How to Rotocast 3D Hollow Shapes by Hand (using Xencast® Resin Casting Starter Kit and Metal...


How to Rotocast 3D Hollow Shapes by Hand (using Xencast® Resin Casting Starter Kit and Metal...
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Becky (Staff)
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This is the new Rotocasting by Hand - how to cast 3D Hollow Shapes video from our casting series. In this video we demonstrate how to produce a hollow sphere using the Xencast® P2 Fast Cast resin by using a rotocasting by hand technique which eliminates the need for any additional equipment and means that you can use a fraction of the resin you would have needed for a solid casting.

The guide takes you through the entire process including how to create a 2 part mould using the CS25 Silicone, then demonstrates casting a 3D hollow sphere with P2 resin before repeating the process with the addition of metal powder and finally finishing the sphere to reveal the metallic effect. The metallic effect is revealed by using abrasives to remove the thin layer of resin that forms over the surface of the resin, so steel wool and sanding equipment work really well. You can also use paints to create contrast and show the detail by covering the sphere then abrading the surface.

The hand rotocasting technique is great with the P2 fast cast resin as it begins to cure after a matter of minutes meaning the rotating part can be completed in around 5 minutes* for plain resin - the time needs to be increased if you use metal powder as the process is slower, but with a little experimentation and practice you can easily work out the amount of resin required and the rotating time.
*Rotocasting time approximate - changes depending on amount of resin, conditions and if adding metal powders.

Here's the video tutorial demonstrating making a 2 part silicone mould and  hand rotocasting resin technique with and without metal powder:


If you have any questions on the processes demonstrated or the materials used please post them and we'll be happy to answer them.

Becky Hinton
Easy Composites

Edited 7 Years Ago by Becky (Staff)
CreativeDave
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Amazing video!  I have some ideas for rotocasting some replica scale model helmets/heads in a similar way. 

Is there a limit as to how big an object that can be made this way?

Also how do I work out how much resin to pour into the mould?
Becky (Staff)
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Dave - 12/12/2017 5:27:10 PM
Amazing video!  I have some ideas for rotocasting some replica scale model helmets/heads in a similar way. 

Is there a limit as to how big an object that can be made this way?

Also how do I work out how much resin to pour into the mould?

That sounds great and in principal you should be able to rotocast larger items by hand as long as you are using a fast cast resin and rotating consistently for the initial curing, and of course it's something you can handle easily for 5 minutes or longer if you are going to use metal powders.

We used 70g of resin for the sphere in the video with the diameter of the sphere being 10cm and we achieved an approximate wall thickness of 3mm. 
The amount of resin used was decided on through a couple of practice goes, this helped to pinpoint the amount needed and the length of rotocasting time to achieve a consistent result.

Good Luck!

Becky Hinton
Easy Composites


CreativeDave
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Thanks for that Becky.  I'm thinking something about head sized is as big as i'd like to go. 
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No matter when its post I enjoyed it.

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