Originally Posted by
bradlar90
OK, I'm new to this. When you say polyester or epoxy layup, would that involve creating a master pattern and then forming the moulds over that by hand, including features like keys for alignment?
[Right.]
Cost isn't a major issue, but I need to ensure very high quality parts and as this is my first time casting I'd like to simplify the process somewhat.
I would need to get the master part machined anyway, could I instead design the two moulds and get them machined?
[The master part could either be machined or printed. I suppose you could machine the molds from big blocks of plastic instead of laying them up, but the amount of material and the cost would be a lot higher, while the strength would be lower.]
They are around 100mm deep so not sure what material choices I would have. Would something like Renshape offer a quality surface finish for transparent resin, and hold up to 10+ castings?
[Renshape would be acceptable as a material for the model, but not for the molds.]
Overkill I know but how about solid aluminium moulds?