Week 12: Molding and Casting
April 20, 2024
Molding and Casting
This week, I experienced molding and casting. My goal was to go through the various stages of mold and casting. I experienced molding by trying products from different vendors. First, I created a mold with a 3D design I made. Then, I performed casting using this mold.
Group Assigment Page
This week’s group assignment explores the properties of the molding and casting materials. group assignment link 🚀
Design Molding with Openscad
I wanted to have various pyramids, so in the future, I could design pyramids in different sizes and colors. I created a pyramid with a base width of 5 cm and a height of 3 cm. I placed it inside a box that has a wall thickness of 1.5 cm and is 1 cm taller than the pyramid. I made my design on OpenSCAD.
Molding 3D Print
For molding, I printed my design using PLA filament on a Bambu X1 printer. I created multiple molds because I had materials for two different types of molding. I wanted to compare the results of both. I completed the printing with 15% fill.
I tried different components and materials for two different types of molding.
Ilki smooth-on Mold Max 29NV
When I researched on the website, I entered the master mold dimensions for the mold I made, and it provided me with the necessary mix ratios.
Accordingly, I mixed the necessary ratios. I stirred slowly for five minutes.
Then, I poured it over the master mold.
I did the same process with my second material, which I had purchased as a local product. According to the ratios on it, it required a mix to total 1 kg and 50 grams. I also conducted my experiment with this.
Before mixing, I tapped the mold on the ground several times to remove as many air bubbles as possible.
I left both to dry. I waited for 6 hours.
When I finally removed it, I obtained a mold without any bubbles.
While removing the molding, I had to break the 3D master mold side.
In my second mold attempt, despite waiting 24 hours, the mold did not form and the material did not harden.
Therefore, I was able to compare the materials for the two molds for molding.
Casting Time
I wanted to add different colored pigments for the molding and mix them with resin.
I waited for 24 hours.
In the final situation, I completed all the stages. It’s especially important to pay close attention to the mix ratios. After my calculations, very little mix was left for molding.
