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Bio-bag

Bio bag cover

Creating a Bag with Gelatine based bioplastics and Laser Cut Mold

Complexity Skills Duration
Medium Bio Plastics & Laser 5 days

Introduction and context

The activity aims at introducing participants to bioplastics and Laser Cutting

Take a look to this resources before starting with biomaterials

Preparation and materials

Dive into the references provided in this page, select your recipes and create your sample.

Be careful. Check you have all the tools and materials needed before starting. Enjoy the process! Prepare in advance: - 2D file ready to be laser cut - Acrylic or similar material to use for the mold

Equipment, Tools and Materials

  • Table + chairs
  • Video recording and photo set up
  • Pot
  • Stove
  • Digital scale
  • Syringe
  • 12gr Gelatine (Biopolymer)
  • 60ml Water (Solvent)
  • 7.2gr Glycerine 9% (Plasticizer)
  • Natural Colorings: Gold Mica and Red Mica

Step by Step Instructions

STEP BY STEP overview

  • Create your design for the bag.
  • Draw the design in a 2D software (Ex.Illustrator)
  • Save it as .dxf and open it in Rhino for lasser configurations
  • Set up the lasser cutting space and machine
  • Select the colors for cutting correctly
  • Take the final pieces and paste it on a flat material with super glue.
  • Add the Gelatine to the water.
  • Warm the mix until it becomes homogeneous, do not boil .
  • Add the glycerine and stir.
  • Add the selected colors and stir again.
  • Take the Gelatine polymer mix.
  • Pour the mix onto the mold.
  • Tap the mold so the mix distributes evenly over the surface.
  • Remove bubbles with a scissors.
  • Add extra colorful decoration
  • Let it dry for 5 days
  • Take out of the frame after 5 days.
  • Pull slowly from the border of the bioplastic until completely detached.
  • Use a cutter if needed of correct the borders.

Safety rules & Tips

  • Working with an induction heat plate is safer
  • Do not stand inhaling over the pot if there is alcohol in the recipe
  • Use towels to pick up hot pots
  • Use a lab coat or apron for keeping yourself clean
  • Tie your hair up

Take a look to the process:

Reflection

Creating this biobag was really fun. We drew inspiration from Pinterest, and then we decided to make a bag. There were two options available for the procedure: creating the biomaterial and then laser-cutting it, or making an acrylic mold, laser-cutting it, and then pouring the biomaterial into the mold. We chose the second option for efficiency because the biomaterial needs to dry for multiple days. It was better to let it dry, and the only remaining step would be sealing it on the sides. We also managed to add some design with extra colors of gelatin, and we used the same material as glue.

Even though the result exceeded my expectations, I think I could make a second and third attempt because right now, the bag has a bit of an odor, and this material is not very resistant, so you cannot use it as an actual bag.