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Hugh Moore
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 3

Looking For Expandable and Returning to Original Size Material

07/24/2010 8:06 PM

I am looking for a material that is expandable* and can be turned 'back' to its original size and shape. I am seeking a material that is fairly weather resistant, a material that is moderately temperature resistant (-10 to 50 Celsius), a material that is strength flexible (non-tearing) in both states of expansion and static. Even of possible color choices.

* expandable as being defined in this thread as 200+ percent of original size.

By expansion methods of:

1. Electrical or

2. Chemical (safe non-toxic) or

3. Temperature or

3. Other

Manufactured into spools of any reasonable length or thicknesses.

sorry for any thread question errors. Just looking for what I cannot find.

Cheers,

Hugh
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Tornado
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#1

Re: Looking For Expandable and Returning to Original Size Material

07/24/2010 11:59 PM

Rubber or other elastomer sheet or strip?

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Anonymous Poster
#2

Re: Looking For Expandable and Returning to Original Size Material

07/25/2010 1:35 AM

Have you looked into "shape memory alloys"?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shape_memory_alloy
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krishnan.ng
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#6
In reply to #2

Re: Looking For Expandable and Returning to Original Size Material

07/26/2010 2:46 AM

Yes! Shaped memory Alloy is the way to go to solve the problem.[/p]

Refer http://www.nitinol.com/media/reference-library/095.pdf for the Nitinol alloy.[/p]

The NiTi shaped memory "heat to shrink alloy" is widely used for hermetically sealed joints with out welding brazing or bonding.
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Anonymous Poster
#3

Re: Looking For Expandable and Returning to Original Size Material

07/25/2010 1:39 AM

I actually have a camping mat that is similar to what you want. Basically it is a foam that is inside of a plastic coated cloth shell. Here is an example:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/readonly-item.jsp?id=515807&itemTemplate=products-found&cmCat=EOF

You compress the air out of it (or vacuum it) to get it small, and then open the port and let the foam push the material back to its original size. If you included an internal structure it would dictate the minimum shape, and the shell will dictate the maximum shape.
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Hugh Moore
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#4
In reply to #3

Re: Looking For Expandable and Returning to Original Size Material

07/25/2010 1:50 PM

That may just work. I would need to craft an air inlet apparatus, but that would be easy. Thank you for your "AIR" suggestion.
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Loupy
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#5

Re: Looking For Expandable and Returning to Original Size Material

07/25/2010 2:40 PM

Flubber.chemistry.about.com/cs/howtos/ht/flubber.htm

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ferquiza
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#7

Re: Looking For Expandable and Returning to Original Size Material

07/26/2010 8:30 AM

When you stretch a piece of PVC tube or hose until the point it won't turn back try this:boil the piece in water and will recover length and shape! May be a lot of plastics materials do this.For your special application should do the search.-
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Anonymous Poster
#8

Re: Looking For Expandable and Returning to Original Size Material

07/26/2010 6:58 PM

Have you looked at penises. They seem to meet all of your requirements, except perhaps the -10 C specification.... I think the expansion method would have to be in category 3 - other. and it might depend on your interpretation as to whether they could be manufactured into spools...
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chrisg288
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#9
In reply to #8

Re: Looking For Expandable and Returning to Original Size Material

07/26/2010 7:03 PM

difficult to manufacture, or form into different shapes/spools.

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Loupy
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#10
In reply to #9

Re: Looking For Expandable and Returning to Original Size Material

07/26/2010 9:05 PM

Chris;

You've got the balls to respond to that #8 ball with a GA! (even OT - it's funny!)

I wouldn't have touched that one with a 10' pole.

Loupy.

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chrisg288
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#11
In reply to #10

Re: Looking For Expandable and Returning to Original Size Material

07/26/2010 9:09 PM

I'm not that shy. Ever been shopping on Yonge St.? Actually the elastomer that dildos are made of is a reasonable candidate for the OP's application.

Chris
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Loupy
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#12
In reply to #11

Re: Looking For Expandable and Returning to Original Size Material

07/26/2010 9:46 PM

Chris;

No, I can honestly state that I have no idea what you are refrerring to shopping for DD's on Yonge Street.

My girlfriend may have, but she SAS ain't givin' up the goods, as of yet.

I'll ask her tonight over fondue - she melts, just like the fondue - she'll own up.

Then I'll know for sure if there's competition. C'mon baby - DD or ME! CHOOSE!

Besides, aren't we way, way off topic for this discussion, save for a few chuckles at the expence of #8. - Editor???

Loupy.

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chrisg288
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#13
In reply to #12

Re: Looking For Expandable and Returning to Original Size Material

07/26/2010 11:11 PM

its best if you experience Yonge st. shops first hand...

ya.. I better stop here.. I feel the dark side calling...

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Loupy
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#14
In reply to #13

Re: Looking For Expandable and Returning to Original Size Material

07/27/2010 1:36 AM

Kool wid dat - sees ya latta!

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Anonymous Poster
#15

Re: Looking For Expandable and Returning to Original Size Material

07/28/2010 12:33 AM
#

8
Re: Looking For Expandable and Returning to Original Size Material 07/26/2010 6:58 PM

Have you looked at penises. They seem to meet all of your requirements, except perhaps the -10 C specification.... I think the expansion method would have to be in category 3 - other. and it might depend on your interpretation as to whether they could be manufactured into spools...

Actually: you are correct in the want of disposition of said material. However, with moderate mental consideration: I find that approach least listful.
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Users who posted comments:

Anonymous Poster (4); chrisg288 (3); ferquiza (1); Hugh Moore (1); krishnan.ng (1); Loupy (4); Tornado (1)

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