Molds can be made by different methods - some simple, others more complicated. Each technique has its own pros and cons and the choice will depend on the preference and dexterity of the artist.
A mold is the easiest way to reproduce just about anything. The mold is nothing but a negative copy of a model that captures all the surface details, right from size and shape to undercuts and indentations. This is used to make original copies that are also known as casts.
How to make a mold can seem quite intimidating at first. However, mold making is actually quite an interesting and fun activity. There are very many materials that can be used to make the mold with an equally varied array of techniques for making the mold. A block mold is the easiest method that is usually preferred by beginners while the blanket molds can get quite complicated at times, especially if the mold has to be made in parts.
How to make a mold can seem quite intimidating at first. However, mold making is actually quite an interesting and fun activity. There are very many materials that can be used to make the mold with an equally varied array of techniques for making the mold. A block mold is the easiest method that is usually preferred by beginners while the blanket molds can get quite complicated at times, especially if the mold has to be made in parts.
Following is a look at the primary differences between a poured block mold and a poured blanket mold:
- Making a poured block mold is quite easy and quick whereas a poured blanket mold can take quite some time and effort. The latter is an intricate task involving making a pour hole and spues which requires some practice to master.
- Both types of molds call for some form of containment. A block mold is made in a mold box – a suitable container will also suffice here. Furthermore, it is quite easy to make a mold box from scratch too. On the other hand, a poured blanket mold entails the construction of a mold shell. This is again quite complicated, time-consuming and needs practice.
- Poured blanket molds generally require less mold rubber than poured block molds. It can take three times or even more quantity of rubber to fill the mold box containing the model when making a poured blanket mold. The mold making space is quite restricted (between the model and shell mold) in a poured blanket mold and require very less material. Therefore, poured block molds turn out be much more cost-intensive which can prove to be a limiting factor.
- A poured blanket mold is usually thinner and more flexible. This makes it much easier to demold a casting from a poured blanket mold than from a poured block mold.
This is why artists usually begin with the block mold method and with practice, move on to the poured blanket technique.
When looking for mold making materials to make either a block or blanket mold, do not forget to check out the array of options at EnvironMolds. The website https://www.artmolds.com is quite a treasure trove for mold makers and casting artists with its massive collection of materials, supplies, tools and equipment for making molds and casts. It even doubles up as a teacher and guide on mold making and casting by offering blogs, books, CDs and other instruction materials choc-a-bloc with handy tips and other useful information.
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