Showing posts with label Ballistic clay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ballistic clay. Show all posts

Exploring Different Types of Molds Making Materials: What You Need to Know

Are you ready to dive into the fascinating realm of mold making? Whether you're an experienced artist, a DIY enthusiast, or simply curious about the craft, gaining knowledge of the different materials involved can unlock a world of creative possibilities.From the versatile ballistic clay to the precision of silicone rubbers, each material offers unique properties that can bring your ideas to life. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the diverse landscape of mold making materials, helping you choose the perfect medium for your next project.

Introduction: The Art and Science of Mold Making

Mold making is a crucial process in various industries, from fine arts and special effects to industrial design and manufacturing. It's the art of creating negative impressions of objects, which can then be used to produce replicas or cast new pieces. The choice of material can significantly impact the quality, durability, and detail of your final product. Let's embark on a journey through the most popular materials, their properties, and ideal applications.

Ballistic Clay: Versatility in Sculpting and Mold Making

Ballistic clay, a non-hardening modeling compound, has found its way from ballistics testing to the world of mold making. This versatile material offers several advantages:

  • Reusability: Can be reshaped and reused multiple times
  • Temperature sensitivity: Softens with heat, allowing for easy manipulation
  • Detail retention: Captures fine details when properly worked

While primarily used for prototyping and temporary molds, ballistic clay's malleability makes it an excellent choice for artists and designers who frequently iterate their designs.

  • Silicone Rubber: The Gold Standard in Flexibility and Detail
  • Silicone rubber is perhaps the most widely used material in mold making, and for good reason:
  • Exceptional flexibility: Allows for easy demolding of complex shapes
  • High detail reproduction: Captures even the finest surface textures
  • Durability: Can withstand multiple castings without degradation

Silicone molds are ideal for casting resins, plaster, wax, and even some low-temperature metals. They're particularly popular in the production of art objects, special effects prosthetics, and architectural elements.

Polyurethane Rubber: Strength Meets Versatility

For those seeking a balance between durability and flexibility, polyurethane rubber is an excellent choice:

  • High tear strength: Resists damage during demolding
  • Chemical resistance: Compatible with a wide range of casting materials
  • Variable hardness: Available in different shore hardnesses to suit various applications

Polyurethane molds excel in industrial applications, prototype manufacturing, and situations where mold longevity is crucial.

Alginate: Quick and Safe for Life Casting

Alginate, derived from seaweed, is a popular choice among life casters.

  • Fast setting: Cures in minutes, perfect for capturing living subjects
  • Safe and non-toxic: Ideal for body casting and dental impressions
  • Biodegradable: Environmentally friendly option

While alginate molds have a limited lifespan, their ease of use and safety make them invaluable for creating quick, detailed impressions of organic forms.

Plaster: The Traditional Choice for Rigid Molds

Plaster has been used in mold making for centuries, and it still has its place in modern applications:

  • Economical: One of the most cost-effective molds making materials
  • Heat resistant: Suitable for casting materials with higher melting points
  • Absorbent: Ideal for slip casting ceramics

Plaster molds are commonly used in ceramic production, architectural restoration, and educational settings where budget considerations are important.

Epoxy Resins: Precision and Durability Combined

For applications requiring extreme precision and longevity, epoxy resins shine:

  • Dimensional stability: Minimal shrinkage during curing
  • Chemical resistance: Withstands aggressive casting materials
  • High heat tolerance: Suitable for high-temperature casting processes

 

Epoxy molds are often used in industrial tooling, where tight tolerances and repeated use are essential.

Choosing the Right Material for Your Project

Choosing the right mold-making material depends on several factors.

  • The complexity of your design
  • The casting material you intend to use
  • The number of reproductions you need
  • Your budget and time constraints
  • The amount of detail needed in the final product

Consider these factors carefully when deciding between ballistic clay, silicone rubber, or any other mold making material. Each has its strengths, and the right choice can make all the difference in the success of your project.

Conclusion: Crafting Your Perfect Mold

The world of mold making is rich with possibilities, each material offering a unique set of properties to bring your vision to life. Whether you're working with the malleable ballistic clay or the precise detail of silicone rubber, understanding these materials is key to mastering the art of life casting.

Visit https://www.artmolds.com/ for a comprehensive selection of high-quality mold making materials and expert advice. From ballistic clay to advanced silicone rubbers, we have everything you need to turn your ideas into reality. Don't let your creativity be constrained – shape it, mold it, and bring it to life with ArtMolds!

FAQs

Q: What is the best mold making material for beginners?

A: Alginate is often recommended for beginners due to its ease of use, quick setting time, and forgiving nature. It's perfect for simple projects and learning the basics of mold making.

Q: Can I use ballistic clay for permanent molds?

A: While ballistic clay is excellent for prototyping and temporary molds, it's not suitable for permanent molds as it doesn't harden. For permanent molds, consider materials like silicone rubber or polyurethane.

Q: How long do silicone molds typically last?

A: With proper care, silicone molds can last for hundreds of castings. However, the exact lifespan depends on the type of silicone used, the casting material, and how the mold is maintained.

Q: Is it possible to combine different mold making materials?

A: Yes, it's possible to use multiple materials in a single mold making process. For example, you might use ballistic clay to create a prototype, then make a silicone mold from that prototype for final production.

Q: What safety precautions should I take when working with mold making materials?

A: Always work in a well-ventilated area, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and safety glasses, and carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions for each material.

Q: Can I recycle or reuse mold making materials?

A: Certain materials, such as ballistic clay, can be reused several times. Others, like cured silicone or polyurethane, cannot be recycled in their final form. Always check local regulations for proper disposal of mold making materials.

Crafting a Realistic Human Head with Ballistic Gel

 Crafting a Realistic Human Head with Ballistic Gel



 

Creating lifelike human replicas is a fascinating process, especially for those in the movie industry or special effects design. One of the most effective materials for making realistic human heads is ballistic gel. Used widely for testing the impact of bullets, ballistic gel provides an accurate representation of human tissue. This guide will walk you through the process of making a human head using ballistic gel, incorporating products from ArtMolds.
 

 Materials You Will Need



Ballistic Gel: Choose a high-quality ballistic gel for the best results.

Ballistic Clay: Useful for fine-tuning details.

Mold: A human head mold that suits your project needs.

Sculpting Tools: For detailing and adjustments.

Heating Equipment: To melt and pour the ballistic gel.

Skin Tone Paints and Makeup: To add a realistic appearance to the final product.
 

Step-by-Step Instructions


Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Ensure your workspace is clean and organized. Lay down protective sheets to catch any spills and have all your tools and materials within easy reach.

Step 2: Heat the Ballistic Gel
Follow the instructions provided with your ballistic gel. Typically, you will need to heat the gel to a specific temperature to make it pourable. Use a microwave or a double boiler method for controlled heating.

Step 3: Pour the Gel into the Mold
Carefully pour the heated ballistic gel into your human head mold. Pour slowly to avoid bubbles, which can mar the final appearance. Allow the gel to cool and set completely, which may take several hours depending on the size of the mold and the gel's properties.

Step 4: Demold the Head
Once the gel has set, gently remove the human head from the mold. Be careful not to damage any features. If needed, use sculpting tools to refine any imperfections or to add more detail.

Step 5: Adding Realism with Ballistic Clay
For more detailed work, use ballistic clay to sculpt fine features like wrinkles, scars, or other unique characteristics. Ballistic clay is malleable and adheres well to ballistic gel, making it perfect for this purpose.

Step 6: Painting and Detailing
Once you are satisfied with the sculpted head, it's time to add color. Use skin tone paints and makeup to give your ballistic dummy a realistic appearance. Pay special attention to shading and highlights to enhance the lifelike effect.

Step 7: Final Touches
Review the entire ballistic gel dummy for any final touches. Ensure that the details are sharp and the colors are blended well. Your ballistic gel torso or head should now look impressively realistic.

 Tips for Success


Consistency is Key: Ensure that the gel is heated evenly to avoid any inconsistencies in texture.

Take Your Time: Rushing through the sculpting and painting process can lead to a less realistic result.

Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different techniques and tools to achieve the best look.

 Applications

Ballistic gel dummies are incredibly useful not only in film and special effects but also in scientific research, medical training, and even forensic studies. Creating a realistic human head with ballistic gel can bring a new level of authenticity to your projects.

For all your ballistic supply needs, including ballistic gel, ballistic clay, and molds, check out the products available at ArtMolds.

By following these steps, you'll be able to create a realistic and detailed human head that can withstand impact testing, adding a new layer of authenticity to your work. Whether for a blockbuster movie or a detailed scientific study, your ballistic dummy will impress and perform admirably.

Happy crafting!

The Clay Medium for Artistic Creations

Clay has always been the quintessential product for making molds, sculptures and more. The soft and supple medium makes it easy to work with. Clay is formulated in many different forms to suit varied applications.

Sculpting is an age-old art form that involves creating three dimensional figures by hand. Clay is the common medium for sculpting as it is malleable and can be shaped with the fingers into the desired shape and form. Just holding clay in the hands can ignite creativity and the mental image can easily be transformed into a physical piece.

Clay modeling is popular among everyone – from little children to mold makers to seasoned sculptors and more. The benefit in mold making is that the artist can not only use clay to capture the shape of a model for casting purposes, but also fashion it into a novel mold straight out of his/her mind’s eye. This same material also lends itself well for making masks, special effects, etc. Clay animation is quite popular in the world of films and television.

While many artists prefer to work the clay with their hands and fingers, tools like knives, rasps, wire brushes and other trimming tools are often used to get the finer details right. Metal wires may also be used to form an internal frame (armature) to support the clay sculpture.



Types of Modelling Clay


Dough – Popularly known as PlayDough, this is preferred by children and beginners. This cost-effective medium tends to dry and crack easily, making it unsuitable for professional sculpting. It can be reserved for practice work at best.

Ceramic clay – This is regular water-based clay that is used for fashioning ceramics like earthenware, stoneware, terracotta and porcelain. It has to be baked at high temperatures in a kiln to give it a permanent shape. This makes it strong and long-lasting too.

Paper clay – This is clay mixed with cellulose fiber which increases the tensile strength of the material. It does not require firing as the clay will air dry to deliver a firm and lightweight structure.

Plasticine - Plasticine clay is the most popular oil-based clay. It can be shaped easily and can capture fine details. It will never dry even when left in the open for long periods of time. This way it remains reusable forever. Available in a multitude of colors, this clay is most preferred for professional mold making, mask making, sculpting, etc. Keep in mind that it cannot be fired.
 

Polymer clay – This is another oil-based sculpting clay that will remain soft and malleable until it is heated, which will harden it permanently. Therefore, it will never dry out unlessit is exposed to extreme heat! It is used by professional sculptors as well as for animation works wherein the static form can be manipulated frame by frame.

Ballistic clay – Not exactly clay, this material mimics human tissues which makes it perfect for using as the backing material for testing body armor and helmets. Ballistic clay can be molded into any shape and always remains reliable, easy to use and reusable.

All About the Mold Making and Casting Materials

 There is a broad range of materials that can be used to make molds, casts and life casts. Check out some of the options available along with their varying properties and usage in the world of artwork.


EnvironMolds is home to a complete line of mold making and casting materials along with the requisite supplies, tools and equipment. Quality is always a top priority for this leading art supplier which actually makes a difference in the molds, casts and life casts.

Let us take a look at some of the commonly used products:


Latex rubber: Liquid latex rubber is an economical material that is easy to use as well. The molds turn out to be tough, durable and tear resistant. A slightly less viscous form of the rubber is suitable for casting purposes as well. In fact, latex casting rubber is regularly used for making masks and other special effects for films and stage.



Silicone rubber: This is a more expensive rubber but the efficiency and applications more than justify the price. Apart from regular silicone rubbers, there are special formulations for using on the human body, on food items and even for doll reborning. This rubber is again versatile and can be used for making silicone casts as well.

 




Resin: This family comprises of polyester, epoxy and polyurethane resins that come with their own set of properties and usage. Generally speaking, polyurethane resins are most preferred for making casts. This material lends itself well for cold casting that can replicate the look of different metals, stones, wood, etc.

 




Clay: Clay is a versatile material if ever there was one. It comes in different types and is suitable for a range of mold making applications apart from other minor uses like sealing edges, making mold boxes and so on. However, artists prefer plasticine to regular clay for molds.

 



Alginate: This dental impression material is not only safe for the skin but also captures details well. It is the material of choice for making body molds for life casting. Varying set types and times are available to suit different applications. But the molds are good for one-time use as they tend to shrink and have to be used quickly.



Moulage: This is a reusable mold making material that is heated to melt before use. The mold can be remelted and reused again and again. It is skin safe too.



Wax: This is a simple material that can be modeled, carved and cast as desired.



Plaster: This white powder can be mixed with water and used to cast objects. It is widely preferred for life castings. However, regular plaster of Paris is better avoided as it tends to get chalky and flaky over time. Plaster-embedded bandages are also available that can be used to make shell molds to provide support to flexible rubber molds.



Apart from latex rubber and other materials, the ArtMolds website also stocks release agents, fibers, fillers, cold casting powders and more.


Techniques of Clay Modeling for a Beginner

Clay is soft and pliable to the extent that it can be easily fashioned into different forms. There are various techniques for making clay models depending on the size and style to even the dexterity of the artist.

There is art and then there is three-dimensional art! There is something about the latter that appeals to the senses and draws the soul. Creating a three-dimensional figure with your own hands can be deeply satisfying and enriching as well.

And when it comes to three-dimensional crafts, things cannot get more simpler than clay modeling! Clay is an extremely malleable material that can be molded in different ways to create functional or decorative items. Just playing around with clay is enough to unleash the latent creativity even while keeping the mind engaged and productive.

In general, clay in any form can be sculpted. However, professional artists prefer plasticine clay as it is oil-based and non-drying. This is best for making molds as well. Pottery and self-hardening clays are also commonly used for ceramics and other sculptures.



Sculpting techniques


Simply put, clay figures are fashioned mostly with the thumb and forefinger; intricate pieces involve the use of the full palm as well. The three major forms are slabs, coils and pinch pots that are then used to make the desired piece from the clay. It takes a lot of kneading, squeezing, pulling, pinching and rolling to conjure up varied forms and shapes from clay. The clay will have to be smoothed at various junctures and separate pieces may have to be joined together as well.

These small and delicate models can be gently created by hand itself. The potter’s wheel is a famous instrument for making pots and pans. However, it lends itself well for fashioning elaborate and tricky shapes as well. The pieces are generally glazed and baked in ovens or kilns to give them a better finish along with durability.

When it comes to bigger sculptures, the artist will have to create an armature to provide structure and support to the figure. This is like an internal skeleton that helps in building the clay model which may otherwise collapse under its own weight. It can be made with bent wires or better still, aluminum.

Apart from fingers and hands, clay modeling artists use different types of carving tools to create details in the sculpture. It is a series of rolling, pinching, carving, smoothing and joining that will slowly shape up the sculpture. Scoring is also a crucial step when joining any two pieces of clay; without this the parts are likely to crack or fall apart while drying.

Irrespective of the technique, the clay model should always be allowed to dry completely before use.

Where to buy?


EnvironMolds offers a broad selection of different types of top-quality clay to serve diverse purposes. It also stocks ballistic clay and gel blocks which is suitable for testing body armor and other terminal ballistic testing.

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.

The Different Faces of Clay

 Clay is a multipurpose material that lends itself well for different uses. From sculpting and special effects to mold making, pottery and even other rudimentary applications – clay has a lot going for it.


Clay is a soft and malleable material that can be easily molded as needed. Kneading, squashing and shaping the clay into different forms is very easy and fun as well.

This humble clay is ready to use and very versatile - it can be used for different purposes in artworks. The most popular application is obviously for clay modeling – from making sculptures, masks and even prototype models to special effects and animation too. Moreover, the clay can be used as it is for making basic molds for casting resins, rubbers or even metals. It does not require any weighing or mixing before use.

Ceramic clay is commonly used to make pottery. The earthenware is fired in a kiln and glazed to make it hard and durable.

Apart from this, clay also proves to be handy for other minor jobs. For instance, if a model has holes or spaces, it can interfere with the mold making process. Clay can be used to plug these gaps or even tunnels that run through the model. Then the mold can be made as usual, but with a different mold making material other than clay.

In fact, clay is often the material of choice for making a containment field around the model when making the mold. The clay can be built to the height and thickness as required. Even when using other materials to make the mold box, clay is commonly used to seal the edges so that the mold making material does not seep out from the gaps. It can also be applied around the edge of the base to fill the gap between the model and the base.

Types of clay


The regular water based clay is suitable for children’s art classes and playrooms only as it tends to dry and shrink quickly. The professional grade oil-based clays are preferred by artists around the world. They have the same flexibility as regular clay, but the oil content keeps it from drying or cracking even after being exposed to air. They are firmer, capture fine details and can hold the form better as well. Heating and cooling allows the artist to control its malleability. In fact, this clay can be remolded and is inherently reusable.

Another variant of non drying and oil based modeling clays ballistic clay. This is primarily used by government agencies to test body armor as it is considered to be of similar density and elasticity as live animal muscle tissue.

EnvironMolds offers a range of oil-based clay options like Chavant Plasteline clay, Del Milano Plastilina clay and Roma Plastilina clay along with regular earthenware pottery and ballistic clays. Sulfur-free alternatives are also available as the sulfur content of regular clay can interfere with the curing of silicone and polyurethane rubbers. In addition, it also has a variety of tools for carving and sculpting during clay modeling.

Varied Types of Clay at EnvironMolds

EnvironMolds opens the doors to a wide range of plasticine and ceramic clays to suit varied uses. The options range from Roma Plastilina and Del Milano to pottery clay and include ballistic clay too.

Clay is an important art material that is used by mold makers, sculptors, potters and other artists in many ways. Plasticine clay is especially popular for its non-drying and reusable properties. It displays good flexibility and adhesive properties and is regularly used for mold making, mask making, sculpting, special effects and clay animation.

The EnvironMolds website (www.artmolds.com) offers a complete range of molding clay to suit varied uses and budgets. The premium grade Roma Plastilina clay is available in varying degrees of hardness – soft, medium and hard - to suit different applications. Del Milano is a budget option, yet on par with Roma Plastilina in terms of quality. This is a non-sulfurated variant that comes in handy for silicone and urethane rubber mold makers as it will not inhibit the setting of these materials.

The industrial grade Chavant clay is also sulfur-free and is available in brown and gray-green colors. The unique feature of this clay is that it can even be melted and poured like other casting materials! Once it returns to room temperature, it will set by regaining the initial firmness.


In addition to this, regular pottery clay – from Dresden and Artware – is available too. These are suitable for ceramic works and prove to be quite adaptable. These clays set to a smooth, brilliant white finish while Stoneware clay is a moist option that turns bone hard when allowed to dry.

Apart from this, there is another variant of molding clay called ballistic clay. Surprisingly, this clay is considered to be of similar density and elasticity as live animal muscle tissue. Therefore, it is used by government agencies to test body armor and even in forensics. In fact, the Roma Plastilina No. 1 ballistic clay is specified by government agencies for ballistics testing.

Therefore, all kinds of clay modeling options can easily be sourced from EnvironMolds, that too at the best prices.


Uses and Types of Clay


You will be surprised to know that something as simple as clay not only enjoys a broad range of uses, but also comes in a range of variations. The choice obviously depends on the use, so pick accordingly.

The simple and malleable clay is the ideal modeling material for amateurs as well as veteran sculptors. The ease of working and extreme versatility makes clay a popular choice that gives other sophisticated materials like rubbers and resins a run for their money!

Indeed, the use of clay modeling extends across genres – from basic ceramics and pottery to making molds and sculptures to masks, prototypes, special effects and even clay animation.

Different variations of clay are available – there is oil and water-based clay, sulfur and sulfur-free clay and hardening as well as non-drying clay. The choice depends as much on the texture and hardness of the different materials as the potential reproductions of the finished piece. The personal dexterity and preference of the artist also matters here.

For instance, the water-based clays are much softer than the oil ones. But the latter do not dry out or shrink as easily. In fact, the high grade ones are even permanently pliable and can be used over and over again.

The most common uses of clay are sculpting and pottery. Here, the artist usually uses the water-based clays and they are not bothered about the drying as the finished piece will be fired in a kiln to harden it permanently.

However, when an artist is making an initial model for a prop, prototype or prosthetic, they may prefer the oil-based or non-hardening varieties. This allows them a longer window to mold the clay as it will not harden on exposure to air. What’s more, they can even reuse the same clay many times after the casting is done. There is a varying choice of hardness as well to suit different applications.

Most of the clay options contain sulfur and this does not affect the sculpture, mask, prop or prototype as such. The only hindrance is that the sulfur can inhibit the setting of various silicone rubbers. As such, when an artist plans to cast the clay mold in silicone rubber, he has to consider sulfur-free clays.

Apart from these, there is a special type of ballistic clay that is surprisingly handy for testing body armor. This clay simulates animal muscle tissue and can be used as backing for ballistic vests to test the deformations from varying bullet shots.

When it comes to which clay to purchase, the oil-based Roma Plastilina is the first choice of seasoned sculptors for clay modeling. Del Milano plasticine clay is another good variant of the same class, yet less heavy on the pocket. For prototyping and automotive design usage, Chavant offers top quality industrial plasticine clay in both sulfur and sulfur-free variants. Roma Platilina’s ballistic clay is the government-designated backing material for terminal ballistics testing. And if you need moist and self-hardening clays for pottery and ceramics, there are quality offerings from Dresden, Artware and Boneware.

Why You Should Only Use Studio Quality Materials

In my quest to become a top life caster, I started learning the art of mold making and casting. In the process, I used different kinds of mold making and casting products and equipment. Indeed I have tried using everything from alginate and moulage to clays and waxes to polyurethanes and silicones to latex and resins to even sand casting and cold casting powders.

And after experimenting with different brands of products – from the cheap ones to the budget friendly variety to the more expensive lot – I have personally realized that using good quality mold making and casting materials matters a lot. This is because substandard products often produce more air bubbles and even more molding gaps and tears. Moreover, many a times, good quality mold making materials tend to capture more details – especially the finer details – than the lower grade varieties available.

And my experience reveals that when it comes to studio quality mold making and casting materials, it cannot get better than ArtMolds! Indeed, coming from the house of EnvironMolds, LLC, this brand offers a complete line of top quality materials. Apart from the assurance of superior quality, all the products are user safe as well as environment friendly to boot.

Therefore from now on, when making molds, casts and even life casts, ArtMolds’ mold making and casting products are my insurance against material failure!