Ever since I got serious with plastic models, I've always tried to keep the expenses low. One of the things I've been keeping an eye out for was how to cast manipulators without having to use resin. A week ago, inspiration struck: denture casting. If this works, I can definitely say it's not just affordable, it's down right cheap!
Dental technicians use Reprogel to create a mold and gypsum for the cast. Reprogel comes in powder form and in 21-gram packs that needs to be dissolved in water. Once it solidifies, you'll have a mold that feels and behaves like the eraser at the tip of a graphite pencil. I was able to produce a Reprogel "patty" about half an inch thick and four inches wide (diameter). I decided to run tests to see if it's feasible to use it for molding and casting small items.
My goals were pretty simple:
1. See how much detail can a Reprogel mold hold.
1. See how much detail can a Reprogel mold hold.
2. How plastic reacts Reprogel.
The first photo shows the Reprogel "patty" with the molded head (half a head that is, as I only used the face). I also tried using an FG Sword Impulse's foot which I made a mess of while extracting the original.
Pros:
1. Relatively safe: it's made of food grade gum/rubber resin.
1. Relatively safe: it's made of food grade gum/rubber resin.
2. It's dirt cheap: a pack is less than $0.25 cents!
3. Smells good: comes in cherry flavor! :P
Cons:
1. You only have a 30-second window before Reprogel hardens.
1. You only have a 30-second window before Reprogel hardens.
2. Bubbles are prevalent as you have precious little time before Reprogel sets.
What I want to find out now is if there's a way to retard Reprogel's setting time.
Next: casting call!
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