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Moldmaking Directions PDF

This document provides instructions for making molds using silicone. It explains that the silicone needs to be thoroughly mixed with catalyst at a 10:1 ratio. It then describes two methods for removing bubbles from the silicone before pouring it into the mold container - using a vacuum chamber or pouring from a height to make the silicone stream thin, breaking any bubbles. The silicone is then poured slowly into the mold to displace air. The mold cures within 6-24 hours depending on conditions.

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AurumCor
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142 views1 page

Moldmaking Directions PDF

This document provides instructions for making molds using silicone. It explains that the silicone needs to be thoroughly mixed with catalyst at a 10:1 ratio. It then describes two methods for removing bubbles from the silicone before pouring it into the mold container - using a vacuum chamber or pouring from a height to make the silicone stream thin, breaking any bubbles. The silicone is then poured slowly into the mold to displace air. The mold cures within 6-24 hours depending on conditions.

Uploaded by

AurumCor
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Mold-making made simple... The TAP way!

Find or make a container to hold your origi- Measure the catalyst and silicone, 10 parts Mixed silicone will be loaded with bubbles The de-aired silicone is ready to pour into
nal part. Container must be leak proof. Con- silicone to 1 part catalyst by volume. THOR- (if it is mixed properly). These bubbles can the mold container. Pour slowly into the cor-
struct the container so that the mold walls OUGHLY mix until there are no streaks. ruin a mold if they are anywhere near the ner, never over your part. Allow the silicone
will be approximately 1/2 thick. Walls thicker Look at the outside and bottom of the trans- surface of the part. There are two ways to to slowly flow around the part, thus push-
than 1/2 make a mold difficult to work with parent mixing cup. If it is white, more mix- minimize bubbles. The vacuum chamber, ing air out ahead of it rather than trapping
and use more material. Under 1/2 causes ing is required. This step cannot be over pictured here is one method, and step five air. Deep undercuts may need to be painted
the mold to deform when filled with resin. emphasized! Incomplete mixing will yield describes the other. with silicone first to minimize air entrapment.
inferior results.
The container in this picture is made of acrylic If you are using a vacuum chamber, place
and held together with a hot-melt glue gun. This the mixed silicone in a container at least four
provides watertight seal, yet allows the box to times greater volume that the volume of the
be taken apart once the silicone has cured. silicone. Place the container in the chamber
and pull a vacuum to 28 hg or greater. The
Be sure to glue your master to its base! silicone will foam up (thus the need for a large
Some parts will slowly float to the top (usu- container) and then collapse as the air re-
ally when you are not looking!) rendering leases. Keep running the pump for 5-7 min-
the mold unusable. utes to remove even more air.
Be creative in your choices of containers.
Some possibilities include paper or plastic
cups, Amac Boxes, clay, and even Legos
custom built to shape.

If you do not have a vacuum chamber, there As in #4 above, pour into the corner of the Depending on working temperature, humid-
is another method to minimize air in the mold and allow the silicone to squeegee- ity, and catalyst type, your mold will be ready
mold. Cut a 1/2 diameter hold in the side gee air out ahead of it, to minimize trapped in between 6 and 24 hours. Higher tempera-
of a cup right near the bottom. Place tape bubbles. ture and humidity accelerate the cure. Even
over the hold. Pour the mixed silicone into though the mold may be usable right away,
this cup. it continues to cure for a full week. The best
castings will be produced after this full cure
Place the cup on the edge of a table at least time, especially if casting in polyester. Quik-
30 above your mold box on the floor. Re- Cast is shown in this picture.
move the tape from the hole and allow the
silicone to bombs away. As the silicone
comes out of the hole, it narrows to a thin
stream. In doing so, any bubbles break be-
fore they reach the mold, thus producing
virtually bubble free silicone in the box.

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