13. Molding and casting¶
Group Assignment¶
- Review the safety data sheets for each of your molding and casting materials
- Make and compare test casts with each of them
- Compare printing vs milling molds
Overview¶
We molded and casted many different materials through a few different processes this week. We each created molds in machineable wax to experiment with.
Safety¶
Mold Star 31T (Parts A and B) is a silicone elastomer and is not considered hazardous. The material is broadly considered benign for laboratory use. Even so, we take measures to ensure the compound does not get smeared in places it shouldn’t. We wrapped the lab table in newspaper and plastic wrap, and used gloves and safety goggles when handling the material.
Smooth Cast 320 is a bit more dangerous to handle and requires more safety considerations. Part A Contains MDI, an isocyanate. It can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, and it may trigger allergic skin reactions or asthma-like symptoms if inhaled. It is harmful if inhaled and carries a warning as a suspected carcinogen with prolonged exposure. As a precaution, we opened the windows to ensure adequate ventilation and wore protective gloves and face shielding eye goggles. When finished, we made sure to properly dispose of any contaminated material.
First Aid Measures - Skin Contact: Wash the area thoroughly with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes. - Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, removing contact lenses if you can do so safely. Get medical attention if irritation develops. - Inhalation: Move the person to fresh air immediately and keep them comfortable for breathing. - Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Give small quantities of water to drink and contact a physician immediately.
The remaining materials used for the biomaterial were common household kitchen staples, including coffee grounds, eggshells, vinegar, glycerin and potato starch. Common sense when handling these materials is exercised, as well as the same precautions for the Mold Star in terms of not getting it where it shouldn’t be.
Results¶
Troubleshooting Notes¶
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|