The finished milliput
models are laid out into plasticene. Our highly experienced mould-makers
will choose the optimum arrangement of the figures to ensure that
each figure is fully filled when the mould is in use.
Once the final arrangement
of the figures has been chosen an outline of each model is scored
into the plasticene.
The excess plasticene
is scooped out using a dental tool.
The formers for the
ingate and main gallery are then added. Great care is given to the
design of the gallery and ingate to optimise the flow of metal into
the mould and to improve air removal. Location points around the outside
of the mould are also added, to ensure the accurate registration of
the final mould.
Once the milliput
models have been set into a plasticene base a wall of plasticene is
wrapped around the base and sealed in with a dental tool.
This forms a reservoir
for our special heat resistant liquid rubber. This liquid rubber compound
has been specially developed to gain the highest detail and resist
the high temperatures involved in casting. Our special preparation
techniques ensures a perfect consistency of the compound which will
improve the moulds flexibility which is important for releasing items
from the mould.
The liquid rubber
is then carefully poured into the reservoir so not to trap air in
the mould. The assembly is then left to set for five hours.
Making of Master Mould
Part 2 of 2
The
Watcher logo, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings and the names
of the characters, events, items and places therein, are trademarks
of The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Tolkien Enterprises under license
to Mithril Miniatures since 1987.