Why Alginates are the Best Mold Making Material?

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , Saturday, November 12, 2022 5:25 AM

Alginate, a recognized component for various professions and industries, has a special use in life casting. The element is highly employed in the impression-making of body parts. Even though its origin from seaweed might lead to allergies, using good quality products can reduce the odds.

Have you ever heard of alginate? If not, let me start from scratch.

Basically, a naturally existing, palatable polysaccharide found in brown algae is Alginic acid, often known as Algin. It is hydrophilic and when hydrated turns into a gum with high viscosity. Its salts are defined as alginates when they comprise metals like sodium and calcium. It might be yellowish or white color. It can be purchased in various forms like powdered, filamentous, or granular states.



What’s so special about this component?


As alginate absorbs water fast, it can be used as an addition in dehydrated items, like slimming aids, and in the production of paper and textiles. In the culinary business, it is used as a thickening ingredient for beverages, ice cream, and cosmetics, and as a gelling agent for jellies. It is also used to waterproof and fireproof materials. To create a substitute for meat for vegans, soybean flour is combined with sodium alginate.

Alginates are also employed in pharmaceutical processes. Furthermore, they do not interact with reactive dyes and wash off quickly; hence, sodium alginate is used in reactive dye printing and as a thickening for reactive dyes in textile screen printing.

To speed up the healing process, calcium alginate is used in wide-ranging medical goods, including skin wound dressings. It may also be removed more comfortably than traditional dressings.

But, we are still yet to know about the interesting part of its application.

Impression-making in life casting


Well, you reached here; this was the interesting part I was talking about!

For several years, dentists have used alginate as the ideal substance to create dental molds of their patient's teeth. Alginate's ability to be used on skin and its suitability for young people as a hypoallergenic substance is the major factor in the decision to use it as an imprint material. This amazing substance is utilized to create body parts for prostheses, including limb impressions. As a result, sculptors and other artists began exploring the potential of using this mold-building material for their creations.

Although it is one of the safest methods for creating molds and castings of people's body parts, there remains a very slim chance of developing an allergy because it is comprised of seaweed. However, using A-graded alginate like the MoldGel Alginate SILFREE, can reduce the chances of allergic reactions.

Best alginate products for lifecasting


With all the above beneficial factors, it makes a fabulous option for your beautiful artwork creations. Let me present some of the best alginate products offered by the specialists of life casting, EnvironMolds.

  • MoldGel Alginate Traditional Formula
  • Hollywood Impressions SILFREE
  • MoldGel Alginate Traditional Formula
  • BEST BUY - LifeMold Silica Free Alginate
  • Silica free MoldGel SILFREE Alginate
  • MoldGel Alginate SILFREE

If you have been waiting for all this information, I guess you got your answer now. So, don’t lose time and jump right into your first lifecasting project.

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All About the Mold Making and Casting Materials

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , , Wednesday, October 26, 2022 10:59 PM

 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.

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Difference between Single and Multi-Part Molds

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , Tuesday, October 18, 2022 2:53 AM

Making a one part mold is simple and straightforward. However, the technique does not work every time. Complex objects call for making the mold in parts and artists should know how to make multi-part molds.

The best way to duplicate an object or to reproduce it in another material of choice is to make a mold of it. This basically captures a negative impression of the model that can be cast into to make an exact reproduction.

Therefore, it is fairly obvious that making a mold is a preliminary step that serves as the base for building the final casting. Artists try to keep the mold making to the simple and basic by opting for single part molds. This is the easiest method as the mold making material has to just be poured over the model to form the mold. Different types of materials – both rigid and flexible - can be used for making the molds.

However, one part molds work only for simple objects that have a flat side or base. The flat portion can be affixed to the mold box before pouring the mold making material. Once the mold has cured, the model can be detached and easily pulled out of the mold.



Multi-part molds


Models that have complex shapes or too many undercuts make it necessary to make the mold in two or more parts. Similarly, models that do not have a flat base or are thin and floppy or have holes going all the way through them (like a baseball, donut or coffee mug) call for multi-part molds.

The prospect of making such molds is much more complicated and time-consuming. The trick here is to embed half (or a part) of the model in clay so that the mold covers only the part that is protruding outside.

Once the mold part has cured, the clay is removed and a parting line and keys are made on the mold. Provision for a pouring spout (like a straw) also has to be made before pouring the mold making material on the other half of the model.

Once the mold has cured, the mold is cut along the middle or the parting line until the model can be pried out successfully. The parts are then aligned again using the keys and the mold comes together to form a whole. It has to be sealed properly before pouring the casting material into the mold by way of the spout.

Conclusion


It is clear that the procedure of making two part molds is very different and complicated than regular single part ones. However since the simpler process will not work every time, professional casting artists need to become adept at making the multi-part ones too.

EnvironMolds offers all the materials, supplies, tools and equipment for making molds, casts and life casts. The website https://www.artmolds.com is overflowing with step-by-step instructions, tips and other handy information for making all kinds of molds, casts and life casts.
 

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Challenges of Life Casting over Regular Casting

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , Thursday, October 6, 2022 5:22 AM

Life casting has the same basic premise as mold making and casting – make a mold of the model before casting into it. However, the fact that a living person is involved makes all the difference here!

Mold making and casting are wonderful forms of art that have practical uses as well. They involve different materials and techniques with the end result giving a very rewarding feeling to the artist.

However, when it comes to a passion for trying something new and feeling proud of the artistic creation, nothing can beat a life casting!

Life casting takes off from mold making and casting itself. However, the challenge lies in working on the live human body! Indeed, life casting involves making a three-dimensional representation of the body part of a person. Here, its not just about getting an accurate negative mold for making a perfect casting. The artist has to make a mold of the model’s hands, feet, face or other part of the body without causing them any harm or even discomfort.
 

This brings a lot of new dimensions into the picture that have to be handled with infinite care and attention. For instance, mold makers will be careful about not damaging the master they are working on. However, just in case things go wrong, the fallout will not be as severe. Yet, can a life casting artist afford to hurt the model in any manner?

To continue in the same vein, a porous master is sealed with a sealing agent. The mold making material can be applied on it in a random fashion and can be left on it to cure for an extended time as well. The master can be washed and cleaned as desired after demolding the mold. However, there is usually no problem if it is rendered unusable in the future.

The same is obviously not the case with life casting. The model’s body cannot be sealed in any manner. The mold making material ha to be chosen with care. It should not only be safe for the skin but should also set quickly as the model cannot be expected to tolerate the application for a long time.

What about the material snagging in the facial or body hair of the model? What if it gets into the eyes, nose or ears? How long will the model be able to stay stationary and maintain the pose? And how will the residue wash off from the body once the body mold has been demolded?

The challenges are real indeed, but this brings its own thrill to the proceedings. At the end of the day, the satisfaction of creating a lifelike representation of a person remains unparalleled!

For those who are attracted by the challenging buzz of life casting, should check out EnvironMolds. This art supplier does not limit itself to merely providing all the materials, supplies and tools for body casting and life casting. Being passionate enthusiasts about this beautiful art, they are also more than willing to guide and help novices master the tricks and techniques on their way to making perfect life casts!

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Difference between Poured Block and Blanket Molds

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , Monday, September 12, 2022 11:58 PM

The uses of silicone rubber across mold making and casting are too many to list. It can be used to make both block and blanket molds. Find out how to make these poured molds using silicone rubber.

Silicone rubber is an inherently versatile material which lends itself well to various applications in both mold making and casting. When it comes to mold making, both the poured block and poured blanket molds can be made using silicone rubber. Let us take a look at both these techniques:
 

Poured block mold – This is considered the simplest method for making a mold. All it requires is making a containment area or a mold box. For this, the model is first secured to a flat base and the edges are sealed with clay or glue. The walls of the box can be made using particle board, plywood, PVC pipes, etc. These walls will have to be secured together as well as to the bottom of the box before sealing the interior edges and corners to prevent leakage of any kind. Alternatively, the walls can be fashioned with clay itself.

Once the mold box is ready, making the mold is as easy as simply pouring the mixed silicone rubber into the box till it completely covers the model and then some more. This should be done from a corner while avoiding pouring directly over the model. Let it cure proper before demolding by dismantling the mold box and prying the mold loose. The mold will be ready for casting.

This technique does require a lot of rubber but is preferred for its simplicity.

 

Poured blanket molds – This is a more complicated process as it requires constructing a mold shell over the model which will take some practice. Here also the model is first secured to a base. Then it is covered with plastic wrap before applying clay to about half inch thickness. This should be uniform and fill all undercuts in the model. The clay is extended to form a flange and a pour hole is also needed.

A thickened mixture of polyurethane resin is applied over the clay and legs are added that will serve to hold and level the mold later on. Holes are drilled evenly throughout the plastic flange that will help in repositioning and screwing later.

Once cured, the mold shell is demolded and the clay is removed from inside. The model is again glued to the board and the plastic shell is repositioned over it by aligning the holes before securing it to the base with screws. Sealing the edges with clay will prevent leakage.

Mixed silicone rubber is poured inside through the hole at the top. This will cure to form a mold in place of the clay. The mold shell is removed and he edges of the silicone mold are loosened for demolding it from the model. When casting, the mold has to be placed in the shell mold again.

It is clear that this process may be complicated, but will require much less mold making material. The final casting will be easier to demold too as the poured blanket molds are thin and flexible.

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Life Casting Finds Diverse Applications

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , Thursday, September 1, 2022 2:57 AM

Wondering who will need a life cast and what purpose will it serve? Well, you will be surprised to know the multitude of applications of life casting right from memorabilia to special effects and more.

Life casting is a three-dimensional reproduction of any part of the live human body. It not just captures the shape and structure, but also minute details like fine body hair, skin texture, fingerprints and even the pores on the skin. This is a permanent and durable copy that lends itself well to varied uses.
 


  • Parents love to preserve a memory of the tiny hands and feet of their newborn baby with a life cast.
  • Many people like to get a life cast of their face or other preferred body part to immortalize their appearance in the best manner possible. While face casting is most common, people also get life casts of their hands, torso, hips, breasts, abdomen or even the full body. Pregnant women often opt for a belly casting as a lovely keepsake of this momentous part of their life. Group castings of hands are common with friends and families.
  • The life casting technique is also used for making busts of national figures and other famous people. It is often used for making human sculptures and wax statues too.
  • Law enforcement agencies use life casting for forensic work like fingerprints.
  • Life casting fits in perfectly for medical applications like making prosthetic body parts for amputees. The missing hand, leg, finger or toe is accurately reproduced with life casting, thus ensuring a perfect fit.
  • It also finds other applications in the medical field, like creating medical training aids.
  • Museum preservation also relies on life casting for various tasks.
  • When it comes to special effects and prosthetic makeup, the first step always involves making a life cast of the face, torso, arm or other body part. The changes to the nose, ears, eyes, cheeks, hands, fingers or feet are sculpted on to the life cast. As this is customized specially for the actor, it will ensure a perfect fit that will be comfortable as well as allow him/her to breathe, emote and move normally. Given the precise conformity with the desired area of the body down to the skin texture, it will ensure a seamless blend with the natural features of the actor. The special effects also look extremely realistic and believable, a far cry from the unnatural-appearing computer generated options.
  • Life casting also makes an interesting and enjoyable art activity for students, parties and the like. Special kits are available with all the requisite materials and supplies which can make for an afternoon of creativity and fun.

When it comes to sourcing quality materials and other requisites for making a life cast, the best source is EnvironMolds. It even stocks kits – like the ever popular Face EZ Cast Kit – an all-in-one answer to attempting a life cast for beginners. The art studio is passionate about promoting life casting and is willing to provide tips and assistance for making life casts.
 

 

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What You Need to Know About Latex Casting Rubber

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , Thursday, August 11, 2022 4:29 AM

Latex rubber is fun to use and lends itself well to varied projects. It can be used by beginners as well as experienced artists. It is fun to play around with the rubber with unending creative possibilities.

Liquid latex rubber can be split into two categories – mold making and casting rubber formulae. While the purpose is obvious from the names, it should be noted that liquid latex casting rubbers are always less viscous than the mold making ones. Therefore, they are preferred for making props, masks and other theatrical work.

As this category of rubber is more fluid, making the cast is as easy as pouring the material into the mold and letting it sit for some time before pouring it out again. This forms a thin skin inside the mold – the perfect way to make stretchable masks, props and other thin rubber items. RD-407 Mask Making and Casting Latex is the preferred product for such applications.

The same latex can be applied on the skin to create varying kinds of special effects. It will dry quickly to form a second skin of sorts, making it perfect for creating gashes, wounds, cuts and even horrifying effects.


Working with latex rubber


Latex rubber compounds are very easy to use as they do not require any mixing or other preparations. Application is direct and simple and the molds/casts capture excellent details to create an exact reproduction.

Latex casts are inherently flexible, more so than the casting formulations. However, the degree of flexibility of the latex cast can be controlled by adding an appropriate filler. RubRfil Latex Mold Rubber Filler And Extender is an excellent product that can make the latex cast turn out to be very flexible or very hard depending on the combination. The following proportions are suggested to get varying results:

  • 1 part latex to 1/2 part RubRfil - very flexible
  • 1 part latex to 1 part RubRfil– flexible
  • 1 part latex to 1 1/2 part RubRfil - medium flexibility
  • 1 part latex to 2 1/2 part RubRfil - very hard

The versatility of latex casting rubber comes to the fore when it is used for dipping and coating purposes. Fabrics can be dipped in liquid latex to make them waterproof. The same coating can also insulate tools from electric hazards. Apart from the protection, the coat also improves grip and comfort during usage.

Latex rubber usually has a transparent or white finish. It can be colored using special paints and dyes as the regular ones tend to chip and crack easily. These can be used intrinsically by mixing in the latex rubber or be painted on the cured latex surface. Varying shades are available.

When it comes to storing the liquid latex casting rubbers, both the material and the molds/casts have a long life and extended durability. However, keep in mind that liquid latex has a fair amount of alcohol mixed in it and should be handled with care. It should be stored in airtight containers and kept away from sunlight.
 

 

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