MAKING THE MOTHER DIE

This is a mock working die.

A plaster bed is poured. Over sized 9x13 model laying on bed.

Model is centered and a lay outline is drawn where model will be cut in.

The parting line has been established. Cutting into the bed up to the "parting line".

Clay is layed inside the form to displace air.

Model is positioned to the "parting line".

Plastaline is used to fill between model and bed.

The "fill in" is smoothed out.

The die is formed for air release.

Containment case is attached by pre-drilled locator pins.

4 additional location pins are attached to the face.

Case is filled with #1 pottery plaster.

Die is turned over.

The 3' case ( the original bed) has been removed.

The original bed is knocked out so the case can be used to pour the other half.

1st half is cleaned up where the plasteline "fill in" was.

A spacer ring is used to make an air space for the "self-scraping" die.

Male half is air formed.

The clay makes an air space for the scrap to go when pressed in production. This could be tooled by hand if need be.

Top half is poured.

Die is seperated. Clay is removed and edge refined. THE MOCK UP IS COMPLETE.

MAKING THE IMPRESSION DIE

Clay is layed onto the surface of the plaster die.

This will be replaced with rubber in a later step.

A light dute containment case is pinned to the mother die. The case is filled with gypsum cement. The tubes will be used to pour the rubber face later

Gypsum cement impression die with clay face.

The clay is now removed.

Breathing holes are drilled.

The dies are put together.

Rubber is poured into the open areas. This rubber is PolyTek 74-55

Rubber is cured and is ready to make a working die.

Finished impression die.

Containment case is pinned to imp die.

Leveled and ready to pour.

Ceramical is poured at a 38 consistency.

Temperature is very important to good die perfoemance.

The top is smoothed off after the material looses it shine.

Purging begins and will be ready for the press in 24 hours.