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How to Get Started in Injection Molding

Use injection molding to create your own custom objects very quickly. With ballistics gel and basic household items you can quickly create your own personal items through the process of injection molding. Creating your own molds makes it possible to make any object you want, it is also much cheaper to create your own custom objects than it is to have someone else do it.

Things You'll Need

Foam block
Ruler
Razor knife
Ballistics gel
Measuring cup
Duct tape
Funnel

Instructions

- 1
  Cut your foam block in to two pieces. Carve your two blocks of foam so that they will come together in to the shape you want your object to be. Use measurements to create a mold that will fit around the object you want to create precisely.
- 2
  Make sure that you leave at least an inch of foam around the carving on every side so that the mold does not fall apart. Duct tape the foam blocks together and make a hole that will be used to pour ballistics gel in.
- 3
  Mix water with your ballistics gel making sure to follow the directions. Ballistics gel is a sturdy type of jello that is used in military testing because it is similar to human flesh. Mix the gel to the volume you will need for your mold. If you aren't sure you can figure that out by pouring water in to the hole until it comes out the top and then pour that water back in to a measuring cup.
- 4
  Set up a funnel so that it is inserted in to the hole on your mold. Pour the ballistics gel in to the mold until it gets to the top of the mold hole. Don't worry about going past the actual mold with your ballistics gel, it can be cut off after.
- 5
  Remove the tape and separate the sides of your mold. You now have your new object.

Insects & Science