Fimo

FIMO is the name of a brand and distribution modeling, which is produced by the STAEDTLER Mars GmbH & Co. KG and was previously produced until 2009 by the Eberhard Faber GmbH. The main components are as specified by manufacturer PVC and phthalate-free plasticizers.

Use

The modeling has been and is offered in a wide range of colors. As a typical representative saved in the field of modeling FIMO also has the property of a slight malleability. Typical product group can FIMO in the standard version, for example, in the oven, or under similar heat sources may be cured at 110 ° C. In addition, as an alternative of STAEDTLER product line FIMOair offered a modeling clay that hardens in air at room temperature. According to manufacturer specific instructions for use FIMO modeling has the following characteristics: "In its raw state it can be processed in many ways ( mixed or covered with liquid paints or powders, stamped, textured, etc. ) But even after hardening it can still eg stamped. carved, turned, drilled, sanded and polished to be painted with acrylic paints, for example, or painted with colored or clear varnish. can be prepared from it, inter alia, figures, dolls, miniatures, decorative items and jewelry. "

According to the age recommendations of the manufacturer FIMO is suitable for children over eight years. Curing by means of a heat source should be done under the supervision of an adult.

History

The basic formulation to FIMO was invented in 1939 by Sophie Kruse, a daughter of Kathe Kruse. Originally a new material for the production should be developed doll heads, but this project was not successful in this direction. After experimenting with various other additions came as a new product instead 1954 modeling for the end user under the name Fimoik on the market, composed of the nicknames of the inventor Fifi, modeling clay and mosaic.

In 1964, the rights to Eberhard Faber were sold in 1966 changed the name to FIMO.

In 1978, the company Staedtler Faber and thus all rights with respect FIMO.

Application and health risks

If FIMO swallowed against the proper use, it cures by the stomach acid and can cause internal injuries caused by sharp-edged shape. If swallowed important that a physician should be consulted.

According to the manufacturer recommendation shall also, when properly used, the prescribed temperature of 130 ° C must not be exceeded, otherwise can emit noxious fumes of hydrochloric acid increased. Thus, it is also recommended during the Aushärteerwärmung to keep a distance to continuously ventilate the area well and to exceed the temperature and time limits under any circumstances.

According to these dangers children are to be kept in the use and implementation of the curing process under supervision.

Toxicity

FIMO conforms to the EU Toy Safety Directive and the relevant EN standard EN71 part 5, which specifies requirements to the substances and materials that are chemical in toys other than experimental sets used. Due to the FIMO is entitled to bear the CE mark, which is the clearance certificate for the placing on the market within the EU. FIMO falls below the standards according to EN71 part 5, because this product is a " in the oven to be cured plasticized modeling set".

In the American sector FIMO is reviewed every five years from DUKE University Medical Center, Durham, USA and was allowed to date carry the AP seal of non-toxic by ACMI ( Arts and Crafts Material Institute) basis of the currently issued clearance certificates in the United States.

Despite the formal approvals, which legitimize the marketing of the product in the course of the general debate on health risks of heated plastics and plasticizers following should be noted:

• The magazine Ökotest in 1993 various durable and non- durable curing modeling pastes, including FIMO, examined and tested. Of the 21 surveyed FIMO modeling belongs to the group of three permanently curing modeling pastes, all of which were classified as not recommended. This modeling contribute an additional note warning of manufacturer: Not a toy (since then have been in the EU since 2007, replaced by other banned in children's toys containing phthalates plasticizers). The other tested modeling cured product typically not permanent.
• Part of the PVC is evidence that significant health hazards arise.

Is possibly reinforced a possible health hazard due to the heating used in the curing and the associated increased Stoffflüchtigkeit per unit time.

On site, should therefore not eaten, drunk or smoked. After using Come with the product in contact hands and all working materials should be cleaned with soap and water. In addition, should merely tools to be used, which is recommended by the manufacturer in the instructions.