The majority of people think that making plastic products at home is not possible. It is only done in big plastic injection molding firms with the help of large machines. But this is totally not true. Nowadays, scientific advancement has made many impossible things possible. plastic molding at home is one of those impossible things.
If you really are into molding plastics at home, we have compiled a simple yet exciting guide for you. Have a look below:
Get Your Hands on the Important Plastic Molding Material
The first and the most important step is to get all the required stuff you need for plastic molding. Before you start, it is critical to understand that whatever mold you are going to make, it will be a typical replica of the original object.
You must be aware of "Room Temperature Vulcanizing" (RTV) silicon rubber. It is the main material you will be using for your first-ever mold. You will get it in the form of liquid which is the best thing. It will stay liquid until you plan to add any catalyst to it.
Start Making Your First Mold
Once you get your hands on important tools and materials for molding, it is time to start the actual process. Your next task is to get the original object or part that you are going to replicate. This original part is always a similar copy of the actual part.
Start by sticking the original part inside cardboard, as it will turn into a mold box that we are going to use later on.
For example, if your plan is to make a doorknob with the help of plastic molding, simply put the original doorknob of any of your doors in the cardboard box that we made before.
Next, you will mix the tin catalyst along with the RTV liquid. Now, carefully pour the mixture of RTV and catalyst into the mold box. Give this mixture a good 20 to 24 hours in order to let the RTV mixture set complete.
Lastly, remove the original object (the doorknob in this case) from the mold box. You will see a mold cavity now.
Bring On the Casting Resins
It's time to use the mold cavity that you just prepared. You will pour the casting resins you brought into the mold cavity. In the next step, get ready to get the actual plastic part you desired to make.
Pour Casting Resins into the Mold Cavity
In step four, after mixing casting resins (two parts) thoroughly, pour the mixture into the mold cavity without any delay. This is a quick step so don't let the cat sing resins wait.
The step will take no longer than 10 to 15 minutes in terms of setting the casting resins in the mold cavity.
Enjoy the Final Results
Once the casting resin is all set in the mold cavity, you can then pull out the just-formed plastic part from the mold cavity. That is how plastic molding is done at home.
Conclusion
Once you are set to begin the plastic molding at home, it is suggested to give a paint coat of your choice to the original part you are going to replicate. This is important because if the surface of that part is porous, your mold won't be smooth. Also, always use gloves when performing plastic molding at home.