Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Technology => Topic started by: jojo77m on 30/09/2010 12:31:16

Title: how to make metal mold copy of this
Post by: jojo77m on 30/09/2010 12:31:16

I have a keyring from 1989 with sentimental attachments.
http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/6789/bttf.jpg

is there anyway i can make a copy of this?
either pay for it to be reproduced so i wont loose it, or embed it in clay and do a diy metal casting? is this even possible?

does anyone know? any help would be appreciated

thanks

Title: how to make metal mold copy of this
Post by: RD on 30/09/2010 14:51:33

There is a technique called cold casting (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BIxSp6QNvA&feature=player_embedded) which can be safely done at home* : powdered metal is mixed with polyurethane resin poured into a silicone (flexible rubber) mould of the object you wish to duplicate. The resin solidifies giving a reasonable facsimile of a metal cast, without the need for burny-burny molten metal (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A796N_YZTm8&feature=related).

A cold cast copy won't have the strength of cast metal, so this attachment point could break off on the copy ...

 [ Invalid Attachment ]

I suppose you could embed a metal attachment loop in the cold cast copy to avoid this weak point, e.g. an old key.

[* in the garage / shed or other well ventilated area, the stuff stinks ]