Make Alphabet Magnets from PLA Scraps

Materials Required:

• Small PLA scraps
• Clippers
• Safety glasses
• Oven mitts
• Silicone mold (up to 450°F / 232°C)
• Cookie sheet
• Magnetic tape
• X-acto knife
• Sanding paper
• Oven

Before filling the mold, place it on a cookie sheet to prevent spills. Wear safety glasses, and use clippers to cut the PLA scraps so they fit within the mold, as the scraps may scatter when clipped. Ensure the mold is fully filled.

Plastic Molding How-To

1. After filling the mold with plastic, place the cookie sheet in the oven.
2. Set the oven to 400°F (204°C) and bake.
3. Monitor the plastic as it melts, which may take approximately 30 minutes depending on oven efficiency.
4. Once melted, use oven mitts to remove the cookie sheet from the oven.
5. Place the sheet on a heat-safe surface like the stovetop.
6. Allow it to cool before proceeding to the next step.

The mold might not be sufficiently filled. Add more material, melt it, and repeat this process until the mold is adequately filled.

Tutorial Instructions

1. Once the mold has cooled completely, remove the letters.
2. Sand the backs of the letters until flat, preparing for magnet attachment.
3. Align the letters on the adhesive side of magnetic tape.
4. Use an Exacto knife to trim the excess tape.