the material itself? You could use an epoxy at the seams, then wet sand it with a really fine grit and then polish it up so looks like it is seamless.
I think maybe a resin may be better for different shapes and others ideas. If I have time I might try a simple with photo tomorrow if I have time. I can only make it in the two shapes I have posted as it is done with special equipment. They would be a bit bulky for jewelry but make pretty good paper weights for your desk at work or the coffee table at home. Maybe a key fob. I may order some resin and see what I can do with that. I'm not sure how strong resin is compared to this stuff. what I'm using is industrial strength. It's super strong it wears out wet grinding blades very quickly. I'm not sure about metal saw blades. It can't be crushed in a vise. This stuff will not break. You can get your keys out but it will make a mess. like I said I don't want to tell how but it's not really that difficult to figure out. I see this a a better solution than thouse that freeze keys or couples that would like to keep things locked. But neither have the will power. They may stay locked just for the fact it may take too much time and so the lock stay locked. Or maybe a keyholder clicks the lock then shows the key or keys in the plastic tomb. Then say somthing like. "This time it's going to be awhile". It Doesn't even have to be the actual keys to his lock. But he doesn't need to know that. Or the keyholder keeps one key and one is encased. There are lots of devious keyholders here so there should be lots of good ideas flowing. Gabby
TAP plastics has a resin that hardens clear. They have how to videos on how to encapsulate things. I've thought about encapsulating the spare key. Tamper evident and slow to get to. http://www.tapplastics.com/product/...ting_products/tap_clear_lite_casting_resin/75
Gabby you are trying to hard (using material that is not easily used to do what you are doing) ... go to smooth-on.com they have easy resins that only need pressure curing (no heat) that cure clear or even optically clear depending on your need ... https://www.smooth-on.com/product-line/crystal-clear/ With that said I think if you want to put a devious twist to it ... you use their clear rubber .... https://www.smooth-on.com/product-line/clear-flex/ And if you want to be an extreme tease you could use this crumbling clear rubber so the key can be seen inside and is easy to get to ... but is 100% temper evident ... https://www.smooth-on.com/tutorials/realistic-ice-display-encapso/ Yes, I have molding and casting experience, and have debated offering it as a service just as you are suggesting @Gabriellia I think the the clear rubber would make a GREAT safety key, can be carried with wearer and still not gotten to unless broken into. I may create a "kit" that can be sent out so that persons interested can just do it at home themselves. The problem with doing it at home is some of the rubbers need to be pressure cast to get the full "clear " effect. There is also a resin that does not need pressure casting to be clear ... https://www.smooth-on.com/products/tarbender/ ... so that would make a great do it at home hard plastic version. @Gabriellia if you want to talk more feel free to PM me.
Several hobby stores also carry clear casting kits, either epoxy or resin. We even had them as kids and they were simple and safe to use.
Yes I understand there are many other options. The one I can do is ready available to me. I have everything for other work I do. So for me it's the easiest way to make it. Just thought I would put it out there to see if anyone was interested..
For a picture you might try this, it's what I use to get a picture inside of glass: http://www.delphiglass.com/fusing-embellishments/fusible-paper/fusing-photo-paper-10-pack