Silicone mold making is a practical manufacturing process that transforms two-component silicone materials into flexible, detail-retaining molds for replicating various objects—from handicrafts to industrial prototypes. It stands out for its simplicity, бюджетный, and ability to capture micro-textures (even 0.1mm details), making it popular among crafters, малый бизнес, и любители. But what materials do you need? How to follow the process correctly? And how to fix common issues? This article answers all these questions.
1. Essential Materials & Tools for Silicone Mold Making
Choosing the right materials and tools is the first step to success. The table below lists must-have items, их функции, and selection tips:
| Категория | Example Items | Function Description | Советы по выбору |
| Main Materials | Two-component addition-molded silicone | The core material for mold formation; cures into elastic molds | – For food-related uses (НАПРИМЕР., шоколадные формы): Choose FDA-certified food-grade silicone.- Для промышленных прототипов: Pick silicone with Shore A hardness 30–50° (balances flexibility and durability) |
| Вспомогательные инструменты | Electronic scale (±0.1g accuracy) | Ensures precise mixing ratio of silicone components | Avoid ordinary kitchen scales (low accuracy leads to curing failure) |
| Stirring rod (plastic/glass) | Mixes silicone main agent and curing agent evenly | Use non-metallic rods (metal may react with silicone) | |
| Measuring cup (прозрачный) | Holds and measures silicone; allows observation of mixing state | Choose heat-resistant cups (for accelerated curing scenarios) | |
| Master Mold Treatments | Soapy water, вазелин, PVA release agent | Prevents silicone from adhering to the prototype | – For metal/glass prototypes: Use PVA release agent (strong anti-adhesion).- For resin/wood prototypes: Petroleum jelly (Легко чистить) |
| Support Tools | Acrylic board/wooden frame | Builds a containment structure to fix the prototype and prevent silicone overflow | Ensure the frame is 2–3cm taller than the prototype’s highest point |
2. Пошаговый процесс изготовления силиконовой формы
Silicone mold making follows a linear, easy-to-follow workflow. Each step has clear requirements to avoid defects:
Шаг 1: Prototype Preprocessing (Заложить фундамент)
- Уборка: Wipe the prototype (НАПРИМЕР., resin model, wooden craft) with a clean cloth dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Remove all oil, пыль, and fingerprints—even tiny debris will create pockmarks on the mold.
- Шлифование (При необходимости): For rough prototype surfaces (НАПРИМЕР., 3D printed parts with layer lines), sand with 400–600 grit sandpaper. This enhances silicone adhesion and improves mold smoothness.
- Splicing (For Complex Structures): If the prototype has intricate shapes (НАПРИМЕР., multi-part figurines), split it into blocks and mark alignment points. This makes demolding easier and reduces mold tearing.
- Release Agent Application: Нанесите тонкий, uniform layer of release agent to the prototype. Let it dry for 5–10 minutes (avoid thick layers, which blur mold details).
Шаг 2: Silicone Blending (Mix for Uniformity)
- Ratio Control: Pour silicone main agent and curing agent into a measuring cup according to the manufacturer’s ratio (common ratios: 1:1 или 10:1). Use an electronic scale to weigh—e.g., 100g main agent + 10g curing agent for a 10:1 соотношение.
- Смешивание: Медленно перемешать смесь (30–50 RPM) in one direction for 2–3 minutes. Scrape the bottom and sides of the cup repeatedly to ensure no unmixed material remains (unmixed silicone won’t cure).
- Defoaming: Let the mixed silicone stand for 5–10 minutes to release surface bubbles. For high-demand molds (НАПРИМЕР., ювелирные формы), place the cup in a vacuum chamber (-0.1МПА) for 10–15 minutes to eliminate internal bubbles.
Шаг 3: Infusion Molding (Capture Details)
- Containment Setup: Place the preprocessed prototype on an acrylic board, then build a wooden/acrylic frame around it. Seal the frame’s bottom with tape to prevent silicone leakage.
- Техника заливки: Hold the measuring cup 10–15cm above the frame and slowly pour silicone along the frame’s inner wall (не прямо на прототипе). Pour at a rate of 1–2ml per second—this lets silicone flow into micro-details (НАПРИМЕР., texture lines) without trapping air.
- Batch Pouring (For Thick Molds): If the mold thickness exceeds 3cm, pour in 2–3 batches. Wait until the previous layer is semi-cured (surface is no longer sticky, about 2–3 hours) before adding the next layer. This reduces curing shrinkage and bubble formation.
Шаг 4: Выклятый (Set the Mold)
- Room-Temperature Curing: Поместите форму в хорошо проветриваемое помещение при температуре 25°C.. Первичное отверждение занимает 4–6 часов. (силиконовая поверхность становится твердой), но полное излечение требует 24 часы. Избегайте перемещения рамы во время отверждения. (вызывает деформацию формы).
- Ускоренное отверждение (Для неотложных нужд): Если вам нужна форма быстро, поместите раму в духовку, настроенную на температуру ≤50°C. Выпекать 2–3 часа (проверять каждый 30 минут, чтобы предотвратить перегрев). Примечание: Не превышайте температуру 50°C — высокие температуры делают силикон хрупким..
Шаг 5: Демольд & Обрезка (Finalize the Mold)
- Демольд: Аккуратно отделите рамку от силикона., затем медленно поднимите форму с краев прототипа.. Use a plastic spatula to separate stuck areas—never pull hard (stretching damages the mold).
- Обрезка: Cut off excess silicone (вспышка) around the mold with sharp scissors. For rough edges, sand with 800 grit sandpaper to ensure the mold is neat.
- Тестовый запуск: Pour a small amount of scrap material (НАПРИМЕР., смола, штукатурка) в форму. После лечения, check if the replica has clear details and no leaks. This verifies the mold’s usability before formal production.
3. Common Problems & Solutions in Silicone Mold Making
Even beginners can encounter issues during the process. The table below lists frequent problems, their causes, and practical fixes:
| Common Problem | Первопричина | Решение |
| Too Many Bubbles in the Mold | Fast pouring; insufficient defoaming; stirring too vigorously | – Pour silicone slower (≤1ml per second).- Extend vacuum defoaming time to 20 minutes.- Stir at a lower speed (30 Rpm) and avoid splashing |
| Severe Mold Adhesion to Prototype | Inadequate release agent; prototype surface not cleaned | – Apply a second thin layer of release agent and dry thoroughly.- Re-clean the prototype with isopropyl alcohol to remove oil |
| Mold Tears Easily During Use | Thin mold walls (<3см); low tear-strength silicone | – Increase mold thickness to 3–5cm.- Add a layer of fiberglass cloth to the silicone during pouring (повышает прочность)- Switch to industrial-grade silicone (tear strength >3кн/м) |
| Mold Deformation/Shrinkage | Неровное отверждение; single pour thickness >3см; high ambient temperature | – Cure in a temperature-controlled room (20–25 ° C.).- Pour in batches (each layer ≤3cm).- Add a 1–2% dimensional allowance to the prototype (offsets shrinkage) |
| Reduced Mold Lifespan | Sharp objects scratching the inner wall; improper storage | – Use plastic tools to remove replicas (avoid metal tools).- Store molds in a cool, темное место; apply a thin layer of talcum powder to prevent adhesion |
4. Application Scenarios of Silicone Molds
Silicone molds have wide uses across different fields. Here are typical application cases with specific details:
| Поле | Примеры применения | Mold Requirements | Ключевые преимущества |
| Home Decoration | Tile patterns, wall reliefs, decorative candle holders | Shore A hardness 20–30° (flexible for demolding); large size (matches decoration dimensions) | Reusable (20–30 раз); easy to customize patterns |
| Gourmet Creation | Chocolate sculptures, ice hockey molds, cake decorations | FDA-certified food-grade silicone; нетоксичный, Высокотемпературный устойчивый (до 200 ° C.) | Safe for food contact; Легко чистить (dishwasher-friendly) |
| Промышленное прототипирование | Прототипы изделий из смолы в небольших объемах, корпуса электронных компонентов | Промышленный силикон.; высокая точность (± 0,1 мм толерантность); tear strength >4кн/м | Снижает стоимость прототипирования (1/10 из стальных форм); короткий производственный цикл (24 часы) |
| Художественное творчество | Прекрасное воспроизведение восковых фигур., гипсовые скульптуры, поделки из глины | Ультрамягкий силикон (Берег А 10–20°); улавливает микродетали размером 0,1 мм | Сохраняет художественные детали; бережное отношение к хрупким прототипам |
5. Перспектива технологии Yigu на изготовление силиконовой формы
В Yigu Technology, мы считаем, что изготовление силиконовых форм — это мост между творчеством и практичностью, который расширяет возможности как любителей, так и малого бизнеса.. Для домашних мастеров, наш 1:1 ratio addition-molded silicone simplifies mixing (no professional skills needed) and cures fully in 24 часы, ideal for candle or resin projects. Для промышленных клиентов, our high-precision industrial-grade silicone (Shore A 40–50°) achieves ±0.05mm tolerance, meeting low-volume prototype needs at 1/5 the cost of traditional molds.
We’re advancing two improvements: 1) Developing UV-curable silicone (cures in 30 минуты, время сокращения цикла 90%) for urgent projects; 2) Launching pre-cut support frames (customizable sizes) to eliminate leakage risks. Our goal is to make silicone mold making more accessible, эффективный, and cost-effective for everyone.
Часто задаваемые вопросы
- How many times can a silicone mold be reused, and what affects its lifespan?
A well-made silicone mold can be reused 20–50 times. Lifespan depends on silicone type (industrial-grade lasts longer than craft-grade), usage habits (avoid sharp tools), and storage (прохладный, dark, dust-free environment). Applying talcum powder after cleaning also extends life.
- Can I make a silicone mold for high-temperature materials (НАПРИМЕР., molten wax, low-melting metals)?
Yes—but choose the right silicone. For molten wax (до 80 ° C.), use ordinary industrial-grade silicone. For low-melting metals (НАПРИМЕР., pewter, melting point 170°C), select high-temperature resistant silicone (withstands up to 200°C). Test a small mold sample first to ensure it doesn’t deform.
- What should I do if the silicone mold has uneven thickness after pouring?
Первый, check if the prototype is placed on a flat surface (uneven bases cause uneven silicone distribution). If pouring is complete, gently tilt the frame within 10 минуты (before silicone sets) to adjust thickness. For cured molds with slight unevenness, sand the thick areas with 600 grit sandpaper—avoid over-sanding (thins the mold too much).