making Complex Shapes in Steel
Normally it would be very difficult to figure out the actual shape to cut out of metal for each side of the object below.
Lamina design however has software which works with 3D files and figures it all out for you!
All Hail Forton MG
What the heck is Forton MG you ask.If you know what it is you are probably involved in making sculptures or architectural castings.
Forton marries the best parts of plaster casting to the best parts of epoxy and fibreglass. Its ultra strong, very hard, weatherproof, odourless, and most importantly non toxic !
One can sculpt it like plaster but I prefer to work in clay spread over a foam core then cast Forton in a silicon mold of the clay. However you can drill and still work the final Forton cast.
The abbreviation M.G., is or Modified Gypsum) The system involves mixing Hydrocal FGR-95 from US Gypsum or alternatively, Densite HS from Geogia Pacific (both are gypsum-based cements); dry melamine resin powder; a hardener; a liquid polymer called Forton VF-812, and; fibreglass.
Its easy to do though accuracy is very important. It produces a very hard smooth surface and with fibreglass reinforcing it is very strong. It is also weather proof and can be quite light since it can just be a thin surface layer.
Another bonus is that the addition of aggregates, colourants and metallic powders can make it simulate the look and feel of metal such as bronze. Since the surface has actual metal in it is perhaps more than just a simulation.
Making Skin and Life-like parts
Skin is the key to making anything looking life like. Lucky for us the movie industry has made the job a lot easier!GM foam is the key player in this field.
Clay to design and build by.
Remember the Batmobile. How do they make that? Well you take a special clay and carve out the shape in it. You smooth it down to a mirror finish and then create a mold. You then use that mold to cast the part.
The clay you need only comes from one place and this is it. Their site is frame based so if you want examples then click on Gallery.
