Molding and Casting Assignment
Group Assignment
Task 1: Review Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Collect Safety Data Sheets for all molding and casting materials.
- Analyze key safety information, including hazards, handling precautions, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
- Document findings in a comparative table summarizing material properties and safety considerations.
Task 2: Test Casts
- Create test casts using each molding and casting material.
- Evaluate casts based on criteria such as surface finish, detail reproduction, curing time, and material strength.
- Compile results in a report comparing performance across materials.
Task 3: Compare Mold Making Processes
- Investigate different mold making techniques (e.g., one-part molds, two-part molds, flexible vs. rigid molds).
- Document the process for each technique, including steps, tools, and materials used.
- Compare processes based on complexity, time, cost, and suitability for specific applications.
Individual Assignment
Task 1: Design a Mold
- Select a molding process based on group assignment findings.
- Design a mold using CAD software, ensuring compatibility with the chosen casting material and process.
- Optimize the design for a smooth surface finish and ease of demolding.
Task 2: Produce the Mold
- Fabricate the mold using appropriate tools (e.g., CNC milling, 3D printing, or manual sculpting).
- Ensure the mold surface is smooth and free of visible toolpaths through post-processing techniques (e.g., sanding, polishing).
- Verify mold accuracy and surface quality before casting.
Task 3: Cast Parts
- Use the mold to cast parts with the selected material.
- Ensure proper material mixing, pouring, and curing as per SDS guidelines.
- Inspect cast parts for quality, including surface finish, dimensional accuracy, and structural integrity.