7 Handy Resin Casting Tips and Tricks

By on December 7th, 2017 in learning

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 Some casting tips to assist when using 3D printed molds
Some casting tips to assist when using 3D printed molds

Before you get to work on the final product of your design, it’s in your best interests to make a prototype first, right? 

Of course. You’ll have a physical sample to test and abuse, plus you can adjust the aesthetics of the design without worrying about the cost. We’ve covered plenty about 3D printing, but what about resin casting?

Use Reusable Cups

 Reusable cups are very helpful during resin casting
Reusable cups are very helpful during resin casting

It may sound simple, but reusing old silicone or polypropylene cups helps save money and gives you containers which resin doesn’t stick to. At least one of the cups you use at home is made from one of these materials, so don’t go rushing to the store for something you already have!

Ketchup Pumps Help With Pouring Resin from Jugs

 Large ketchup containers are terrific for holding casting resin
Large ketchup containers are terrific for holding casting resin

Constantly having to lift a heavy jug to pour resin into a tiny cup can become a waste of time, so Eric suggests buying some cheap ketchup pumps to siphon out the resin. It doesn’t just save a lot of muscle work, but it also makes measuring the amount of resin to be used a lot easier.

Re-use Syringes

 It's possible to re-use syringes during casting
It’s possible to re-use syringes during casting

Unlike most resin casters, Eric uses syringes to measure the amount of resin before injecting it into the mold. While this method is more accurate, it does leave behind syringes full of resin. By using a hammer to chip out the resin and a homemade air compressor, you can flush out the resin to make your syringes usable again. It does seem a bit crude, but it works!

Use Exercise Weights to Keep Your Molds in Place

 Weights can hold your casting setup securely
Weights can hold your casting setup securely

Even if you don’t exercise yourself, scrounging your neighbors’ trash cans or asking a fit relative for some exercise weights helps save money when looking for something to hold your molds together while they dry.

Read the rest at Solidsmack.com

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