Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Casting hollow shells from a mould

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic8569.aspx

By logisticpeach - 11/22/2013 2:18:43 PM

Hi,

I'm looking for some advice to point me in the right direction in terms of materials and techniques for a project I'm working on.

In a nutshell, I need to take a positive impression of the inner-ear, create a mould and then cast a solid shell from the mould (think of a hearing-aid shell) into which electronics will be placed later.

I have seen some discussion online around this topic whereby acrylic resin is allowed to partially cure, solidifying from the outside toward the centre and therefore creating a "shell" of the mould.

My question is: give that I have no background in composites, plastics or materials science, how might this be achieved, and what materials/tools would be needed?

Thanks in advance!

Kenny
By Brian_s - 11/26/2013 10:46:14 AM

This may help.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmsbUZPUvJY

You will then need to make a mould from this to cast your finished object.
If you use a silicon putty as in the video you may find that Silicon moulding material will stick to it.
Perhaps someone from easy composites can confirm this?
I am not sure if a hard resin will fit back in your ear comfortably. You may need something that flexes.

Brian.