Prototype: Silicone Flexi-Joints

[UPDATE 26/01/2022] The Flexi-Joints have evolved into Wiggel! Read more about it on the project page.

While exploring ways to create a reinforced living hinge I thought about incorporating silicone in some way, and remembered an Alumni of the RCA Design Products programme—Jane Ní Dhulchaointigh—discovered a combination of silicone and wood dust creates a moldable air-drying putty that cures to a flexible rubber. That discovery eventually became Sugru, a commercially available food-safe moldable rubber with limitless applications.

It wasn’t long before I came across a DIY analog to Sugru known as Proto Putty or Oogoo. It essentially works in the same manner…

I thought this was ripe for exploring further, and concieved of a way to make flexible joints for dowels. After some quick CAD and 3D printing I had a few molds to experiment with, and started churning out double and triple joints. Also designed a tool for making wire inserts—though will probably do another post about the process when I have time. Will absolutely be developing this further, but for now enjoy the first proto shots!