Sorry. If you're looking for aluminum casting the biggest tell is that the mold material is typically red in color. Anything else will likely not be casting with molten aluminum.
@@VanOaksProps Thanks for the quick response. My design can't be produced by CNC. I'm looking right now at a 2 part graphite adhesive, but the viscosity might be a bit high for detail. I'll keep looking.
SUCH A GREAT VIDEO DEREK!!! I really want to (need to) start molding some of my most used pieces! Love the vaccum chamber. I have always just done the high slow pour ... someday! Great how to!!
An additional tip. Smearing a thin layer of PVA (white) glue on the bottom of the mold to hold your pieces can ensure the silicone doesn't creep underneath the piece when making the mold. Keep the layer of glue thin. Afterward, water will soften the glue for removal. Also, a bean-and-cheese-free silicone is much less gassy.
Awesome video Derek. I bought stuff todo this after watching punished props, but I get easily distracted. Maybe your video is the catalyst /inspiration I needed to undertake this project
Very cool! I can totally use those parts for like a Batuu door panel or Gonk droid! I have been putting off the access panel for some time now. Luckily I have time now to try and get it done maybe do a small run like I did of my last panel!
I love your videos. I have no idea what you just made, but the process was so cool, and it's important that you used your 3D printer to make the box!! Such great toys!
@@VanOaksProps I can't believe how much air sucked out of that with the vacuum! I wonder if there's air just entrained in the liquids (I can't remember what they are)? Seems hard to believe you'd get that much air just by pouring the stuff in.
@@Peter_Herrman it’s a combination of things. You introduce air into the individual parts of the silicone prior to pouring them into equal parts, then again when you mix them together. So there’s a lot of air getting trapped just in the mixing process.
Great overview Derek! Aluminum powder is a good idea because it won't rust or patina like a lot of the other metal powders could without a sealer. But that effect can also be used as a design aspect for a natural weathered look so perhaps that would be a neat video for another time?
You make this look so easy!! Love your method! - Is that pine wood sheet that you are cutting in your laser printer?? Also love the way you added the powder (and respirator) into this! The result is awesome!! Thanks for the instruction!
Does the aluminium make the part surface stronger. Noticed the buffing part and wondered? You have given me some idea for metal casting and making the wax molds. Will play with aluminium powder in the wax molds. May be a silly idea but these things are worth a try. It may improve the surface finish of metal casted parts. Thank for the learning idea.
Unfortunately, I'm not much of a tech person. But if there's something specific you're looking for, I'm happy to check it out and see if I can distill the info into a video.
I cant find aluminum powder on amazon, and theres no link for that. I did find it elsewhere. My questions are, it has 2 options, 5 micron and 30, is there a difference in quality, and which is more suitable? Thanks in advance.
This is such an amazing video! Thanls for posting it! I'm planning on using a similar technique for a prop that I'm currently building, and I was wondering what aluminum powder you recommend? We kinda see it here in this video, but there's no product link in the description.
My pleasure. Any 30 micron aluminum powder or finer should work. The kind I purchased is no longer available to link to. Just make sure it’s not aluminum oxide, since that’s not the same thing.
Not really. This method is just designed to be a very thin layer of powder embedded in the outer surface of the resin cast part. Adding more powder may cause problems capturing the details in the casting and will not make it any stronger because it's not a solid piece of aluminum.
Can I use this method to cast aluminum? I don't know if you're familiar with Rockford fosgate amps but a lot of the older amps from the 90's had aluminum end caps to hide the wiring for a clean look. Over the years people lose them, I was thinking about making replacements for my own collection of amps.
I thought he is going to pack the mold full of aluminium powder and freeze it. The coldnest will somehow compress the aluminium dust together as if being one piece. 😂
Thanks for the video! I was wondering if impregnating the resin with metal powder like you did creates any metal like feel to the resin parts at all? I'm trying to find any solution to having a "metal feel" to my props without having to resort to actual metal casting with a foundry.
@@VanOaksProps Interesting. The parts that I would be casting are for a prop blaster that already has substantial weight on it's own. I would only want the trigger to have a metal feel. Maybe it'll work. Thanks again!
Is Tin Curing Silicone a viable choice in any case or is it sometimes necessary to use the more expensive platinum curing silicone? I've heard Tin curing Silicone can't get used too often to cast copies other than platinum curing silicone but I haven't tried to cast anything yet in silicone molds.
They each have their place, but tin silicones are used more often because they’re less likely to have curing issues, and they’re typically less expensive. They do have the drawback of a shorter life, but if you take care of them they’ll last.
Love your videos! They are amazing and helpful! I have a project that I’m working and would like some advice if possible can I message you to show you what I’m working on?
Hi, Just watched your video and wanted to see if you’re interested in making some parts for me similar to what you’re doing here. Let me know and I can email you a pic of the part and details. Thanks
@@VanOaksProps It's ok, I'm not sure what I expected really. Aluminium has a melting point of over 600 degrees, it'd be difficult to obtain that at home without building some kind of makeshift forge.
Watched all this vid thinking you were gonna pour actual aluminum to this
Sorry. If you're looking for aluminum casting the biggest tell is that the mold material is typically red in color. Anything else will likely not be casting with molten aluminum.
Are you saying there is a mix and pour red mold material that can handle the temperature of molten aluminum? And can the mold be used multiple pours?
@@ferretface8782 no, it’s a red clay and is a one use mold. If you need to make multiples you’d be looking at injection molding into steel or iron.
@@VanOaksProps Thanks for the quick response. My design can't be produced by CNC. I'm looking right now at a 2 part graphite adhesive, but the viscosity might be a bit high for detail. I'll keep looking.
I was here hoping that aluminum molding in silicone might be possible. But nope... That's a pity
Degassing the silicon made my day!
It’s mesmerizing, right?!
Bravo man. Cold casting is so satisfying! Those came out great!
Thanks B!
love that true metallic sheen you get from adding the aluminum powder to the resin and buffing. I want to try that! Thanks for sharing!
SUCH A GREAT VIDEO DEREK!!! I really want to (need to) start molding some of my most used pieces! Love the vaccum chamber. I have always just done the high slow pour ... someday! Great how to!!
Another great video Derek. I have yet to venture into casting, but this has me intrigued to try!
An additional tip. Smearing a thin layer of PVA (white) glue on the bottom of the mold to hold your pieces can ensure the silicone doesn't creep underneath the piece when making the mold. Keep the layer of glue thin. Afterward, water will soften the glue for removal.
Also, a bean-and-cheese-free silicone is much less gassy.
Great tip!
⁹⁰
Thanks for explaining the bubble removal process. Not sure why others don't explain this part in videos in more detail.
Awesome video Derek. I bought stuff todo this after watching punished props, but I get easily distracted. Maybe your video is the catalyst /inspiration I needed to undertake this project
Glad it was helpful!
Tip; Pouring from a single location will reduce air bubbles in your cast.
Very cool! I can totally use those parts for like a Batuu door panel or Gonk droid! I have been putting off the access panel for some time now. Luckily I have time now to try and get it done maybe do a small run like I did of my last panel!
I love your videos. I have no idea what you just made, but the process was so cool, and it's important that you used your 3D printer to make the box!! Such great toys!
Thanks! It’s a part for one of the items I sell on Etsy. I use a lot of them and making a silicone mold will save me tons of time.
@@VanOaksProps I can't believe how much air sucked out of that with the vacuum! I wonder if there's air just entrained in the liquids (I can't remember what they are)? Seems hard to believe you'd get that much air just by pouring the stuff in.
@@Peter_Herrman it’s a combination of things. You introduce air into the individual parts of the silicone prior to pouring them into equal parts, then again when you mix them together. So there’s a lot of air getting trapped just in the mixing process.
amazing results!
Great overview Derek! Aluminum powder is a good idea because it won't rust or patina like a lot of the other metal powders could without a sealer. But that effect can also be used as a design aspect for a natural weathered look so perhaps that would be a neat video for another time?
Awesome!!! Thanks for the info!!!!👍😎
Awesome. Great tutorial.
Great vide Derek! Like many others, I need to try this out as well!
Thanks for adding where you can buy the product you use.
This is the best
Thanks so much!
I have not used any powders in my castings. But this is great information.
Thanks 4 d vdeo sir...
You make this look so easy!! Love your method! - Is that pine wood sheet that you are cutting in your laser printer??
Also love the way you added the powder (and respirator) into this! The result is awesome!! Thanks for the instruction!
It's 1/8" MDF board. Glad you enjoyed it!
Does the aluminium make the part surface stronger. Noticed the buffing part and wondered? You have given me some idea for metal casting and making the wax molds. Will play with aluminium powder in the wax molds. May be a silly idea but these things are worth a try. It may improve the surface finish of metal casted parts. Thank for the learning idea.
Not at all. It’s just cosmetic.
Nice!
I use a lot of your videos for my escape room. It would be pretty cool if you could add some tech to some of your creations.
Unfortunately, I'm not much of a tech person. But if there's something specific you're looking for, I'm happy to check it out and see if I can distill the info into a video.
I cant find aluminum powder on amazon, and theres no link for that. I did find it elsewhere. My questions are, it has 2 options, 5 micron and 30, is there a difference in quality, and which is more suitable? Thanks in advance.
I used 30 micron 500 mesh aluminum powder.
@@VanOaksProps great, thank you so much for answering 🙏
This is such an amazing video! Thanls for posting it!
I'm planning on using a similar technique for a prop that I'm currently building, and I was wondering what aluminum powder you recommend? We kinda see it here in this video, but there's no product link in the description.
My pleasure. Any 30 micron aluminum powder or finer should work. The kind I purchased is no longer available to link to. Just make sure it’s not aluminum oxide, since that’s not the same thing.
You remind me of Ryan Reynolds
IS A PART COULD BE STRONG IF YOU PUT IN MORE ALUMINUM POWDER GREAT VIDEO.COOL
Not really. This method is just designed to be a very thin layer of powder embedded in the outer surface of the resin cast part. Adding more powder may cause problems capturing the details in the casting and will not make it any stronger because it's not a solid piece of aluminum.
Where do you get your powders from? Looking for copper, gold, bronze and a more shiny silver than this aluminum.
I found them on Amazon.
Cool
Thanks for the great content!
Aluminum powder. Did you use standard aluminum powder or is there a special kind? Thanks.
You're looking for ultra fine aluminum powder. I think there's a link to what I used in the video description.
Thank you!@@VanOaksProps
just use Legos to make your box, so simple, i purchased the green Lego base and smooth tiles for the bottom, have used these for years.
That’s a great approach
Good Idea! What Aluminum Powder is that?
Eckart 30 Micron 500 Mesh Aluminum Powder
Thanks!
can you use the aluminum powder with the regular Smooth-Cast 300 silicone?
Yes, as far as I know.
Do you have a video that shows how to paint PVC pipe to look like aged sewer piping? Thanks
I do! ruclips.net/video/5eUiIgSkEus/видео.html
Can I use this method to cast aluminum? I don't know if you're familiar with Rockford fosgate amps but a lot of the older amps from the 90's had aluminum end caps to hide the wiring for a clean look. Over the years people lose them, I was thinking about making replacements for my own collection of amps.
No. The hot aluminum would melt the silicone rubber. There are mold making supplies for casting with molten aluminum but I’m not familiar with them.
If I want to use molten alluminium , won't the mould melt
That’s correct. But that’s also not what’s being taught in this video.
I thought he is going to pack the mold full of aluminium powder and freeze it. The coldnest will somehow compress the aluminium dust together as if being one piece. 😂
Nope. LOL
Thanks for the video! I was wondering if impregnating the resin with metal powder like you did creates any metal like feel to the resin parts at all? I'm trying to find any solution to having a "metal feel" to my props without having to resort to actual metal casting with a foundry.
Not really. It’s the weight that gives it away.
@@VanOaksProps Interesting. The parts that I would be casting are for a prop blaster that already has substantial weight on it's own. I would only want the trigger to have a metal feel. Maybe it'll work. Thanks again!
Is there an advantage to the black hot glue sticks over the "clear" one?
Nope. It’s just what I had in the gun after the Tusken Raider build.
can you tint tin silicone with acrylic paint while mixing?
I don't believe so. They make silicone pigments that won't mess with the silicone chemistry, though.
First time on your channel, what’s up with the black hot glue?
Hot glue comes in a variety of colors. I just happened to have black loaded into my glue gun.
Is Tin Curing Silicone a viable choice in any case or is it sometimes necessary to use the more expensive platinum curing silicone?
I've heard Tin curing Silicone can't get used too often to cast copies other than platinum curing silicone but I haven't tried to cast anything yet in silicone molds.
They each have their place, but tin silicones are used more often because they’re less likely to have curing issues, and they’re typically less expensive. They do have the drawback of a shorter life, but if you take care of them they’ll last.
@@VanOaksProps Good to know!
Casey Kasem
So you need that cutter once you design in? Smh how much does that machine run you? I wish there was a company who made casting/flasks.
No. You can use cardboard, food storage containers, etc.. It just needs to be air tight. I just felt like making the mold from a laser cut box.
Love your videos! They are amazing and helpful! I have a project that I’m working and would like some advice if possible can I message you to show you what I’m working on?
Thanks and yes, absolutely. My email address is on my youtube about page (I'd post it here, but then it would get put on a bunch of spam lists)
@@VanOaksProps Cool thanks, just sent you an email.
Hi,
Just watched your video and wanted to see if you’re interested in making some parts for me similar to what you’re doing here. Let me know and I can email you a pic of the part and details.
Thanks
Sure thing!
Not actually casting aluminum, just resin covered with aluminum powder.
That's what cold casting is.
Ah, not aluminium then, aluminium-infused resin. Pity.
Sorry to disappoint.
@@VanOaksProps It's ok, I'm not sure what I expected really. Aluminium has a melting point of over 600 degrees, it'd be difficult to obtain that at home without building some kind of makeshift forge.