Clay Goes from Modeling to Ballistic Testing

Clay is as versatile as a material can get. Get to know the different uses of various types of clay that ranges from clay models, molds and casts to even ballistic testing of vests and varied weapons.

Clay enjoys wide patronage in the world of mold making. Clay modeling is very popular and is used for a variety of purposes. Apart from molds, this extremely malleable substance is also used for sculpting, mask making, special effects, animatronics and claymation. The best part about using Plastilina clay is that it is oil-based and non-drying. This makes the material reusable as well.

Apart from this, clay proves to be handy for various other unexpected uses too. For instance, small dabs of clay are used to affix the model to the base before making the mold. The same clay can be also used to fill the gaps around the edges of the model; this will give a good, clean edge to the mold. Even any spaces or holes in the model can be plugged with clay before applying the mold making material. It also serves well for sealing the edges of the mold box, so that the mold material will not seep out before it cures on the model.


Other types of clay


There is a special type of clay called ballistic clay. The distinct feature of this clay is that it manages to almost replicate the density and viscosity of human tissue. The close match makes it useful for estimating and comparing the destructive effects that various firearms and ammunition can have on the real human body.

The gel like substance is regularly used as a backing material for terminal ballistic testing – like the testing of ballistic vests. It will provide unmatched terminal ballistics data for all types of rifles, handguns, machine guns, muzzle loaders, air rifles and pistols, bows and crossbows. In addition to this, ballistic gel heads and torsos can be used to simulate the effects of various bullet wounds with reliable and consistent results every time.

Where to get them?


EnvironMolds stocks a fine selection of plasticine, ceramic and ballistic clays of all types and price ranges. The renowned choice of professionals – Roma Plastilina clay comes in several degrees of hardness and is suitable for almost any application. Then there are budget options from Del Milano and even sulfur free formulations from Chavant. The latter can be used to cast silicone rubber without any fear of interfering with the setting of the rubber.

Coming to ballistic clay, the art supplier offers ballistic clay and gel blocks along with dummy heads and torsos. The clay is clear, odorless, reusable, 100% synthetic and contains no organic materials. It is non-toxic and can easily be molded into any shape as desired. More importantly, it is completely temperature stable (up to 240℉) too. Moreover, Clear Ballistics does the calibration on the gelatin to ensure that each batch meets the FBI protocols for ballistic testing.

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