This is a step-by-step example tutorial for making silicone molds, covering the essentials of how to make molds using silicone. If you want to learn the process of making silicone molds, we suggest you start from here.
Tools and Materials: acrylic sheet, hot melt glue gun and glue stick, mold making silicone rubber (with curing agent), mold release agent, measuring cup, stirring stick, electronic scale, brush.
-
Step 1: Build the Mold Frame
According to the size of the master model, use an acrylic board to build a suitable mold frame, and seal the surrounding joints with a glue gun to prevent the liquid silicone from seeping out from the gap.
-
Step 2: Fix the Master Model
You can use cyanoacrylate adhesive to fix the master model in the middle of the mold frame, and apply release agent after fixing to facilitate the separation and release of silicone after curing.
-
Step 3: Blending Silicone
Mix the right amount of silicone in the correct ratio of part A silicone and part B curing agent. Tin curing silicone curing speed can be regulated by increasing or decreasing the proportion of curing agent.
-
Step 4: Mix and Stir
Mix part A and part B of rtv-2 silicone rubber raw material and stir well. If you need to adjust the color of silicone, you can add pigment and stir together.
-
Step 5: Brush-on Silicone
Pour a small amount of silicone on the surface of the master model, and then use a brush to apply it on the surface of the model. The advantage of this operation is to make the silicone in close contact with the grain seams on the surface of the master model, and it is also a tip to reduce the silicone bubbles.
-
Step 6: Pour the Silicone
Continue to pour the silicone and drip it slowly into the same location against the model to allow the liquid silicone to flow naturally, which will also reduce air bubbles. The tips in steps five and six are very helpful for users who do not have a vacuum pump.
-
Step 7: Wait for Curing
Place it in a flat place and wait for it to cure, usually it can be fully cured in about 12 hours. Tin-cured silicone is recommended to be cured at 68-86℉, below 50℉ silicone will be harder to cure, above 113℉ will precipitate more small molecules.
-
Step 8: Open the Mold
Separate the master model from the silicone mold.