Post by morrigan on Nov 13, 2010 5:25:57 GMT 1
Smash or plunge molding is a really easy way to make crystal clear thin canopies for the Arado's. Plunge moulding can be also used make molding's of any small part.
Its fun too, and involves fire ;D
You don't need any special tools, the only thing you will need to purchase is clear styrene but you can use clear packaging plastic.
Things you will need: ;D (note: squadron no longer make clear thermoform
)
Make a master using a bit of sprue and one of the supplied canopies, or you can carve your own from a bit of wood, clay, epoxy putty.....
Grab an old container lid (emphasis on the old and un-required!!! to avoid upsetting the other half! :
and cut out the middle.
This is the molding frame, it isn't absolutely neccessary but makes the molding process a bit easier
:
Cut a piece of clear plastic aboutish 1cm/ 1/2" bigger all round than the opening in the molding frame:
Tape the plastic onto the frame:
Firmly clamp the stem of the master. Hold the molding frame so the taped side is down:
Light the candle and hold the molding frame about 10cm / 5" inches above the candle, when the styrene start to sag/ pong plunge it over the master, you will need to push the frame quite a bit down over the master, it will take a few practices plunges to get the knack, mind the fingers as the styrene will be very #$%@! hot,:
(Yes my candle is not lit but the photos were taken inside and one did not want to offend ones husband with the odor of warm styrene!)
Leavethe molding frame in position for a few seconds to allow the syrene to cool:
.
If you wish use a marker to draw a cutting guideline or just grab a sharp scalpel and using the master as a guide free your spiffy new canopy from the surrounding plastic,, remember to allow leeway for fine trimming:
Ta-daa! ;D :
Trail fit and trim (curved nail scissors work a treat) if necessary:
Then glue in place with PVA:
Its fun too, and involves fire ;D
You don't need any special tools, the only thing you will need to purchase is clear styrene but you can use clear packaging plastic.
Things you will need: ;D (note: squadron no longer make clear thermoform
)Make a master using a bit of sprue and one of the supplied canopies, or you can carve your own from a bit of wood, clay, epoxy putty.....
Grab an old container lid (emphasis on the old and un-required!!! to avoid upsetting the other half! :
and cut out the middle.This is the molding frame, it isn't absolutely neccessary but makes the molding process a bit easier
:Cut a piece of clear plastic aboutish 1cm/ 1/2" bigger all round than the opening in the molding frame:
Tape the plastic onto the frame:
Firmly clamp the stem of the master. Hold the molding frame so the taped side is down:
Light the candle and hold the molding frame about 10cm / 5" inches above the candle, when the styrene start to sag/ pong plunge it over the master, you will need to push the frame quite a bit down over the master, it will take a few practices plunges to get the knack, mind the fingers as the styrene will be very #$%@! hot,:
(Yes my candle is not lit but the photos were taken inside and one did not want to offend ones husband with the odor of warm styrene!)
Leavethe molding frame in position for a few seconds to allow the syrene to cool:
.If you wish use a marker to draw a cutting guideline or just grab a sharp scalpel and using the master as a guide free your spiffy new canopy from the surrounding plastic,, remember to allow leeway for fine trimming:
Ta-daa! ;D :
Trail fit and trim (curved nail scissors work a treat) if necessary:
Then glue in place with PVA:
Thanks for showing us how to do it.