Play Mode: Hard Shell Over SoftGel Core
🛠 How It Works:
By leveraging material-level self-adhesion, softgel is injected into a rigid outer shell mold to form a soft-inside, hard-outside structure — combining tactile comfort with structural strength.
🧪 Material Recommendations:
- ✅ Recommended shell materials: PETG, metal, PLA (ABS is not recommended as mold material due to strong adhesion with softgel, which can cause demolding issues.)
- ✅ Recommended embedded softgel-compatible materials (for internal parts):
- ABS: Strong natural adhesion with softgel at the microscopic level; perfect for load-bearing or high-strength hybrid structures like wheels or suction cups.
- PC (Polycarbonate): Heat-resistant with moderate surface roughness, offering secure bonding with softgel.
- ❌ Not recommended for bonding with softgel: PLA / PETG / metal — surfaces are too smooth to adhere effectively, leading to potential slipping or delamination.
🎨 Use Case Examples:
- ⌨️ Mechanical Keycaps
- Softgel core inside a rigid outer shell provides a comfortable, cushioned keystroke feel.
- 🎥 Camera Grip Handle Extensions
- The grip zone is injected with softgel, delivering better comfort, anti-slip texture, and ergonomic handling.
