For this short assignment, we were required to create alginate molds of our fingers and create 2 identical casts. I started in class by mixing the appropriate ratio of alginate to water, and inserting my finger for 5-8. minutes while it cured. We then mixed a 2:1 ratio of plaster of Paris and water for the actual casted piece. We used the provided 3D-printed piece to hold a screw inside of the plaster while it cured. This helped create a nice hook out of the finger.
I left it to cure overnight and repeated the casting process the next day so the mold wouldn’t grow mold. After I had both pieces, I had to carefully remove the 3D printed piece after chiseling away excess plaster with a pair of scissors. I used a spare box as a sturdy base for which I could spray-paint my molds.
After letting the paint dry overnight, I removed the fingers from the box and I was done! This was a cool introduction to molding and casting. Here are a few things I found helpful during the process:
- Use a smaller cup to hold the alginate, otherwise you won’t be able to fit your finger into it.
- Use a scale, not the cups to measure solids… this is kinda common sense but I made that mistake a few times with the plaster of Paris, but when I fixed it everything was perfect.
Cost:
Alginate | $20/box = $20
Plaster of Paris | $8/box = $9
Scale = $30
Two flasks = $20
Water = $0 thankfully
TOTAL = $79
