Looking for a material to make a mold out of Aluminum bank

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding suitable materials for creating a mold of an aluminum bank, which has specific dimensions and internal components. Participants explore different molding materials and techniques, considering both flexible and hard options.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using silicone for molding but is open to other materials specific to the application.
  • Another participant inquires whether a hard (like epoxy) or soft (like silicone) mold is preferred and emphasizes the importance of using a mold release compound on the aluminum before molding.
  • A participant expresses a preference for epoxy, noting its machinability, and acknowledges the need for different release agents depending on the material used.
  • One participant references Wikipedia for introductory information on flexible and hard molding materials.
  • A participant mentions plans to experiment with epoxy from a local boat store and intends to share progress through pictures.
  • Another participant recalls seeing similar content in a magazine related to manufacturing engineering and inquires about resources specific to electronics, RF, or microwave applications.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying preferences for molding materials, with no consensus reached on the best option. The discussion includes multiple viewpoints on the types of materials and techniques to use.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the implications of different molding materials, such as the specific properties of epoxy versus silicone, or the effects of mold release agents. There is also an absence of detailed technical specifications for the aluminum bank itself.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to hobbyists or professionals involved in mold-making, particularly those working with aluminum components or exploring different molding materials and techniques.

dingpud
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I have an Aluminum bank about 5" x 5" by 1/2" deep. Within the bank are all sorts of rows in which components are installed. I would like to make a mold of each individual bank.

Does anyone know of any materials that will work for making a mold? My first thought was silicon, but wondered if there is something specific for this kind of application.

Any help would be great.

Thanks,
 
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Do you want the result to be hard (like epoxy) or soft (like a silicone)? In either case, be sure to spray a mold release compound on the aluminum thing beforehand.
 
I could go for either. I am guessing that there is going to be at least 2 different types of releases between the silicon vs the epoxy. I think that epoxy would be nice, since it could probably be machined if needed.

Thanks,
 
Wikipedia appears to have some intro information on flexible and hard molding materials:

flexible molding -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flexible_mold

molding in general -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molding_(process )

.
 
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I am going to try and get an old unit and start messing around with some of the epoxy's that I can get at the local boat store and see where I get. I'll try and post some pics whnever I get around to doing this...
 
I came across something similar to this in one of those free magazines...Manufacturing Engineering. Are there any of those for the electronics, RF, or microwave world?
 
Excellent, thanks.
 

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