Reusable 3D Printed Silicone Mold Generator

thingiverse

**UPDATE 1:** In my first attempt to print, I learned the biproduct of scaling a fixed design sized with fitted holes for screws/bolts. This design is not parametric. **UPDATE 2:** The two halves printed successfully. Recommend to print side with cone facing UP to avoid warping ruining the print. If warped on outside, print should function. *** I have had issues with warping at print corners, and due to this, I highly recommend printing the cone side up for each half, and print separately for best results. Sand as needed for friction fitting to reduce flashing of silicone. Will be tested this week. May consider replacing updated larger cone after initial testing. PRINT AT YOUR OWN RISK BUT TELL US YOUR EXPERIENCE. **Design is sized to allow up to 5" of volume cubed. Be sure at least 1/2" of space is between the master copy and all walls.** This is a first draft design from a reference found while studying the creation of silicone molds and reuse. Credit to Makerbot for their mediocre web based instructions provided that led to me creating my own design. *** **List of Goods Required:** 4x M6 x ~~150mm~~ 170mm or longer bolts, full threading not required. 4x M6 Wing Nuts, or preferred. Holes are pre-slotted for an M6 bolt, unthreaded. Used for this model to connect the top and bottom after filling bottom mold and allowing cure time. **Instructions:** 1. First, secure your master copy inside the Bottom mold, using your favorite secure, yet removable method against an inconspicuous area of the master copy to the flat tip of the half cone to suspend it inside. Be sure at least 1/2" of space is between the master and all walls. 2. Spray your release spray, fill the mold with silicone, allow cure time. 3. Attach the Top and Bottom with the bolts and wing nuts. 4. Add keys and recognition marks to allow silicone alignment. 5. Spray your release spray, fill the mold with silicone, allow cure time. 6. Separate pieces and carefully remove the new mold you've generated.