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mold makingtechniques

updated tue 18 jan 00

 

Jonathan Kaplan on mon 17 jan 00

Stephani:

What you refer to is a case mold, also called a master mold, also called a
mother mold.

This mold (above) is a mold of each part of your block mold, which is your
first mold taken from the original piece or the model. Like This:

Model/Original->Block Mold/First Mold->Case Mold->Production Molds

There are many ways to make a case mold, and I'll not clutter this list
with the myriad of techniques. Depending on the shape of the parts of the
block mold, it may be as easy as using just a rubber compound. In other
ways, the case mold usually needs to be combinations of rubber and/or
gypsum, or multiple parts of these materials. It all depends on the shape
of the block mold parts, but really it depends on how you design the
exterior of the block.

Most importantly, while molds are designed to reproduce your work, the mold
maker's job is to visualize the entire process so that making the case
molds becomes part of the entire process and that your job is not so
complex or involved. Well, it many situations it may be. But plan ahead.

If you wish to contact me for further help, the number is below, and I am
happy to help.

Good luck

Jonathan

Jonathan Kaplan
Ceramic Design Group
PO Box 775112
Steamboat Springs CO 80477
voice and fax 970 879-9139
jonathan@csn,net
http://www.sni.net/ceramicdesigin