Creating a silicone mold for a horse model is a meticulous process that involves detailed steps and precise mold cutting. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to use silicone materials to make a horse model mold and cast polyurethane resin, helping you master the production process and technical points.
PU resin horse model
Tools and Materials
1. Horse Toy Model: Master model for silicone mold making.
2. Silicone Material: Condensation silicone with curing agent.
3. Casting Material: Polyurethane resin.
4. Mold Frame: Holds the silicone mold, made from wood, plastic, or other rigid materials.
5. Release Agent: Applied to the model surface to prevent silicone from sticking.
6. Mixing Sticks and Containers: For mixing silicone and polyurethane resin materials.
7. Measuring Cups: For accurately measuring the ratios of silicone and resin materials.
Step 1: Prepare the Model
Before starting the silicone mold making process, first design and create the horse model. You can use 3D printing technology or hand carving to make the prototype, ensuring the prototype's details and dimensions are accurate, and the surface is smooth without noticeable bumps.
horse model
Step 2: Secure the Model
Fix the horse model in the center of the mold frame using hot melt glue, and mark the parting line with a brush to facilitate cutting the mold. Then, seal the mold frame joints with hot melt glue.
fixed model
draw the parting line
optimizing parting line
sealed seams
Step 3: Apply Release Agent
Before pouring silicone, evenly apply the release agent on the horse model's surface to prevent the silicone from adhering to the model, making demolding smoother.
sealed mold frame
spray release agent
Step 4: Mix the Silicone
Measure the ratio of silicone to curing agent according to the condensation silicone material instructions (usually 2%-3% curing agent to silicone). Pour into a clean container and stir evenly with a mixing stick. Since stirring will produce bubbles, it is recommended to use a vacuum machine for vacuum degassing. When mixing silicone, wear gloves and masks to avoid direct contact with the silicone and inhaling harmful gases, and ensure the operating environment is well-ventilated.
weighing silicone
stirring silicone
Step 5: Pour the Silicone
Slowly pour the mixed silicone into the mold frame, ensuring it covers the highest point of the master model and extends about 2 centimeters above it.
pour in silicone
silicone covered model
Step 6: Wait for the Silicone to Cure
After pouring the mold, place the mold frame in a level position and wait for the silicone to fully cure. The curing time depends on the amount of curing agent and the ambient temperature, usually taking around 10 hours.
removing the mold frame
Step 7: Cut and Demold
Once the silicone is fully cured, cut the silicone mold into two parts along the pre-marked parting line, cutting in a zigzag pattern to facilitate reassembly of the mold. Then carefully remove the master model.
cutting silicone
separating silicone
demolding
Step 8: Assemble the Mold
Reassemble the two parts of the silicone mold and secure them with a string.
combined silicone mold
Step 9: Mix the Resin
Measure the appropriate amounts of parts A and B of the polyurethane resin materials in the correct ratio and mix thoroughly.
weigh PU resin
stir PU resin
Step 10: Pour the Resin
Quickly pour the mixed polyurethane resin into the silicone mold.
pour PU resin
Step 11: Cure and Demold
The polyurethane resin will cure in about 15 minutes. Then, disassemble the mold frame, separate the mold, and remove the replicated resin horse model.
PU resin curing
curing demoulding
Creating a silicone mold for a horse model not only requires mastering the correct steps and techniques but also demands enough patience for adjustments and improvements. Through the detailed steps provided in this guide, you should now have grasped the core points of making complex silicone molds and can successfully complete resin casting.
