5. Molding and Casting¶
Week 5 at the Fablab was all about molding and casting. We began by learning the fundamentals of the process, including the types of materials and molds available. Each person in the group was tasked with experimenting using different materials to test their properties and effectiveness. I chose to work with resin, testing it on ready-made molds.
Here are the steps I followed:
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Selecting Materials: I chose resin as my casting material and selected a ready-made mold suitable for my project.
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Preparing the Mold: I cleaned and prepared the mold, ensuring it was free of any debris or imperfections that could affect the final product.
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Mixing the Resin: I carefully measured and mixed the resin according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring the correct ratio of resin to hardener.
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Pouring the Resin: I poured the mixed resin into the prepared mold, making sure to fill it evenly and avoid any air bubbles.
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Curing: I allowed the resin to cure, following the recommended curing time to ensure it set properly. This step required patience, as any disturbance could affect the final result.
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Demolding: Once the resin was fully cured, I carefully removed it from the mold, checking for any imperfections or areas that needed sanding or finishing.
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Finishing Touches: I sanded and polished the cast resin piece to achieve a smooth and finished look.
For my personal project, I created a keychain. This involved designing a small, detailed mold specifically for the keychain, following the same steps of preparing, mixing, pouring, curing, and finishing.
