Jen,

I have a invention that is made of silicone… I happen to have been working on a prototype for the last several weeks (several modifications). I don’t know how complicated your part is or the feasibility of you producing at least a rough prototype yourself (you’d be surprised what you can do), but silicone molds and castings are very popular and there are a lot of do-it-yourself resources. If interested, I can post a few resources for supplies and instructions. Otherwise, perhaps someone else will have a recommendation for a prototyping company. Good Luck!

Hi Jennifer,

My name is Tushar Mistry and I am the Project Leader for a Product Development Firm specializing in Rapid Prototyping and 2D/3D Engineering. Feel free to give me a shout and I will try my best to help you out or atleast steer you in the direction to reach your goals.

tushar@proto3000.com

Tushar Mistry
Project Leader
Proto3000 Inc.

Hi K J,

Yes, please, could you post the resources? Thanks a million!

Rich

Hi KJ:
I’d love your ideas/suggestions/learnings about silicone products. I see mold making products available online, and maybe these are the right idea?? My final product is silicone— so I am I think looking for something that I can create a mold and then pour silicone into? Do you have suggestions on the best product for this purpose?
Thanks in advance for your help!!
Jen

Hi Jen,

You can in fact cast silicone parts with a silicone mold. So first you would make the mold and then you would cast the part inside of that mold. When you do this, it is IMPERATIVE that you spray silicone release over the ENTIRE surface of the mold (that will be in contact with the casted part), so that the silicone will not stick to itself, which ends up being a HUGE problem. My parts are silicone and I cast it in a silicone mold all the time.

Depending on your part (product), you can purchase a small 1lb. size kit or a 4lb size kit. If you can give me a general idea of what your part is like I can let you know which product I think is best. If you do not want to discolse any of your product, just give an idea of something comparable.

Below I have pasted links to the product. The “RTV” is much stronger and firmer than the “Platinum” which is VERY soft in comparison. Anyway…. take a look at the site, they are also very helpful with answering any questions or feel free to post questions for me here on EN.

I purchase my silicone mold & part making material at: tapplastics.com

TAP Silicone:RTV
http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=61
TAP Platinum Silicone
http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid...
Silicone Mold Release (paintable)
http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid...

The product is basically a silicone mat, but needs to hold a shape— so it needs to be both flexible and somewhat rigid…if that makes sense. In terms of size, it is about 24″×18″.
Which product do you think might best suit?
Thanks again, I certainly appreciate the advice and am actually looking forward to attempting my own prototype.
J

It sounds like the RTV would work best, since it’s the more rigid of the two, yet still soft and flexible. Depending on the thickness of the mat, you may be able to get away with a 1lb. kit, but I would get the 4lb kit just in case (it’s more economical – plus 24″×18″ is pretty large). The RTV has a blue catalyst, so the finished silicone will have a light blue color (not aesthtically pleasing), but it’s just a prototype. You need to figure out a way to make your product out of a rigid material (e.g. wood, plastic or metal), then cast your mold around it. A Google search, will have plenty of silicone mold-making videos, but feel free to ask me any questions. Good Luck!

Jen,
For more information on mold making and the supplies needed go to this web site and read my article on a question I answered.

http://theinventorsmentors.forumo.biz/materials...

I do not endorse any manufactures, but only supply the best answerer’s to the questions asked.

Seems That my link does not work so I’m re-posting it here:

Answer to Mike, on the other site

Your dilemma is not that uncommon, but trying to find the right path is always difficult. You must first define certain aspects of the prototype you’re creating. Is your prototype eventually going to be created out of what material? Wood, metal, plastic, or what? Then are you going to require more than one?
Modeling clay is probably the easiest way to sculpt out your prototype. But you also have to consider the shrinkage that occurs when clay dries out. If you don’t have a kiln, then find a ceramic shop in your area and pay them to have your project fired.
DAS clay is considered earthen clay, which means that it is collected from known clay deposits and refined for use as sculpting clay. Here are the definitions on the different types of clay.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modelling_clay
The professionals that create prototypes for major manufactures use different types than what you’re using. You can go here and find the types they use.
http://www.freemansupply.com/ChavantIndustrialS...
Here again you must make a decision on how many prototypes or copies do you need. If you require more than one, and the final product is either made out of plastic or metal. I suggest that you create it first out of clay (not dried or fired to maintain shape and size), and then create a silicon rubber mold. Then you can cast plastic resin or a soft metal like (Babbitt or lead) which can be melted on a propane stove or natural gas stove.
If your prototype is of a mechanical nature, then it would be wise to have it machined from machine-able wax or wood first, then have several made out of the type of metal you require, once you have refined your specs.
http://www.freemansupply.com/MachinableWax.htm
http://www.freemansupply.com/HardMaple.htm
If you would like; you can send me a PM and I will help you in your choice as to material and procedure as to which would be the best! I can send you a non-disclosure agreement if you wish (to protect you not me).
Doug

Anyone looking for any type of silicone or rubber mold materials should take a look at Polytek Development Corp. at www.polytek.com and get their catalog. they carry a wide range of these products and have a good customer support and education base.

Hi Jan,

This is Lily from China, just knew this website from my Australian friend Derek Pater, who is my client when I worked in Duchy prototype company. Now I have left this company, so it will be an hour if I could supply you some detail information about prototype individually.

Lily