Replicating MJ Bumper Caps

[White_Comanche]

Pouring Mold Part #2 happened this weekend. Happy to report that the aerosol mold separation product did its job. Today, I had to wait a long 6 hours for everything to cure before I knew anything. Thankfully Mold Part #2 did not stick to Part #1.

 

This project has taken on a life of its own. Got $500 bucks easily wrapped up into this already. There's still a wee bit of uncertainty involving the future steps.

 

Regardless of the outcome, I'm grateful for the success in overcoming all the challenges, and learning. Next: purchasing product to finally pour Mold Part #3.

 

(By the way... an old door with DIY sawhorses make for a fantastic work table)

 

 

 

[89 MJ]

From the little bit I’m seeing, these are looking excellent!

[White_Comanche]

PROTOTYPING IS NEXT

 

[eaglescout526]

Looking good!!! Now we just need bumpers to be reproduced and we would absolutely be golden! 

[White_Comanche]

Did some late night "pouring"  ... the bourbon helped out as well  

 

Things are looking promising. I will fully demold this tomorrow.

 

 

[White_Comanche]

PROOF OF CONCEPT

 

Everything demolded properly and very cleanly, just a few more vent holes need to be cut for all the air to escape.

 

However, more experimentation needs to happen before making copies.

 

Instead of buying a cheap & quick white resin to make this 1st prototype, I went with a product that helped establish the "furthest reaches" of how soft I can go. You might think this looks hard, but it is not... it's very soft and flexible. One truth I discovered today was how thin factory plastic was in places — which is the next challenge.

 

To match the hardness, look & feel there are a few routes to take. However, each has benefits and tradeoffs. Here's just a few specs I'm looking for. Also, perhaps as important is the ability to pour indoors safely with proper ventilation.

 

• Shore Hardness

• Flexibility

• Mixed Viscosity

• Pot Life

• Cure Time

• UV Resistance

 

 

[watchamakalit]

This is getting exciting.....

 

I mean it was already exciting, now is more exciting.......

 

Anyways, I'm excited.