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geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: kolec94 on Mon, 14 November 2016, 11:43:40

Title: casting questions
Post by: kolec94 on Mon, 14 November 2016, 11:43:40
i am wanting to get into casting keycaps and beads and i was wondering what i should get i would like to have ability to do metal to if it not to much to ask
Title: Re: casting questions
Post by: redbanshee on Mon, 14 November 2016, 11:50:39
i am wanting to get into casting keycaps and beads and i was wondering what i should get i would like to have ability to do metal to if it not to much to ask

You would need a metal crucible and silicone that will withstand metal temperatures like smooth-on mold max 60
Title: Re: casting questions
Post by: kolec94 on Mon, 14 November 2016, 11:58:39
i am wanting to get into casting keycaps and beads and i was wondering what i should get i would like to have ability to do metal to if it not to much to ask

You would need a metal crucible and silicone that will withstand metal temperatures like smooth-on mold max 60
other option i need something that can with stand 1100C
Title: Re: casting questions
Post by: nubbinator on Mon, 14 November 2016, 15:20:17
i am wanting to get into casting keycaps and beads and i was wondering what i should get i would like to have ability to do metal to if it not to much to ask

You would need a metal crucible and silicone that will withstand metal temperatures like smooth-on mold max 60

Yeah, no. Metal casting requires significantly more than that.

OP, if you are not willing to do the research, you should not be doing metal casting.  Metal casting poses significant risk of injury if you do something wrong.  If you're fine with low resolution casting, look into sand casting. 
Title: Re: casting questions
Post by: kolec94 on Mon, 14 November 2016, 15:59:26
I have done some research and found investment for a single mold but I don't like the process of making it and the fact it's one time use

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Title: Re: casting questions
Post by: nubbinator on Mon, 14 November 2016, 16:13:24
Investment casting is the only realistic home casting process if you want decent to good fidelity.
Title: Re: casting questions
Post by: kolec94 on Mon, 14 November 2016, 18:19:17
Investment casting is the only realistic home casting process if you want decent to good fidelity.
is there any way of getting multiple runs from the same investment?