Thread: Label Casting ?

Originally Posted by dj_pnevans

This is my first go there are a few defects but I am happy with the process. Next time I will use less hardener and stand the tube up to get rid of the air bubbles as I don't have a pressure pot yet. I have trimmed the tube as the label shrunk.
David

Looks good! Hopefully the trimmed tube will still fit.
I wonder why the label shrunk though. Heat?

I think standing up the tube might not get rid of the air bubbles.
Some might be created during the cure as the resin and catalyst
react with each other. (depending on what kind of resin) That's
the main reason for casting under pressure. Pressure doesn't
get rid of air bubbles, it holds the resin under pressure so the
bubbles don't form while it cures. It doesn't get rid of existing
bubbles.

If there's bubbles already (happens during stirring, too) they
need to come up to the surface before the resin sets.
Vibrating the resin can help. You can put your mold on anything
that vibrates (scroll saw, clothes dryer etc) for a few minutes and
watch the air bubbles come to the surface. Some people just
lift one end of the mold and drop it back onto the table (many times)
to help clear the bubbles. Some shake it. Anything to move the air,
since it will want to come to the surface if it can move at all.

Standing up the tubes MIGHT make it more difficult to clear
the air, since the bubbles have further to travel to reach the
surface. Some people paint a thin layer of resin (no catalyst)
on the tubes before pouring and say it helps keep the bubbles
to a minimum. Some people warm the resin before mixing it
with catalyst, because it pours better when warm (thinner)

I don't know.. I've tried lots of things. I can do great labels, but
my own casting leaves something to be desired..

How about put it in a vacuum chamber?
David

Originally Posted by dj_pnevans

NewLondon88 it sounds like you are all over this label casting. Can you post some photos of your set up. I had a go the other day I am happy with my first go at it, I will post some photos when my wife gets a chance to take the photos.
David

Here's where I am so far. I've been playing more with mold making than with casting.
The white piece is a mockup to test the mold size, shape etc. The pink material is
an intermediate mold. (can't cast resin in it) I've been experimenting with different
things to get a one piece mold that will handle each kit and hopefully make things
easier for casting. One of these is for two Sierra/Wall St types, the other is for the
Jr. Gent/Jr. Statesman/Baron type.

I tried this one out with water to see if it leaked but no water got inside. So far, so good.
Once I refine the shape a bit more, I'll make a mold out of silicone (this one is alginate)
and try it out with resin.
Hopefully, it will be self positioning, self sealing and save around 50% of the resin cost.
That's important if you use urethane resins, they're 2-3 times as much money.

Oops.. forgot the Jr. Gent ..

I'm curious to know why you want the two sections joined?

Russell.

Originally Posted by BoomerangInfo

I'm curious to know why you want the two sections joined?

Russell.

Keeping them together makes them easier to handle, less chance of mixing up different
sized halves (ever end up with tubes you weren't sure about until you measured them
and compared them to other kits?) and makes a one piece cast for the whole kit.
The extra resin used by the join is less than 10% of the resin saved with the chamfered
corners, exact length, fill line in the mold and built in rubber stoppers.
I figured it wasn't a bad trade-off.

I'm not married to it, this is still experimental. But it's what I have so far..

Still toying with the idea of an insert to take up half of the mold in case
you only want to pour a half.. but that's down the road

Looking good NL88, keep us up to date as you go.
David

Finished my first 2 for some boys at work, they picked the color not me.
David.

Originally Posted by dj_pnevans

Finished my first 2 for some boys at work, they picked the color not me.
David.

Hehe, sure is bright, won't be able to lose them easily. Well done.

Russell.

Originally Posted by dj_pnevans

Finished my first 2 for some boys at work, they picked the color not me.
David.

Look at that! a built-in anti-theft color scheme!

Still, looking good...

Thanks guys. I don't know if the color says some thing about the way they swing.
David

When you cast labels,is there a certain software program that is used to print the label to the correct size for your tube.
Any help or advise please.

Terry

I hope this topic gets revived. Sure would like to know what progress has been made in the label casting field.

Originally Posted by schaf

When you cast labels,is there a certain software program that is used to print the label to the correct size for your tube.
Any help or advise please.

Terry

No, whatever your favourite image editing program is. If you make up a template to match the labels you are using, it's easier is all. Photoshop is popular for those who can *afford* it. Gimp is a free alternative.

Russell.