Mold Making and Casting: Difference between revisions
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= Creating Magnet Models = | |||
== Basic Process == | |||
# Create a clip art style image in Inkscape. | |||
#* I use layers as my checkpoint stack, so I can recover to a previous checkpoint if needed. | |||
#* Draw outlines only. | |||
#* Use Bezier curves and straight lines. | |||
#* Minimize the number of control handles to get fair curves. | |||
#* Set the page size to 68mm x 68mm. | |||
#* Set the line width to 0.5mm. | |||
#* Set line ends to rounded. | |||
#* Keep inset regions at least 2mm wide. | |||
#* Clean up everything as much as possible. | |||
#** Check where endpoints meet other curves. Close gaps, pull in dangling ends. | |||
#* Path -> Stroke to Path | |||
#* Select 1 path, then all the rest, then Path -> Union | |||
#* Save as SVG | |||
# Import Into Blender | |||
# Convert to Mesh | |||
# | |||
Revision as of 21:09, 18 April 2024
Resources
Local Services
- Reynolds, Silicone and More, Retail:
- Reynolds is national, with a retail store in Tempe, just North of the 202, off McClintock
- https://www.reynoldsam.com/location/phoenix/
Tutorials
- British Man makes Silicone Molds for Pewter Models
- 1) Mold Making: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_QD1ff3wJk
- 2) Casting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7atJo0iA5W4
- Ex Disney Guy Casting Urethane Resin in Silicone
- Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIy8UDigJ_ynP97e0sMtbKmRuBrCff1Ql
- Same Guy, Doing Low-Temp Metal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRU-IlIBPKY
- Casting a mechanical part in low-temperature bismuth-tin:
- Lost Styrofoam
- Electroplating
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-PtnwtOR24
- I haven't tried this on bismuth tin yet.
- Desktop Injection Molder
- Resin Printing for Beginners
Materials
- High Temperature 3D Printer Resin (for directly printing molds)
- 250C, $2.15/oz: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08V8T9NZL
- 180C, $1.15/oz: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GJTGPYQ
- Eutectic Bismuth Tin
- 58% Bi 42% Sn by weight
- 138C melting point (280F)
- 150C / 300F casting
- Tin (Sn) 232C / 450F
- Bismuth (Bi) 272C / 521F
- Bi-Sn tensile strength: 55 MPa, Mild Steel (the cheap stuff): 400-550 MPa, 6061 Aluminum (the cheap stuff): 290 MPa, Tin 220, 3003 aluminum: 186, HDPE plastic 20 - 30, epoxy resin 26 - 85
- Bi-Sn Density: ~8,500 kg/cm3, Mild Steel: 7,850 kg/cm3
- A little denser than steel and a lot weaker than most metal.
- Roughly as strong as epoxy resin (which can be cast in the same molds and is less dense).
- Heat Stable Silicone Mold Release
- Cheaper Tin and Bismuth (free shipping over $150):
Equipment
- Elegoo Mars 1
- 4.7x2.6x6.1 = 120x68x155
Examples
Progress Flag
Creating Magnet Models
Basic Process
- Create a clip art style image in Inkscape.
- I use layers as my checkpoint stack, so I can recover to a previous checkpoint if needed.
- Draw outlines only.
- Use Bezier curves and straight lines.
- Minimize the number of control handles to get fair curves.
- Set the page size to 68mm x 68mm.
- Set the line width to 0.5mm.
- Set line ends to rounded.
- Keep inset regions at least 2mm wide.
- Clean up everything as much as possible.
- Check where endpoints meet other curves. Close gaps, pull in dangling ends.
- Path -> Stroke to Path
- Select 1 path, then all the rest, then Path -> Union
- Save as SVG
- Import Into Blender
- Convert to Mesh