MOCHI > The Workshop > Crafting > Glossary

Those looking for information about specific tools should look in the MOCHI Toolbox.

armature

Think of this as the "skeleton": a frame that supports the "shell" that you put on it or around it. Usually made of wire.

closed cell foam

Unlike open cell foam, the chambers in closed cell foam are not interconnected. This material makes good padding and is generally watertight. Examples include Ensolite and neoprene.

open cell foam

The chambers in open cell foam are interconnected, which makes it very soft and squishy. This kind of foam is easy to compress, which is good for sofa cushions but bad for padding straps or harnesses.

PVA glue

PVA stands for Poly-Vinyl Acetate. It is more familiar as "white glue" or (the brand name) "Elmer's Glue". As shown by its widespread use in schools, this stuff is pretty safe. Unfortunately, it is water-soluble, which can be a serious problem if it's going to be near something hot and sweaty (like a costumer).

PVC

PVC stands for Poly-Vinyl Chloride. Like many plastics, PVC takes on many forms, like pipes (for plumbing) or floor tiling (like lineoleum). You need to take care when using PVC: when exposed to the right chemicals, it releases the toxic gas dioxin.

thermoplastic

A plastic that is malleable after it has been heated. Some thermoplastics become malleable at a relatively low temperature (Friendly Plastic just needs to be dipped in hot water) while others require heating in an oven.

wet sanding

Sanding a surface while it is wet (usually flushed with water). This method of sanding can produce termendously smooth finishes (like the surface of a guitar).

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