Make a Food-Safe Silicone Mold from 3D Printed Object

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the challenges of using Smooth-On's Sorta Clear 37 silicone material for creating food-safe molds from 3D printed objects. Users find the material difficult to work with due to its thickness, which complicates measuring and pouring. The conversation suggests exploring alternative, thinner food-grade silicone products that may not require a vacuum chamber or pump, although using a vacuum can help eliminate gas bubbles. A hand vacuum pump or a vacuum drawn by a venturi valve is recommended for those who wish to mitigate bubble formation without investing in a full vacuum chamber setup.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of silicone molding techniques
  • Familiarity with 3D printing materials and processes
  • Knowledge of vacuum systems and their applications
  • Awareness of food-safe material standards
NEXT STEPS
  • Research alternative food-safe silicone products suitable for mold making
  • Learn about the properties and applications of Smooth-On's Sorta Clear 37
  • Investigate vacuum pump options, including hand pumps and venturi valves
  • Explore techniques for reducing bubble formation in silicone casting
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for hobbyists, 3D printing enthusiasts, and anyone interested in creating food-safe silicone molds without extensive equipment investments.

LightningInAJar
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TL;DR
Are certain materials possible?
I tried using Smooth-ons Sorta Clear 37 silicone material to try to make a mold from a 3D printed object. It is very difficult to work with. Super thick (thus hard to measure and pour) and really requires vacuum chamber and vacuum pump to remove gas bubbles. Is there any conceivable way to create a food safe silicone material that starts much thinner and doesn't require a vacuum? Personally don't care if it requires a much longer cure time or more than 2 parts.
 
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I don't know about food grade products, but you could shop around for other, thinner products that might fit your bill. There are lots of products for hobbyists. A sufficiently thin bunch of chemicals might not have the bubble problem.
A longer working might be helpful.

Being able to draw a vacuum on your materials is really helpful. But I don't think it has to be a very strong one. The lower pressure makes the bubbles larger so they float up and pop.
A cheap hand vacuum pump would probably suffice or a vacuum drawn by a venture valve.
You will need a container large enough for your product that won't implode. This is a safety issue.
 
You may be able to use a vacuum cleaner for initial trials.

(They even work great for collapsing inflatable beds and air mattresses. Just don't use them to maintain a vacuum, the motors burn up without the airflow.:doh:)
 
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I absolutely do not want to buy a vacuum chamber and pump. There would be no other application afterwards for those things.
 

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