How to make rubber molds and cast resin parts

[totallyice]

Im interested in creating molds to cast several of my pieces in resin. Being as how Ive never done this before, Im trying to gain all the information I can about the process. Is there a really good, picture intensive tutorial on how to do this? Thanks!

 

[Scott Graham]

From what I've seen here before when people ask this, smoothon seems a good source for tutorials (and supplies):

Smooth-On, Inc. - Mold Making & Casting Materials Rubber, Plastic, Lifecasting, and More

YouTube - SmoothOnInc's Channel

 

[totallyice]

From what I've seen here before when people ask this, smoothon seems a good source for tutorials (and supplies):

Smooth-On, Inc. - Mold Making & Casting Materials Rubber, Plastic, Lifecasting, and More

YouTube - SmoothOnInc's Channel

Awesome! Thank you so much for the link!

 

[Jedi Dade]

start with a simple gravity pour type mold. Its the simplest type and suitable for a surprising number of things. Think about how the resin needs to flow into the mold and get to all the nooks and crannies. you may need to "add" material to the part so that when its molded the resin can flow everywhere easily, and/or air can escape the mold as it fills.

Its really not all that hard to do for simple things. Complicated shapes are a different thing altogether.

Smooth-on is a decent place to start.

Good Luck,
Jedi Dade

 

[totallyice]

Thanks very much for the advice. I ordered the starter kit from smooth-on. I'm gonna start by casting small parts, like Harry potter wands and jedi commlinks, etc.

 

[robn1]

The March issue of Finescale Modeller has a nice article on molding and casting. It has some good pics showing the placement of sprues and air vents on the master part.

 

[Dr Strange Lulz]

Fantastic book on the subject.

Hope this helps.