Making molds and casts involves a range of materials, supplies and equipment. Following is a look at the different items that should be kept at hand before beginning a mold making or casting project.
Mold making and casting are intricate arts that require different materials, supplies, tools and equipment. A lot of details are involved in these processes and it calls for careful and precise usage of the procedures as well.
To begin with, there is a choice of a variety of materials like clay, wax, plaster, alginate, liquid latex rubber, silicone rubber, polyurethane resins and more. The selection depends on the technique, artist’s dexterity and preference. The common tools and supplies range from brushes, spatulas, gloves and containers to knives, rasps, scalpels, pliers, calipers, etc. In case the materials involve an element of risk to the artist, it is advisable to wear protective equipment like gloves, goggles, mask and coat. Some even use a respirator to prevent inhalation.
To begin with, there is a choice of a variety of materials like clay, wax, plaster, alginate, liquid latex rubber, silicone rubber, polyurethane resins and more. The selection depends on the technique, artist’s dexterity and preference. The common tools and supplies range from brushes, spatulas, gloves and containers to knives, rasps, scalpels, pliers, calipers, etc. In case the materials involve an element of risk to the artist, it is advisable to wear protective equipment like gloves, goggles, mask and coat. Some even use a respirator to prevent inhalation.
The mold making usually starts with a mold box and a base plate. The master model is either placed in the mold container or secured to the base with clay or a suitable adhesive. A sealant may be required if the model has holes or happens to be porous. Applying a thin coat of an appropriate release agent is usually recommended as it will help in easy demolding.
Again, depending on the mold making material, it may have to be degassed using a vibrating table, pressure pot or vacuum chamber with pump. This will eliminate air pockets in the material which show up as unsightly bubbles in the mold.
Once the mold has cured properly, the demolding process can involve cutting the mold with a sharp knife, scalpel or using other tools to extract the model from the mold. The mold is smoothened using certain specific tools before it is ready for casting.
In case the mold is made in two or more parts, it will require placing keys that facilitate an easy coming together of the mold parts. If the mold is very flexible, it may even have to be reinforced with a shell mold that is generally made with plater bandages.
The casting process usually begins with applying a release agent on all the surfaces of the mold to ensure easy demolding later. The material may also have to be degassed before pouring into the mold. Once the cast has cured, it is extracted using tools and finished as required.
The cast can even be painted to create the desired effect. Some rubbers and resins require special paints and dyes as the regular ones are not compatible with these materials.
Last but not the least; all the materials, supplies and other requirements – like say, latex rubber, silicone rubber, scalpel, mixer and vacuum chamber – should always be sourced from a established and reliable source to ensure that everything is of top quality and will work as expected. This will ensure best results in the mold making and casting.
Again, depending on the mold making material, it may have to be degassed using a vibrating table, pressure pot or vacuum chamber with pump. This will eliminate air pockets in the material which show up as unsightly bubbles in the mold.
Once the mold has cured properly, the demolding process can involve cutting the mold with a sharp knife, scalpel or using other tools to extract the model from the mold. The mold is smoothened using certain specific tools before it is ready for casting.
In case the mold is made in two or more parts, it will require placing keys that facilitate an easy coming together of the mold parts. If the mold is very flexible, it may even have to be reinforced with a shell mold that is generally made with plater bandages.
The casting process usually begins with applying a release agent on all the surfaces of the mold to ensure easy demolding later. The material may also have to be degassed before pouring into the mold. Once the cast has cured, it is extracted using tools and finished as required.
The cast can even be painted to create the desired effect. Some rubbers and resins require special paints and dyes as the regular ones are not compatible with these materials.
Last but not the least; all the materials, supplies and other requirements – like say, latex rubber, silicone rubber, scalpel, mixer and vacuum chamber – should always be sourced from a established and reliable source to ensure that everything is of top quality and will work as expected. This will ensure best results in the mold making and casting.
0 Response to "What You Need for Mold Making and Casting"
Post a Comment