Week 9: Mold & Cast

Even in this form I made objects that helped me in the final project. I wanted to duplicate the keys to my desk using the technique of molding and casting. The keys to my desk have been designed in 3D from me, these are the files, then were printed in 3D to use them as cast. (3D key file).
 To do this I use a silicone resin, convenient to carry out the operation of separation of key. The silicone is called Antares and in packs of 1 kg of the price is eur 19.00. The resin Sintaform, Prochima brand (base + catalystis) in a pack of 500 grams and the price is euro 35,00. I have used on the packaging that I had left because I do like working in 3DiTALY.

The silicone should be mixed with a catalyst 5% hardening times of 24 hours. I used about 300 grams, my box was open for a long time and I could not waste the remaining material. It must be mixed very well and when it does the casting is moved many times to release any air bubbles. So I took a box of plex very flat, with a double coated tape we've placed on my key, to avoid so that moved in the operations of pouring the material.

You are having beaten many times to release all the air and waited 24 you can detach that will leave the identical shape of our object, in my case the key.

Once we detached the piece we can proceed with the casting resin. rhyme but you need to prepare it. In this case, the proportions are 50% catalyst and 50% resin.


You have to mix well the components to facilitate curing. Once miscelatii hardening times are approximately 10-15 minutes.

You have to be very quick and precise operation in casting.

Finally you can play at least 50 pcs without the silicone come off. The keys are identical to the original printed quela PLA, also Mantine layers print copies :)
This resin can also be of various colors by adding colored pigments.

Another very important project in which I participated on the same days was Eggform. A project I did with my company and I have set out at the Design Week in Milan. I invite you to follow the link of the site is very interesssante and inherent in Mold & Cast ;)

link: 3DiTALY Eggform