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SALTGATOR Introduces World’s First Desktop SoftGel Injection Molding Machine
SALTGATOR Tech Inc., a new company based in Dickinson, Texas, has unveiled a desktop SoftGel injection molding machine aimed at DIY makers. Injection molding has traditionally been confined to large industrial settings, where machines are bulky and costly. Now, SALTGATOR’s&hellip
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SALTGATOR Tech Inc., a new company based in Dickinson, Texas, has unveiled a desktop SoftGel injection molding machine aimed at DIY makers. Injection molding has traditionally been confined to large industrial settings, where machines are bulky and costly. Now, SALTGATOR’s compact version is bringing the process to makers in garages, classrooms and offices, making it possible to produce soft, flexible plastic parts on a small scale. Paired with a 3D printer, users can design and print their own molds, opening the door to endless custom creations. But how does this crafting tool work, and what kinds of projects can it make possible?
The idea for SALTGATOR came from hobbyist anglers and garage tinkerers searching for a better way to make soft fishing baits. The company’s name was actually inspired by an alligator spotted on a fishing trip, an animal equally at home in salt and fresh water, symbolizing adaptability and resilience. That spirit carries into the machine’s design, enabling users to create durable, tailored products with ease. From fishing lures to phone cases, keyboard caps to toys, SALTGATOR puts soft-plastic manufacturing within anyone’s reach.
SALTGATOR is compatible with molds made of diverse materials.
How SALTGATOR Works
Designed with simplicity in mind, the SALTGATOR is accessible even to first-time users. There’s no software to install, no calibration to fuss over and no extra parts to hunt down. It’s a complete, all-in-one unit. To begin, users either pour SoftGel directly into the machine or draw it in. The device holds up to 4 fl oz (120 ml) of material.
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