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Molding question

 Post subject: Molding question
PostPosted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 5:44 pm 
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As many of you know I have been working on the Dark Eldar models for some time.  Lately I have been struggling with the Epic scale version of the Dark Eldar Raider.  While I have finally made a model that will make a decent Raider, I don't want to spend hours on each one, ergo I want to mold it and therein lies the problem.

My plans were to make two -one piece molds.  The first piece would include the front plow, weapons, platforms, main body, pilot, and chair.  The second piece would simply be the top wing with an arm that will come down and attach itself right above the pilot.

So far the mold for the top wing has proven to be a complete failure.  The piece has no flat surfaces and is very thin.  One bubble pretty much makes it worthless.  I don't see anyway to make one of these without some sort of mold injection (which I understand is very expensive).

If I am successful I can mass produce Dark Eldar Raiders and Ravagers for myself and anyone else who wants them.  If I can't I have wasted a lot of time.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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 Post subject: Molding question
PostPosted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 5:58 pm 
Linky link for picture? I can probably design a mold shape for you.


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 Post subject: Molding question
PostPosted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 6:27 pm 
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A cheap alternative to mold injection is to include plenty of feed channels at the bottom of the thin piece which lead on into a deeper resevoir, which in turn has an air-channel back to the surface of the mold.

I managed to cast a resin infantryman with that method, including his gun. :)

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 Post subject: Molding question
PostPosted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 6:39 pm 
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I'll go and take some pics tonight of the model itself, but it is close in shape and design to the Raider from 40K.  The pic of the Ravager here shows a red line where I built the body of the Raider up to.  Everything above it is a pain (actually the whole thing is a pain, but...).

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 Post subject: Molding question
PostPosted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 6:43 pm 
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We really need to see a pic of your master parts, preferably from both sides - then I'm sure we'll be able to figure something out between us...
Regards,
Reaver

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 Post subject: Molding question
PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 1:22 pm 
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A really simple injection molding system for casting is to use a big syringe to inject the resin (or a turkey baster for big molds).  Make sure there are plenty of vent channels too.  

If all else fails I'd suggest you make the top bit in three flat pieces and just cast them on a thin wafer in a single sided mold.  Easy enough to cut and glue 3 bits for a working Raider....I'd take that action :).  Like the others said, show us the model and I'm sure something would be possible.

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