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Tips and Tricks 04: Molding

This episode is dedicated to molding. It is a popular manufacturing technique which involves using a printed mold to make a cast of another object. We’ll show you how to create a rubber handle with a previously 3D printed mold.

You have to print two parts: a mold which will contain the elastomer and a bolt that will help you make the handle empty inside. If you want to use our projects, they are available for download here. We used Z-HIPS to print both parts.

Check out the previous episode where we showed how to harden a print with resin and glass mat. It’s available here.

1

Necessary Tools

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Prepare a silicone spray, a can of rubber elastomer which should come with a catalyst, and a small container to mix the ingredients.

2

Spraying the Mold

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Spray some silicone on the inside of the mold to make sure the rubber elastomer won’t stick to it and the handle will be easily removable.

3

Joining the Mold

Join the parts of the mold and screw them together using wrenches.

4

Mixing the Ingredients

Add 25 g of the catalyst to a 100 g of the rubber and mix both ingredients.

5

Filling the Mold

Pour the substance in until it fills the mold completely.

6

Inserting the Bolt

Spray some silicone onto the bolt and then put it slowly into the substance. Leave the whole construction to dry for at least 24 hours.

7

Opening the Mold

Once it has dried up, unscrew the mold carefully. Watch out not to damage the handle inside. You may pry it open if there’s a need.

8

Final Outcome

Your elastic handle is now ready.

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