how do you make molds? like to make copies of models?

Question

how and what do you use, i have a basic idea, but i dont know where to buy the mould stuff, and how to do it, could anybody tell me of a site, or a place where i could buy the things neccessary do make one?

Answer 1

Mold making is a whole business within itself. Many things matter, like:
• What is the original model made of?
• What will you make the castings ( pieces pulled from the mold) out of?
• Is the mold going to be a temporary ( 1 casting) or permanent ( many or hundreds or castings)
• Does the original model have many undercuts?

Smooth-On is a simple enough product for molds, and works. Here's their website , with some good basic info for mold making:

http://www.smooth-on.com/howtomakemolds.htm

Answer 2

I'd add to Flea's list that it matters too how large or small the mold would be, and how much detail you need in the mold and cast. I use polymer clay a lot for making small molds with good detail (it's practically ideal), and sometimes make 2 part molds if I want a two-sided object. You wouldn't want to make very large molds though probably.

If I want a flexible mold or one with a *lot* of fine detail, I'd probably use a 2-pt silicone molding material, but that's more expensive than polymer clay.

For larger molds, or those that can be poured into, I'd check out various rubbers,latex, etc. molding materials.

You can get a bunch of info on making molds from polymer clay, 2 part silicone, and some unusual things like glue, on this page at my site if you're interested:
http://glassattic.com/polymer/molds.htm

You'll get more precise answers if you give all the info that people have asked for in a later question.


Diane B.

Answer 3

Depends on what the material you are copying is made of. The simpliest way is too use molding sand in two frames, each holding half the piece to be molded. The two halves are combined together to make a mold, then the cast material is poured into the mold to set.