Rubber and Plastic Parts Reproduction
Almost anything can be reproduced using silicone molding process. You can even reproduce light lenses for old cars and motorcycles. On this page I will show you how to mold your own Rubber and Plastic parts. Rubber parts can be duplicated by using Silicone Rubber for molds and then using one of several rubber compounds for forming the reproduction part. This is useful when a part is just not available. You will however need at least one of the original part to make the silicone mold, unless you are creative and can make the master out of plaster or wood. A vacuum Degasser is highly recommended, although not required for taking the bubbles out of mixed silicone compound.
Items Needed:
Home made Vacuum Degasser. Pyrex Chamber and Medical Vacuum pump purchased on E-Bay. Make sure the pump can pull at least 29" Hg (29 in. of Mercury)
Pressure curing pot, necessary for making clear lenses. Made from a painters pressure pot with a regulator and pressure relief valve.
Making Silicone Molds:
STEP 1:
Platinum, and Tin Cured. Platinum is the more expensive type, since it is a little bit more durable and can be used to make low melting metal parts. But for low production rubber and plastic parts, Tin cured works just fine.
STEP 2:
STEP 3:
Use the modeling clay to fix the part on the bottom of the mold. Clean the edges of the part until there is no clay exposed. The reason to use clay is to prevent silicone from seeping under the part.
STEP 4:
STEP 5:
Making Rubber Parts:
STEP 1:
STEP 2:
STEP 3:
STEP 4:
STEP 5: