====== Mold Making ======

===== About =====

I cam make silicone molds. These molds are suited for pouring or injecting either resin or thermoplastics. To create a mold, I use a [[services:3d_printing#SLA|SLA Printer]] to generate a plug. There are two options for mold types. For skin molds, a shell is printed using my [[services:3d_printing#FDM|FDM]] printers to minimize the use of silicone to the recommended wall thickness of the silicone. This decreases cost while still providing rigid molds that reliably produce parts without warping. For split molds, a simple box is made around the part and oil based clay is used to create a seam line for the halves.

When casting the silicone for molds, the silicone is degassed to ensure an accurate surface finish. During curing, the temperature is controlled to reach optimal material strength and mold life. Several silicone options are available depending on the complexity of the part, required rigidity of the mold, and desired number of parts produced from the mold.

===== Tools =====

  * Vacuum Chamber

===== Relevant Projects =====

[[projects:stintzi_baits:paddle_tail_swim_bait|Paddle Tail Swim Bait]]