piper
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Posts: 6 
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Post by piper on Dec 2, 2021 11:58:15 GMT -5
I am creating some blasters from a 3D printed prototype. The measurements need to be exact as there are components that will fit inside (laser, LED, speaker, switches etc). There are a total of 3 undercuts: through-holes for a speaker in the back, a hole in the top for an LED, and two through-holes for a laser and LED in the front. Other than that, the mold should separate cleanly. What is the best way to create a mold for this? I though to just put a piece of tape over the holes so only the top/inside half would have those undercuts. Would they re-align once the mold is set? I really need that laser to fire true and not be off. What is the best way to cast this to make sure it is a solid piece with no bubbles?
I have ordered some Performance 65D and hope it fits our needs.
The blasters really take a beating and we haven't been able to 3D print one that will hold up to the impacts.
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Post by notoes on Dec 7, 2021 8:54:48 GMT -5
You will definitely need to do a two piece mold, there are some good videos on how to make it out there (you can use any of the silicone mold materials for this) but yes the tape should work fine on covering the holes. Be sure to only cover one side of the two through and through holes (left side and top ones) as you'll need to drill though the resin to make them full holes. On the one on the right side, I can't see the back of it (in the interior) so I'm assuming you can put tape there(?).
RC-3 (full name: Alumires (RC-3) Tan) should work fine for you, though you might want to either color it before casting in the mold or being sure to add the primer to the mold before casting in it. RC-3 is a fairly tough resin as it's used to things that can take a beating like rock wall foot/hand holds and other hard surfaces.
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piper
New Member
Posts: 6
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Post by piper on Dec 8, 2021 10:57:11 GMT -5
What would be the best silicone to use for the mold?
I was looking at Plat-40 since it is better for critical measured parts.
I have to fit an LED and laser in the front and they need to fit snug and still be true shooting forward
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Post by notoes on Dec 13, 2021 10:06:05 GMT -5
Actually almost any of the silicones should work, I've done some pretty finely detailed molds with the HS-3 and it picked them up very well. But one of the Plat series is a good choice as it's a platinum cure and it's nice to be able to see what you're pouring it over BUT you do need to think of whether or not the Performance 65D would "react" to the cured Plat mold - being a platinum cure also means it's on the "picky" side and I know first hand that it does NOT like the Flex series but I'm not sure about the Performance series. But that was also a cured Flex that the Plat was poured over, it may or may not work differently with the Performance 65D poured into a cured Plat mold. I haven't tried it personally so I can't say either way.
And since I'm not completely sure if the Plat will work with the Performance or if one will react badly to the other, I'd actually recommend using one of the High Strength series instead. HS-3 is the "softest" feeling one and HS-1 is the most "stiff" feeling one, you just need to go by what you think will work best for you as all three will stretch and flex and you shouldn't have any problems with them picking up the detailing.
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