Posts Tagged ‘silicone moulds’
Model Railway Wagon
December 17th, 2009 | 
Author: Question:
Dear Sirs,
I have just finished viewing your web site. It is most informative and gave me a good idea of what is required to make models. So that you know that I am serious, I am in my seventies and coming back to railway modeling which I did many years ago. In those days I bought all my rolling stock complete or as metal kits. Now, I would prefer to build from kits. It not only keeps me occupied but ready-built rolling stock is more expensive that I can afford, at around $40-$50 a piece.
The attached image is a HO scale railway wagon in white metal. This is a very old kit and is no longer available. I would like to make a mould to cast it in polyurethane? Or what ever material you recommend.
After reading the notes on your website, I tend to lean towards silicone for the mould. What would you recommend as a casting agent? The heavier the better but I would not be disappointed if it wasn’t heavy. I also need release agents. Do I need it for the silicone? Do I need it for the release of the two-part mould? What else do I need? As you would have gathered I am new to this and will be guided by your advice. I would also appreciate it if you could tell me where I could find instructions (book/video) that would tell me how to construct the basic mould box so that the casting medium flows correctly and also allows air to escape.
Some of my old rolling stock still exists in reasonably good condition. With a little care I could disassemble these and maybe have 5 or six different models. So I have a requirement for say 10 different moulds with anything from 20 to 50 castings from each.
If it is possible, could you please construct a shopping list for me to cater for the above? I will then purchase these items from your firm. If the book/video is available I will also purchase that from you. I hope I am not wasting your time.
Thanking you in anticipation.
Valued Costumer
Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for getting in touch with us. I am also a model railway enthusiast and have played around with making moulds of my existing model kits. I would certainly recommend silicone for the manufacture of the moulds.
I have experimented with the use of metal powders in my casting resin to increase the weight and the results were quite good. I used CraftCast 75 for the casting resin and mixed in up to 50% iron powder to the mixture, making sure I mix the metal powder in before mixing the two parts A + B of the resin together. The reason you add the metal before is because once the resin is mixed, you will only have 2 – 3 minutes to get the resin mixture into the mould before it starts to set.
You don’t need a release agent when casting polyurethane resin into a silicone mould.
We are currently in the process of developing a mould box kit for sale but this is a few months off. Until then we recommend using small pieces of timber or lego to construct a wall around the original piece and to ensure it is water tight, apply non-drying clay such as our plastelina to the corners and edges of the wall.
A shopping list would be something like:
Aldax CraftSil 750 Silicone (to make the mould)
Aldax CraftCast 75 Resin (to cast into the mould)
Iron Powder
Aldax Plastelina (non-hardening clay)
Unfortunately we don’t have a video on this process yet, except for the online videos on our website which goes into some mould making with silicones.
I hope this helps. Please get back to me if you have any more questions.
Kind regards,
Joseph
Related Posts:
Question on Casting on Plastic
Question:
Hi. I was wondering if you can help. I would like to make a plaster reproduction of plastic lunchbox. I intended making a negative mould using latex or silicone. Can you advise me which products I should use to achieve the following?
- No damage at all to the plastic lunchbox. This item is nearly irreplaceable (plastic is black, glossy, scratched. circa; 1969)
My preference would be to use latex, but not sure if it will cure on plastic.
Thank you.
Valued Costumer
Answer:
Hi,
Yes, latex will cure on plastic. Have you had any experience in making latex moulds? You need to apply it on in layers and is quite time consuming.
Silicone will also leave the surface undamaged. Both silicone and latex do not require release agents on plastic so both will not do damage to the original item. The only risk you may have if using silicone is if something goes wrong with mixing, for example wrong mixing ratio, not mixed well enough etc. In this case you will have slimy, unset silicone covering your original which can prove difficult to clean. Latex is an air drying product so there is less of a risk of this happening.
Our latex is called Kwik Mold #70
We hope this helps.
Kind regards
Aldax Moulds
Related Posts:
Posted in Casting and Casting Materials | 
Tags: latex moulds, plastic casting, silicone moulds | 
1 Comment »
Release agents for use with Polypropylene Moulds.
Question:
Hello,Do you sell the mould release/condioner for use with clear casting epoxy and polypropelene moulds please? Thanks
Answer:
Silicone moulds usually do not require a release agent with epoxy resin but polypropylene moulds do. We would use a wax first then PVA release. We use J Wax aerosol but this cannot be posted only sent by courier but you can use Johnsons Paste Wax available from some hardware stores. The PVA is listed in our shopping cart. Click here for PVA Release.
Related Posts:
Posted in Mould Making |
Tags: polypropylene moulds, release agents, silicone moulds |
No Comments »
19th May Customer Questions
Question:
…..and I really appreciate the time you put into your customers…..
I have searched the site for help but specifically would like the following information..(no rush as I appreciate you have a business to run as your first priority.)
1. I have been trying to embed a picture in resin (the jewellery resin slow curing one) and I would like the background of the picture to look transparent and the actual picture to look as though it is floating. I did a two step process (two layers allowing the first layer to cure and then attaching the picture – however even using water slide decals – there ends up being a cloudy haze in the background – Has anyone done this before and am I using the right medium?
2. MORE IMPORTANTLY – I have a charm about 2.5 x 2 cm that does not have a base like your toy soldiers or knight – but I would like to cast another one- It is a small toy motorbike with fixed wheels. I am about to order some craft Sil and wonder how to complete the project – again is there any further videos on the subject or help that anyone can forward on please?
My projects are moving forward and I am having a LOT of fun – Lets hope it grows to something bigger and better! 
Answer:
To have your picture transparent you will need to scan it and then print it on clear film. Enclose your charm with a box or something to prevent the silicone from flowing all over the place, pour the silicone and then cut the silicone mould down one side side to release the charm using a new scalpel blade.Then cut an opening in the base through which to pour the casting resin. All the best with your projects. Stan
Have a great and prosperous week!
Related Posts:
What Materials to Use Casting Chocolate?
Question:
Dear aldaxmoulds,Can you tell me what product would be best/safe to use for making chocolate moulds? Thanks
Answer:
Hi, Our plastic moulds are all made with food safe plastic however there is a difficulty with rubbers. We only know of one rubber that is food safe. A silicone Number M4642. Do not hesitate to contact us if I can be of further assistance.Stan
Related Posts:
What Materials to Use to Make Model Plane Parts?
Question:
I’m interested in turning out small quantities of model plane parts ( missiles, bombs, nose spinners, wheels, pilots etc..) that will be using a sample machined/finished in pine wood ( or similar)…. These items will range from very small to about 5 cm x 2 cm.
Can you advise me on what product would be best for me to have a go at it? The moulded items might be precoloured and/or hand painted afterwards.
Thank you
Answer:
Use CraftSil silicone for the mould and CraftCast polyurethane resin for casting into the mould for the finished part and you will get perfect parts that can be painted, sanded drilled etc. We have some information in our web site Tech Tips on this subject and will be releasing a kit later this year.
Craftsil Can be found in our store by clicking here
CraftCast can be found by clicking here
All the best,
Aldax Moulds
Related Posts:
Release Agents for Use With Polypropylene Moulds
Question:
Hello,
Do you sell the mould release/condioner for use with clear casting epoxy and polypropelene moulds please?
Thanks
Answer:
Silicone moulds usually do not require a release agent with epoxy resin but polypropylene moulds do. We would use a wax first then PVA release. We use J Wax aerosol but this cannot be posted only sent by courier but you can use Johnsons Paste Wax available from some hardware stores. The PVA is listed in our shopping cart. Click here for PVA Release.