Suggestions for selecting a model
- Almost anything can perform as a model for a mold. This is especially true if we are discussing a pourable or semi-solid molding material. Here are a few varieties of materials that are acceptable for models: wax, metal, clay, bone, plastic, wood, plaster, stone, and other resin castings.
- A note on your model selection, be sure you are not violating any copyright rules. While it’s one thing to mold and change someone else’s design for your personal use for a few pieces, it’s another thing to change something and sell it to others. If you are doubtful if your model is legal for you to borrow, get some advice from a lawyer.
- What to do when you have no ideas for molds.
Have a more difficult design?
Search for someone with experience in CAD/CAM work that can develop a wax model for you. Wax models are incredible templates for silicone molds.Create a model with Computer
Several online corporations will encourage you to upload a design via a computer file that can be printed as a three-dimensional item. Do it in something like plastic to easily enable it to become the model for your next mold.What do you do to make sure you are profitable at creating a mold?
- Build or secure a suitable mold container for your item. Empty plastic food jars are a great option for a mold box. They are reasonable and generally very creative. If you are going to create a mold box, make sure all sides are leak proof.
- If your model is absorptive (wood for example), make sure you seal it before trying it with a mold-making material. Oppositely, the mold material may hold the model via small holes and bring it impossible to demold later.
- The last step before pouring in the mold material is to wrap it with a light coat of a resin mold release agent.