e discovered Makelastic during our experimentation. We discovered that a certain mixture of Ethyl lactate and other alcohols was a very effective plasticizer, getting in-between the PLA molecules and loosening their bonds. Suddenly, you didn't have to mess around with flexible filaments - good ol' reliable PLA could be used and then rubberized! Best of all, Makelastic was safer than even Acetone. For example, Ethyl Lactate is commonly used in fragrances - it has a scent that is close to coconuts (we kid you not).
Makelastic tends to dissipate over a few months, necessitating a quick spray with any off-the-shelf polyurethane spray. So far our prints have remained flexible!
Understand, "What is an inventors worth, if he only invents?" is not a statement. It's a question. "If he ONLY invents?" Means the type of inventor that only invents and tinkers away in his garage or shop, making one offs for himself or maybe a few family members. Without having to take on the burden of liability or insurance, marketing or any other issue along the path that leads from manufacturing to the customer. So the opposite is true also. If he only invents, then he wouldn't sell one and there would be no money for anyone.