This week in EDES 210, I learned the process of creating highly detailed models through using the principles of adding and subtracting materials. Using alginate, a quick casting polymer, and plaster, a lower-viscosity building material. The process was more intricate than expected, but the output was two highly-detailed models of my fingers that I will definitely be using as wall hooks!
Creating the Fingers
In total, I made three fingers. The extra finger was due to a mistake in the casting process.
Finger 1:
When I placed my finger in the alginate, I pressed it to the bottom of the container, creating a tapered edge of my finger, as opposed to the natural curve of my finger. The result did not correctly model my finger, so I had to throw it out.
Finger 2:
This model of my finger turned out well and had no glaring imperfections. I even made sure to keep my finger in the mold for 7 minutes, to ensure exact modeling. However, when I was removing the plaster finger from the alginate mold, the mold cracked in half, which meant I had to remake the next mold from scratch.
Finger 3:
This model also had no noticeable imperfections. However, since I could not perfectly mimic the orientation of the preceding mold, it differs in form from model 2.
Post Processing
I coated each finger with a very thin coat of green spray paint. At some points, I had to redo sections of the spray paint, since too much paint had build up and was concealing the intricacies of each finger. I found it impossible to get each part perfectly, evenly coated.
Final Thoughts
I am satisfied with the result. As much as I tried to prevent it, there are some noticeable imperfections. This process taught me how methodical and careful I need to be for the final molding project. I need to be with how I plan and execute the molding process, because I won’t have a redo next time.
Cost Analysis
- Alginate: ($13 per bag/793 g per bag)(99g used) = $1.62
- Plaster: ($7.50 per bag/1814 g per bag)(120 g used) = $0.50
- Labor: ($7.50/hour (Texas Min Wage) x 2.5 hours) = $18.75
Total = $19.87
Cleaned Workspace
