kirk
New Member
Posts: 1
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Post by kirk on Jun 11, 2015 20:48:33 GMT -5
I have tried three times to create a mold for a piece I have. The piece has many sharp angles and fine detail. It is not large (roughly 2.5"x1.5"x.5").
I mixed up the putty as directed and started to try and wrap it around the object. I noticed almost immediately that the putty didn't want to hold its shape - it kind of fell away from the object not hugging it tight as one would imagine. I continued trying to get it to stay in the right shape and it finally became to stiff to manipulate. I cleaned the object thinking perhaps there was an issue with the plastic having something on it so I washed it and let it dry thoroughly. I tried again thinking maybe I just needed more putty to make a more thick walled mold. So I tried again. It started out ok but as I tried to get the putty up high enough to allow for a pour into it it happened again. I finally pushed the putty partially over the top of the object but after it had set it was worthless as a mold. Third time...pretty much the same but this time I just pushed the object into the putty and it immediately separated from the object. I'd try again but that's all that I have and I hate to waste another $20 to try it again.
What could be the issue? Is it even worth continuing or do I need to give up on this stuff?
Thanks for any help.
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Post by mike on Jun 12, 2015 14:11:57 GMT -5
Sorry for the frustration. Without seeing the part, I'm assuming you are right on track. The mold putty is extremely fast and the warmer the environment, the faster it will cure. Typically when I mix, its like a race to get the white streaks out of the putty as fast as possible, then quickly roll it into a ball tightly to remove the creases, then roll it over the piece, flip it over so I'm now looking at the back side and using my finger tips ... roll the putty around the piece until it is completely covered. This all needs to be done in 90-120 seconds. Otherwise it will begin to stiffen up as you described. Without seeing your piece, I'd probably recommend making a liquid rubber mold rather than fighting the putty as it will give you an exact mold with all the detail much easier and you'll have much more time. Take a look at the following link for Amazing Mold Rubber and watch the video. This will explain the process which might be a better fit. www.alumilite.com/store/p/756-Amazing-Mold-Rubber-3/4-lb.aspxLet me know if you have more questions or more info about your part which might help us decide which process/product is better. thx, Mike
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