While ordering the latest batch of toys components from SparkFun, I noticed something new — a 12-pack of moldable, air-curable rubber called Sugru. The description said that it could be used for all kinds of hacks, repairs, and inventions. It looked interesting, so I picked up a pack to try out.

Opening the pack, I found twelve packets in various colors, two sets of Sugru stickers, and a mini instruction manual.

Opening up a blue packet, I found the Sugru material quite a bit tackier than I’d expected. It’s like a mix of modeling clay and Silly Putty, and seems to want to stick to everything.

I initially tried making a D4 (tetrahedron), but wasn’t able to form the shape accurately, since the Sugru stuck to the desk. (It sticks to everything.) I then split it into four pieces and formed “feet” for the SIGMA walking robot.

A couple of days later, the Sugru had cured nicely into a rubbery form, and the robot was ready to try out its new shoes.

I’m still figuring out what I’ll use Sugru for, but it does seem to work well for various types of small mechanical hacks — basically, any place you’d like to be able to put Silly Putty and have it cure into a waterproof rubber-like substance over a day or two.