Mould Making

Unity Gifts have been mould makers for nearly 4 decades and can handle a variety of moulding techniques.

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As you may know, the silicone rubber is probably the most expensive outlay when it comes to manufacturing and casting.  We currently have in asset form nearly a thousand moulds ranging from thumbnail size up to 5' cubed. 

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Some of our customers only require the moulds and are happy to take away their moulds to cast themselves and others prefer to leave their moulds on site, with the caveat that they're not insured due to insurance clauses.

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Silicone rubber when used in conjunction with polyester resins deteriorate over time due to the styrene content in the liquid plastic.  It's difficult to gauge how long a mould will last and how many casts can be had from one mould.  If you're wanting a large batch of casts, it's usually a good idea to have multiple moulds which spreads the rate of deterioration and also increases output.

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When creating a master (Original) to take a mould from, it's always a good idea to factor in mould life.  To explain, if an animal you wanted a mould from has a smooth body, then this is likely to last longer than an animal that has long fur (which shows in the figurine) where the silicone can grip, therefore tearing on removal and shortening mould life.

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Silicone mould making is a process that involves creating a replica of an object using a silicone rubber material. The process involves several steps, including preparation, moulding, and curing. Here is a detailed description of silicone mould making, including the key steps involved:

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1. Object Preparation Before creating a silicone mould, the object must be prepared to ensure that it is free from dust, dirt, or any other contaminants. The surface should also be smooth and free from any scratches or marks. If the object has any undercuts or complex shapes, they may need to be modified to make the mould easier to create.

2. Mould Box Assembly Once the object is prepared, a mould box is assembled around it. The mould box is made of a non-reactive material such as plastic or cardboard, and it serves as a barrier to contain the silicone rubber material during the moulding process.

3. Mould Release Agent Application To ensure that the silicone rubber does not stick to the object, a mould release agent is applied to the surface. This is done using a spray or brush, depending on the type of release agent used.

4. Silicone Rubber Mixing The next step is to mix the silicone rubber material. This is done by mixing two parts of the silicone rubber material together in a 1:1 ratio. The mixing process should be thorough to ensure that the material is evenly mixed and any air bubbles are removed.

5. Pouring the Silicone Rubber Material Once the silicone rubber material is mixed, it is poured into the mould box, covering the object completely. The mould box should be tapped gently to remove any air bubbles that may have formed.

6. Curing Process After the silicone rubber material is poured, it needs to cure or harden. The curing process can take several hours, depending on the type of silicone rubber used. Once the silicone rubber has cured, it can be removed from the mould box, and the object is revealed.

7. Mould Modification If necessary, the mould can be modified to make it easier to use or to create a more accurate replica of the object. This can be done by trimming excess silicone rubber or creating additional mould boxes to hold the silicone rubber in place.

8. Production of Replicas Once the silicone mould is complete, it can be used to create replicas of the original object. This is done by pouring a casting material into the mould and allowing it to cure. The casting material can be made of a variety of materials, including resin, plaster, or wax.

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Benefits of Silicone Mould Making

• The silicone rubber material is flexible, making it easy to remove the replica from the mould without damaging it.

• Silicone moulds can be used to create multiple replicas of an object quickly and easily.

• Silicone moulds can be used to create complex shapes or undercuts that would be difficult to create with other materials.

• The silicone rubber material is durable and long-lasting, ensuring that the mould can be used multiple times.

• Silicone mould making is a cost-effective way to create replicas of an object, especially when compared to other mould making materials such as metal or plastic.