2-Part molds

3-D Manufacturing Description/Standards

  • 1. Demonstrate knowledge of clay sculpting and mold making basics.
  • 1a. Understand how to make clay prototypes are made by carving, hand building and wheel throwing.
  • 1b. Understand how 3-D pieces are manufactured using slip casting methods.
  • 1c. Understand how to make plaster molds to reproduce clay forms
  • 1d. Make multiple reproductions of various clay pieces.

  • 2. Demonstrate knowledge and skills in silicon mold making.
  • 2a. Understand real world applications of silicon molds in dentistry, metal casting, and the entertainment industry.
  • 2b. Create an oil-based clay prototype for reproduction.
  • 2c. Make a silicon mold, and cast the prototype in resin.
  • 2c. Make multi-piece molds and resin cast pieces.

  • 3. Demonstrate knowledge and skills of injection molding.
  • 3a. Properly prepare molds and parts for injection molding.
  • 3b. Reproduce objects using an injection mold machine.
  • 3c. Create original molds for injection molded reproductions.

  • 4. Understand 3-D CAD and sculpting software
  • 4a. Understand the vocabulary of 3-D software and printing.
  • 4b. Understand and use CAD software to create virtual 3-D objects.
  • 4c. Understand and use sculpting software to create virtual 3-D sculptures.
  • 4d. Understand and use an SLA 3-D printer to make computer generated virtual objects real.
  • 4e. Make multi-piece 3-D prints that "key" together to make a single part.

  • 5. Understand and use metal fabrication machines.
  • 5a. Understand software to create pieces for Plasma cutting..
  • 5b. Use PlasmaCam to cut parts to be welded into a 3-d object.
  • 5c. Use Metal Lathe to create prototype parts to be molded.

    • The teacher demonstrates how to make small three-dimensional objects using water-based clay. After a small piece is made, the teacher demonstrates how to wall up the piece, make registration marks, mix plaster, and pour the first part of a mold. (See illustration 1)

    The following day, after the plaster has dried, the teacher demonstrates how to use dish soap as a release agent on the plaster, wall up the piece again and pour the second half of the mold. (Illustration 2)

    Students are to pour slip into their mold, let it set and pour out the remaining slip. After sufficient drying, the mold can be opened and the seams "chased" or cleaned.
    Illustration 1 below


    Illustration 2 below shows the first half of the plaster mold. This needs to be coated with dish soap, walled up, and poured to form the second part of the mold. Note the funnel shape on the right used as a "fill hole".


    The mold and casts below were done by Simon M.


    Evaluation:
    1 point -- No larger than 2X2X2 inches
    2 point -- Well made Prototype or well chosen object.
    4 points -- 2-part mold made with a proper seam and registration marks
    3 points -- 3 casts made with Minimal bubbles and distortion

    10 points total