A collection of molds to make parts compatible with Speks' Fleks toy.

https://youtu.be/1L0PxVWxo-k

Made with 3D-printed molds and Silicone. When silicone is mixed with corn starch, it makes a form of silicone rubber called Oogoo or ProtoPutty, which cures fast and can cure in enclosed spaces (without contacting air).

Printing

It can be printed using any hard plastic.

Each mold comes with a `part A` and `part B` to form a clamshell assembly.

A magnet is needed for every end of a linkage, and an anchor is needed to attach the magnet to the silicone structure.

Additional Materials

• Clear silicone #1
• Corn starch
• 8x3 cylindrical magnets
• Food Coloring (Optional)
• Super Glue
• Disposable container to mix silicone
• Stick to mix silicone

Additional Tools

• Pliers
• (Small) Trigger clamps
• Small/Medium Slot Screwdriver

Assembly

1. Print a `part A` and `part B` of the mold for a link you want to create. For however many ends it has, print that many anchors and set aside twice as many magnets.
2. For the `part A` of the mold, fit a magnet into the socket at each end. You'll need to decide the magnet polarity based on how you want the part to link to other parts.
3. Glue anchors to another set of magnets. Make sure the anchors are centered on the magnet. You'll need as many magnets and anchors as the mold's `part A` has ends. The flattest part of the anchor should be the side that glues to the magnet. The side without the anchor will be the side that connects to the magnets in the mold.
4. Connect the anchor magnets to the mold magnets. Keep the magnets centered.
5. Squeeze out enough silicone into a container to fill the mold. Seal the silicone caulking tube when done.
6. Add food coloring to silicone and stir them together.
7. Add the corn starch to the silicone and mix them together.
8. Place half the silicone in `part A` of the mold. Make sure the other side of the magnets are filled with material.
9. Place the other half of the silicone in `part B`.
10. Connect the two mold halves together.
11. Add the clamps to the mold, and clamp them together, squeezing out as much internal excess material as possible.
12. Clean up and recollect squeeze-out material for reuse if filling multiple molds in the same batch. Leave a little squeeze-out on the mold.
13. Let cure for 30+ minutes, the exact time will depend on your silicone-to-starch ratio used.
14. Check the consistency of the squeeze-out; when it's dry and firm, use the screwdriver to insert and twist the mold's release slot to separate the clamshells.
15. Let the product continue to finish fully curing for 8-24 hours.
16. Trim the flashing.
17. Connect to other magnetic links to find unique and interesting fun structures.

Caveats and Warnings

• When using SuperGlue with powerful rare earth magnets, be careful to keep control of the magnets once they have wet glue on them. Consider eyewear protection.
• Silicone can get messy; consider wearing gloves.
• Product contains small, powerful magnets, NOT INTENDED FOR YOUNG CHILDREN.
• While I'm at it, children should have adult supervision if doing the molding.
• Curing silicone gives off a lot of acidic vapor. Mold the silicone outside or in a well-ventilated area.
• This goes without saying (probably many of these safety notes do), but if you get silicone on your hands, don't touch your eyes or mouth until washing it off.

Notes

This is not meant to replace the actual Speks Fleks product. This thing will not be comparable in quality. This is intended as an exploration of extending the product - and an exercise of using 3D printing to create molds, and creating mixed-material products with rubber and magnets. If you like the idea of the toy, I suggest trying out the original.