Let's start at the very beginning... Casting is a process that involves a liquid material being poured into a mould which features a hollow cavity of the desired shape. The liquid material then solidifies (cures) before being removed from the mould.

Just think, every time you fill up an ice cube tray or bake a cake, you are completing the casting process!

The above image goes through the basic casting process and the one you will most likely use to create your designs, however casting is also a very popular manufacturing process used to create so many of the products you would use in daily life.

But before you get all excited...there are some things you need to know about the model you use to create these moulds!

From silicone to foam read on to find out all about making your own moulds!

Silicone Moulds

Silicone is an excellent choice for making moulds as it is both; flexible which helps you out with those undercuts; and durable which means you can make thousands of the same thing! With knowledge of how to use such a versatile material, you will be making moulds of everything around you before you know it.

Other Types of Moulds

Whilst silicone is great for making strong flexible moulds that allow you to cast into them over and over again... sometimes you only need to replicate stuff once. Making a silicone mould can be time consuming, so if your model is simple and you don't need more than one casting, try these other mould making methods instead.

Now you know how to make a lovely mould, the next question is what are you going to put in it?

What next?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Get casting! If you get stuck, reach out to us here at UNSW Making, drop in to see us or find us on Teams.

Get yourself trained!

If you want to learn and/or increase your skills in casting and mould making don't hesitate to come and chat to a friendly Makerspace staff member. Make sure you complete the Badges that the UNSW Makerspace Network has for you!