Metal Casting with SUGRU

Step 5: Results

Now I did this because I wanted to show you that metal casting in Sugru CAN be done. If I spent more time use the mold, then my results would have been even more accurate.

Take a look at the Buddha on the intro. I Cast that using this same method. The mold I used was just more used and very well broken in.

Here are the pictures of my results:

Comments

[klayla]

So you're casting with solder? That doesn't seem like a very good idea as solder tends to pit when casted. Just curious, interesting instructable though.

[jimmiek]

How high a temp will this material stand before it won't work (in degrees F please, I don't do Euro measurements)

[rogermyers]

You can use google for many things including unit conversions. for instance if you type the following in to google's search bar; "204.44 degrees celcius into degrees fahrenheit" you will get the conversion. or go here for even more google awesomeness; http://www.google.com/help/features.html I even use google to translate languages into english, and if you use google chrome as your web browser, it will ask you if you would like a foreign website translated in the browser...... Hope this opens up some doors for you Jimmiek! Rog

[nepheron]

A naked flam will instantly wreck the Sugru.However, the Sugru website says it can withstand 400 degrees F or so. It certainly withstood molten metal being poured in...it's pretty tough stuff!

[michaelgohjs]

now i would predict this to be the winner..
but anyway i am sure you would at least be a finalist
rated 5 stars

[nepheron]

Thanks! I just need votes when voting starts, then I'll have myself a leatherman and some more sugru!!

[sillyzombie666]

ya i'll vote for yours and i have 2 things in the contest

[michaelgohjs]

i got the free sugru pack..but because my SAT test is right before the closing date and i just got my sugru few days ago, i wont be able to do an instructable..
so my vote goes to you

[nepheron]

Thanks!!!!!!!! :D

[CyborgGold]

Nice Instructable! Great thinking finding this use for Sugru as well. I would recommend people NOT use lead based solder however, seeing as how the stuff is poisonous and what not, its just a safer way to go.

Will the Sugru mold hold up to use with other metals? i.e. something with a much higher melting point.

[nepheron]

Thanks!
I mentioned lead because there still is a thriving community of lead-casters around today. People who make replicas of tin soldier and lead toys of that era often use the same materials of the originals (which is lead).

Sugru won't hold up to much hotter metals, but you can use Sugru the cast wax into. You then use the Lost Wax casting process using plaster (and then you can use any metal you want.)

[shakespeare1212]

Great instructable, but I'm not familiar with the "LostWax" casting process. I will try to google it, but could you maybe make and instructable about that too, since you're so good at it.

[Tannius]

Lost wax casting is one of the oldest methods of casting metals. The Internet is rife with tutorials and how to's on the process. Basically you would cast a wax copy of the skull, then add sprues (long wax rods) and a pour cup all in wax then embed it in plaster or some other investment material. then once it's set up, you heat the investment, melting the wax out. Once the wax is gone, you pour your metal into the cavity left by the wax and you have a perfect copy of your original.

[kscott]

I've never used this stuff so I've got a few questions -
1) It looks like the sugru is molded & then "hardens" - How long does that take?
2) How well does the mold hold up? About how many replicas will it make and how long will the mold stay "fresh"? How precise is the replica?
3) Will it cast plastics?
Cheers!

[nepheron]

It takes 24 hours for the Sugru to harden. Shrinkage is pretty much unnoticeable.

The mold feels like the rubber from a car tire.

I don't know how long the mold will last. Expect several dozen casts.

The replicas are pretty darn good after the fourth cast. Do not get water on the mold.

I have never used plastic for casting, so I don't really know.

IF you liked this ible, don't forget to rate! (it's in a contest :D )