Polymorph  (Caprolactone polymer) is relatively a new commercial plastic in that is biodegradeable has a very low softening point, enabling it to be worked and moulded into complex shapes.

It may be softened in hot, (but not boiling water) or with care softened using a hair dryer or hot air gun.

Polymorph granules, usually about 3 to 4 mm in diameter are milky white in appearance, however after immersion in hot water, become opaque or clear. The material is now workable and can be moulded  into a solid but workable mass as it cools. As the temperature reduces to room temperature the Polymorph assumes a hard and resistant shape and reassumes its milky white colour.

Once fully cooled it is similar to Polyethylene or Nylon in appearance and physical

properties though is clearly much stiffer and stronger than most Polyethylene products and because of its high molecular weight sinks in water.

Provided it is not over heated (softening range 60 to 65 degrees Centigrade) or contaminated with dust or impurities, as a thermoplastic it may be resoftened and reformed many times.

It may be worked and fashioned using common hand tools or indeed machined using CNC equipment when it is in its solid state.

In its softened state in may be rolled flat, into a sheet form, fashioned into cylinders for axial turning or simply moulded into shapes.

May be coloured in a limited manner using food grade colouring.

For detailed information regarding using and processing Polymorph read, the Middlesex University Teaching Resources  information located at  http://www.mutr.co.uk/images/LIT0048.pdf

This is an ideal material for,

• Model making of unique shapes that may not be easily produced in any other way with any other current material.
• Repair by replacement of parts no longer obtainable
• Creation and trialling of designs
• Inserts or 'backbones' to support animated models.
• Mechanical joining of components.
• Orthopaedic parts
• Experimentation, trial and error, refining, testing of prototypes.
• Often used by enthusiasts involved in the making of model robots.