Molding and Casting
For this week, I wanted to make a trilobite. Since I don't own a trilobite fossil, I thought this would be the closest I could get to. I started by designing the trilobite in CAD, then trying out the CAM path.
Working with Anthony, who showed me what edits to make to the path and what to do for the machine in the shop.
We milled out the model in wax, switching the tool (1/4 inch and 1/8 inch) and running 3 passes.
Next, I made the mold. I painted on the surface of the trilobite first to make sure that there were no bubbles in the region, then poured in the rest. Once the mold set, I mixed up some drystone and poured it into the mold and left it to set.
When I was taking it out of the mold, the antennas broke off. I added some wet mix on the breaks and let it dry.
Group Project
Reading the MoldStar 30 safety sheet notes:
- Don't eat, inhale, or get it in eyes
- Best not to touch it without gloves - soap and water if so
- If spilled, don't let it get into sewers
Reading the Drystone safety sheet notes:
- Made of Plaster of Paris and titanium dioxide
- Don't eat, inhale, or get it in eyes
- - If eaten, drink stuff with lots of gelatin
- If spilled, vacuum with HEPA filter