Silicone Molding
A project for 24-672: DIY Design and Fabrication course at Carnegie Mellon: This assignment required that we use a silicone molding process to duplicate any small yet intricate item. I chose my AeroPress filter.
Process
The item is placed in a container and the container is filled with clay up to the split line
The mold is flipped and the clay is removed, to be replaced by more silicone.
Epoxy is poured into the mold to create the new part
Silicone rubber is poured over the item and the clay. Bubbles are then removed in the vacuum chamber.
Finally the mold is separated, releasing the original item
The mold is separated again, and the new part is ready for use
Results
This molding process is incredibly accessible and relatively affordable. Despite that, it actually can produce decent parts and reusable molds. This can definitely come in handy in a pinch.
