Money Saved with A Rapid prototype Tooling Strategy

Rapid prototype Tooling are often made using FDM technology. The part was made from extruded black ABS and was used for some functional testing.

Initial prototype

3M began this phase by creating stereolithography (SLA) patterns with its in-house SLA equipment. Overflow SLA work was sourced to Vista Technologies. The SLA prototypes were used by engineers and industrial designers to check fit and form. The same prototypes were used by 3M packaging engineers to create conceptual mock-ups of product packaging. They also made excellent tools for ergonomic and usability studies.

To mimic the soft under pad of the sanding tool, Vista used PolyJet(TM) rapid prototype technology. PolyJet was chosen because it can use either of two soft-durometer (a hardness measurement) materials that can be run to gain similar quality parts as SLA technology. TangoBlack, a material with a score of 61 on the Shore A durometer scale, was the best fit. Within days Vista was able to supply 3M with their simulated soft-durometer under pads for more testing.

The bottom pad for the hand sander was prototyped using TangoBlack material from the Polyjet technology. This material is a 61 Shore A material that mimics the properties of santoprene.

At the same time, a gripping/tensioning mechanism for the sanding media was being developed.

At this point, the sub-assemblies were merged into a refined set of CAD databases. Additional SLA parts were created to evaluate the new mechanisms. With each new prototype, the team was able to investigate new features in the design. Because these rapid prototype parts could be created cost-effectively in a matter of hours instead of days or even weeks, the team had the ability to study complex forms and details in a manner not possible using traditional machining and fabrication techniques. In some cases multiple iterations were generated in one or two days.

On the left is the hand sander from the prototype tool and the hand sander on the right is from the production tool.

Second-Generation Rapid Prototypes: More Realistic Simulations

In the second generation of the prototypes, 3M needed the hinge function and material properties to be simulated more realistically. After a few design changes were made to the CAD data, Vista Technologies supplied 3M with a Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) prototype.

The FDM part, made from extruded black ABS, allowed for more robust testing and provided similar specified material properties in weight and strength as the final part would have. This prototype was able to handle a variety of tests that allowed 3M to modify their design before production tooling was released.

Rapid Tooling Takes Over

Once 3M completed its work with prototypes, it was time for rapid tooling. Vista Technologies quickly created aluminum tools. Milled at 42,000 rpm with high-speed milling technology and a proprietary fixture system, these tools were made for quick turns and quick modifications.

A core and cavity of a 1+1 family tool of the hand sander top handle. The mold finish is as machined.

The aluminum tools could be modified, polished, textured, welded on, and were capable of shooting 10,000-plus parts. Vista Technologies supplied injection-molded parts within two to three weeks of usable CAD data. By getting specified material parts in hand, 3M could complete their required testing.

A computer rendering of the hand sander concept before prototype.

The rapid tools supplied by Vista Technologies were for multiple parts that made up the sanding products. The parts were made in family tools--meaning several related parts were made in the same tool. By adding runner shut offs to the tools, 3M could turn on or turn off certain parts of the tool--thereby making only the parts they needed. This kept costs down while minimizing wasted material in extra mold inserts. The molds were made with hand pick-outs and manual slides to capture several undercuts in the part design.

3M chose the rapid tooling approach because it allowed them to quickly evaluate different part features and molding parameters. Tooling changes could be completed and parts resampled for evaluation in just a few days. This was a tremendous advantage to 3M.

From an engineering standpoint, they were able to sample several materials for strength and repetitive testing. They were also able to compare the functionality of various latch mechanisms and to check material flow and gate locations (points where material is injected into the tool).

A close-up of a production 3M hand sander. Many methods of rapid prototype and rapid tooling were utilized before production tooling was released.

A 1+1 aluminum mold showing the handles molded in different colors for marketing review.

From a marketing standpoint, along with sampling different materials, they also were able to mold parts in a variety of colors to get important feedback from focus groups. By the time databases were released for production tooling, the mold designs had been optimized and the material and color strategies were in place.

By using rapid tooling, 3M discovered many things in the functional prototypes before cutting production tools. The gating was changed on the production tool, the snap-fit features were redesigned, the handle was modified and ultrasonic energy directors were added for sonic welding of parts in final assembly.

Summary

As rapid prototype China and rapid tooling technologies become more sophisticated, the importance of picking the correct technology for product applications can be critical to gaining a competitive edge. As 3M found, a combination of RP and RT technologies and materials helped them save money, speed development time and establish a foothold in the marketplace.

Modeling On The Run-Rapid Prototype Services

Taking additive manufacturing to a new high, rapid prototype services project completion easy for many by creating prototypes in the nick of time. Working on the principles used by additive manufacturing technologies, rapid prototype services manage to create prototypes within limited budgets specified by customers.

SLA - A Rapid prototype services wonder

Before getting into the actual process of using rapid prototype services, it is important to understand the customer's need and what materials and systems should therefore be used in the prototype.

1. One of the most accurate and practical methods of rapid prototype services is Stereolithography also called SLA. Stereolithography really works well with limited budget concerns as since the cost of manufacturing is on the lower side and prototype making is a process of approvals and changes, the ultimate cost would still be lesser than might be with other methods of rapid prototype services.

The SLA system can help even tooling engineers to decide on the placement of parting lines or gate locations or even ejector pins. The SLA system uses a laser beam to solidify layers of material in a vat of liquid polymer or SL resin. It uses a computer aided design to guide it on where to solidify. Most often, SLA can produce models in a matter of a few hours depending on the size of the prototype.

Advantage: the lower cost as well as time saving is the reasons why SLA works better than permanent hard tooling. It also produces some of the most clean and accurate forms and the machine itself require little and easy cleaning.

Disadvantage: the finishing of the surface is slightly lacking in smoothness and a detailing. Also, the parts maybe cheaper by require 2 to 3 times the amount of time to actually build.

2. Another rapid prototype services system is urethane castings. Urethane castings take the process to be slightly higher and detailed level. It produces a more durable model of rapid prototype. This model actually simulates production material. This system uses liquid silicone to cover the part and submerge it in a pressure chamber to remove all air bubbles. This silicone mould is then cooled and solidified. The mould is then split by a mould technician or cut along the parting line and this is the master pattern that will be used even as a part of the SLA system.

Advantage: This service has been known for its advantages. The fact that it has many advantages has also attracted a lot of attention towards this method and hence it is something that has been used widely today. The efficiency of this service also means that the method has also attracted a lot of attention as well. When several pieces of the same model or part need to be manufactured, urethane castings provide a better and more economical solution. It can also be matched with paint color and texture specifications by inserting plastic mold over mould.

Rapid Prototype-Reconstructing Models Made Simpler

Having the ability to reconstruct items using rapid prototype has made a difference in many ways. One example would be the Buddha of Infinite Light, Amida. This is a carved figure made of wood and lacquered. Believed to have originated in the 13th century, it is a wonderful piece of art that tells us much about the earlier cultures. However, the Buddha is believed to have originally been adorned with a necklace, topknot and crown.

The Buddha was the inspiration it took to build another one using rapid prototype. Adding the missing adornments was one of the purposes for doing this. The reconstructed Buddha was made using 0.1 mm layers and was based on 3D scanning at close range. In addition, digital modeling was used and the end result was the Buddha with the accessories that were believed to be missing.

The use of selective laser sintering made the reconstruction process possible and allowed very high definition. It was constructed in one piece. The original is displayed at the World Culture Gallery in Liverpool. Other sculptors have used the technological advances made in the world of rapid prototype to make other intricately detailed pieces for displaying in art galleries the world over.

Using computer aided design (CAD) to acquire the designs of the object for rapid prototype, the layers are broken down. This is the model that is used to create the nearly identical physical model. By breaking down the layers, this allows the user to create the layers needed to construct the actual model. They are put together to form the shape desired. The main advantage to the process is that any shape can be made simply by using this method.

Using the methods of rapid prototype models normally can be produced in a matter of hours. This does however, depend on the number of models being produced at the same time and the size of the model. The intricate detail of the model being made is another aspect that must be considered. In addition, the machine being used can affect the time it takes to make the model.

Rapid prototype is not always rapid. As you can see, there are many factors that have an effect on the time it takes to construct a form using this method. There are many companies in the technological field that are available for rapid prototype. The big difference is the method used to build the layers when creating the model.

The boundary that exists between the CAD software and the machine being used is the STL file format. This is what predicts the shape of the model with the use of facets that are triangular in shape. The smallest facets generate the best quality. While some technologies use a softening or melting process to generate the layers, there are others that use liquids such as thermosets that have already been cured.

One of the types of rapid prototype is freeform fabrication. With this method the use of two materials - one for constructing the model and one for the support - is used and the support material is later dismantled. With the use of rapid prototype it is possible to automatically construct objects using the technology of additive manufacturing. This allows the creation of two objects - one virtual and one physical - that are typically identical. Using this fairly new technology the sky is the limit.

Develop Products Faster Using Proven Rapid prototype Technologies

Manufacturing technologies have advanced geometrically over the past twenty years. And rapid prototype techniques have grown even faster. In all most every process that is used to make components, a complimentary process has been developed to make prototypes and short production runs.

Aluminum die casting has been the process of choice for the majority of high volume applications for decades. Volumes need to exceed 50,000 pieces per year. So what if you have a new product that you want to launch with 5,000 units and it involves several aluminum castings per product?

Is there a way to produce these components on a limited tooling budget?

Fortunately there are numerous processes for producing prototype and low volume precision castings.

Several of the processes are:

1) Plaster Mold Casting

2) Graphite Mold Casting

3) V-Process Casting

What are the advantages of these processes? Precision castings that simulate the die casting method can be produced for a fraction of the upfront(tooling) costs required for die casting. Plus these methods have high volume production capabilities. All of the processes are capable of producing 100 units and then with the same tooling, can be ramped up to higher volume of 2,000 to 5,000 piece production runs.

These methods are also fast. Castings can be produced in 1-2 weeks if necessary.

These precision casting methods can produce components with .100 - .125 " wall thicknesses, with a surface finish of 125 rms. They then can be machined to your required dimensions and tolerancing.

For more information about aluminum castings, plastic mold, rapid prototype technologies, machining and other production methods visit longxiang-ltd.com.

The Business Model of Think Tanks and Rapid Prototype

Large corporations often have research and development departments where they define new strategies, and rapid prototype which their company can sell in the market place to consumers. This is how they come up with new services and products to appease their clientele and customers. Without innovation, a large Corporation can become stodgy, slow, and uncompetitive amongst their competition.

Although customers and clients say they want change, the reality is that humans do not want too much change, but they like to have new features, designs, and occasional changes. Of course, once a corporation has gotten too large, often they can no longer do the research and development in-house and feel the need to outsource.

In this case it has to find competent and trustworthy vendors to do discrete manufacturing, and design companies which are willing to keep a lid on things that they are working on. Sometimes large companies will outsource to think tanks that are capable of doing rapid prototype and discrete manufacturing.

But one has to ask if that is a good business model? Are corporations really interested in outsourcing their R&D departments? It turns out they are, and many government agencies are also looking to do this. Many companies in the industrial military complex as well like the idea of having project management teams doing research and prototype outside their company.

If a think tank or outsourced innovation team can be sworn to secrecy, and perform such services at a much lower cost then it makes sense for the Corporation to go ahead. The reality is that a company engaged in such research can make a good profit, and save the corporation millions of dollars. They make money by saving their clientele money, and therefore, it makes a very good business model. Please consider all this, and think on it.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes that all think tanks need a calling plan like the friends and family type plans for their members and fellows; Family Phones.

Note: All of Lance Winslow's articles are written by him, not by Automated Software, any Computer Program, or Artificially Intelligent Software. None of his articles are outsourced, PLR Content or written by ghost writers. Lance Winslow believes those who use these strategies lack integrity and mislead the reader. Indeed, those who use such cheating tools, crutches, and tricks of the trade may even be breaking the law by misleading the consumer and misrepresenting themselves in online marketing, which he finds completely unacceptable.

Rapid prototype in the Medical Industry

The rapid prototype technology used for the medical industry is relatively new. This is why there are many new and exciting discoveries for applications of this RP technology. It is definitely revolutionizing the way medicine is practiced. These medical prototypes are helping medical practitioners to be of better service to patients without the long turn over or risks in experimentation.

Rapid medical prototyping technology is used for things such as prototypes for medical devices and models such as anatomical parts for medical applications. Basically, what Rapid prototype in the medical industry does is that it provides the innovative avenue for doctors and medical designers as well as patients, generate a physical representation of their design so that they can test its usability.

Of course because these rapid prototypes will be used for the medical industry, it is important to contract a prototyping solutions provider that is quick and reliable and who will only use FDA approved materials. You will also want a prototyping solutions provider who you can trust with confidential information.

What has to be the most exciting contribution of Rapid prototype in the medical industry is the fact that RP technology has gone beyond providing sample models so that doctors and patients can test the shape and feel of these products. Now, through rapid medical prototyping, models of human bone, tissue and other anatomical parts are available for use by surgeons to study strategies for complex surgery.

Having actual prototypes of anatomical parts help not only doctors to better understand and discuss strategies, but it also helps for doctors in explaining complex procedures to their patients with the use of these aids. While 3D computer images used to in the actual prototypes place, there is no doubt that Rapid prototype in the medical industry has given more depth to the practice.

Rapid prototype technology or RP refers to the automated construction of prototypes. Usually, the process involves, a computer aided design, which is fed into a machine, which is in turn transformed into a physical, 3D model through an automated mechanical process.

Although the term rapid is relative, the reason why the term is used in this process is because prior to this invention, prototypes were produced longer and with more difficulty. Not to mention that in the past, automated prototyping were limited to certain manufacturing industries. Now with rapid prototype technology in place, a much wider application of the process is utilized, including the medical industry.

Energy Island - Anglesey Power Boost For Wales

The Rapid prototype of this Seagen turbine technology has already been launched in Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland and electricity is already being distributed into the transmission grid.

The Isle of Anglesey off North Wales is the new Energy Island ready to power Wales towards a greener, low carbon 21st century future. Building its solid power platform around Wylfa Nuclear Power Station, this island in the Irish Sea will harness the natural power of wind and tide with the mega resource of nuclear energy and natural gas.

Taking the name "Energy Island" local politicians hope these projects will play a major role in economic regeneration on Anglesey and contribute to achieving key environmental targets both in Wales and more broadly in the UK context.

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has now put up for sale around 400 acres of farm land adjacent to the Wylfa nuclear power station outside Cemaes, a site operated by Magnox North.

This sale by the NDA, which owns civil nuclear sites across the UK, and French energy giant EDF, which previously acquired a package of adjacent land, will bring the prospect of new nuclear build to the island.

In addition to Wylfa, the NDA is also aiming to dispose of land adjacent to nuclear sites at Oldbury in Gloucestershire and Bradwell in Essex.

Since the UK Government signalled its intention to facilitate the renaissance of nuclear power earlier this year, there have been high hopes for new reactor on Anglesey, referred to as Wylfa B.

Using the latest design of nuclear reactor such as the European Pressurized Reactor (EPR) designed by French company Areva, a new power station on the island could provide power for around two million homes.

Other international power generators have expressed an interest in building and operating the new tranche of nuclear reactors due to be built in Britain. These include Spanish firm Iberdrola, French energy giant GDF Suez, and German power firms EON and RWE.

Building on the foundation of a new nuclear reactor at Wylfa outside Cemaes, there is the prospect of using the tidal power between the Skerries rocks and Carmel Head.

The energy company npower renewable, a subsidiary of RWE NPower, is involved with Marine Current Turbines Limited of Bristol to develop a 10.5 MW tidal farm off Anglesey, enough to generate capacity to power up to 6,000 homes.

Expectations are that this multi-million pound scheme to connect the Seagen underwater turbines to the National Grid could be ready by 2011, assuming planning permission is given.

With the global dynamics in energy security changing rapidly, the UK government is looking at ways of securing reliable supplies of natural gas to ensure the lights will not go out in future. Along with coal and nuclear, natural gas is the other energy source for generating baseload electricity.

At the site of the former Octel works in Amlwch Port, US based gas firm Canatxx LNG Limited has submitted plans to bring ashore liquid natural gas (LNG) from large specialised tankers.

The LNG which would come from countries as diverse as Qatar, Algeria and Trinidad would then be re-gasified and piped under the sea to Natby in Lancashire, stored in former salt caverns below the sea bed before being distributed to the UK National Gas Grid.

Other renewable energy sources already in operation are three wind farms which total over 70 turbines locations near Cemaes and Amlwch as well as above LLyn Alaw, a central island location.

The local council already sells electricity to the National Grid generated from a landfill gas site at Penhesgyn, east of Llangefni.

Local MP Albert Owen, who has long been a champion of new nuclear build at Wylfa, is raising the Anglesey brand as an Energy Island. He believes the island has abundant natural resources and the skills base suitable for power generation, with huge potential spin-offs for the local economy.

With such infrastructure this acts not just as a catalyst for job creation in the energy industries but also as a magnet to attract other businesses considering moving to Anglesey because of the installed power capacity.

It is also key to securing existing employment and industry, such as the jointly owned Kaiser Corporation - Rio Tinto aluminium smelter at Holyhead, which is a high energy user, taking about 12% of power consumption in Wales.

Potential also exists to explore the development of more tidal Rapid prototype, wave and biomass forms of renewable energy going forward. The future is looking very bright for making Anglesey an Energy island off the North Wales coast.

Cypress PSoC Programmer 3.0 Streamlines Interface

PSoC Programmer 3.0 also includes rapid prototype device programming through configurable verifications procedures. In addition, it automatically identifies the target PSoC device and configures itself to program that device, without the user having to select the device from a menu.

Cypress Semiconductor (NYSE:CY) today introduced new programming software for the PSoC?programmable system-on-chip family. The new PSoC Programmer 3.0 now offers a customizable user interface, allowing designers to select the features they wish to use and hide those that they don't. Cypress has also streamlined the interface to enable an easier, more intuitive user experience.

PSoC Programmer can be used as an integrated programmer with Cypress PSoC Designer integrated development environment (IDE), or as a standalone programming application. It supports all PSoC device families.

We actively sought PSoC customers to identify the features and functionality that would make the PSoC Programmer tool better,?said Jon Pearson, Marketing Director for PSoC Development Tools. PSoC Programmer 3.0 is the result of that feedback, and we believe it will add value to the PSoC design experience.?

PSoC -- Because Change Happens

PSoC devices employ a highly configurable system-on-chip architecture for embedded control design, offering a flash-based equivalent of a field-programmable ASIC without lead-time or NRE penalties. PSoC devices integrate configurable analog and digital circuits, controlled by an on-chip microcontroller, providing both enhanced design revision capability and component count savings. They include up to 32 Kbytes of Flash memory, 2 Kbytes of SRAM, an 8x8 multiplier with 32-bit accumulator, power and sleep monitoring circuits, and hardware I2C communications.

The flexible PSoC resources allow designers to future-proof their products by enabling firmware-based changes during design, validation, production, and in the field. The unique PSoC flexibility shortens design cycle time and allows for late-breaking feature enhancements. All PSoC devices are also dynamically reconfigurable, enabling designers to morph internal resources on-the-fly, utilizing fewer components to perform a given task.

Easy to use development tools enable designers to select configurable library elements for analog functions such as amplifiers, ADCs, DACs, filters and comparators and digital functions such as timers, counters, PWMs, SPI and UARTs. The PSoC family's analog features include rail-to-rail inputs, programmable gain amplifiers and up to 14-bit ADCs with exceptionally low noise, input leakage and voltage offset.

A single PSoC device can integrate as many as 100 peripheral functions saving customers design time, board space and power consumption while improving Plastic mold system quality. Customers can save as much as $10 in system costs.

Plastic Blow Molding and the Environment

With the ever-increasing demand for plastic bottles, plastic mold and the environment has become an increasingly important issue.

As landfills begin disappearing, more and more pressure will be put on plastic blow molders to come up with solutions.

The numbers are staggering to the mind:

In 2006, Americans recycled an average of 23%. That means that 38 billion water bottles end up in landfills.

Bottled water costs between $1 and $4 per gallon. 90% of the cost is in the packaging!

In order to manufacture a one years supply of bottled water in the US, it takes 1.5 million barrels of oil a year! You could drive 100,00 cars with that much oil.

Eight out of ten plastic water bottles end up in the dump.

All of these bottles were made by plastic blow molding, an industry that is facing this problem from several strategic positions.

What can be done by blow molders?

One approach is to use biodegradable plastics in the molding process. This is not quite as easy at it might appear, for several reasons. Biodegradable plastics are not so easy to work with. This is Rapid prototype changing, however, with the introduction of newer grades of starch based polymers to the marketplace.

The other approach is to use recycled materials. This is a very simple and practical method, but is is not very effective at the present. This is because Americans have a very poor record at recycling plastic bottles.

If 8 out of 10 bottles end up in the dump, that means only 20% are recycled! Some states are legislating a bottle deposit, similar to soda bottles. This is very effective and should become a federal mandate. The return rate on bottle deposits is very high and this is an easy way to manage the problem, at least in a stop-gap measure.

What can the public do?

1.Make a nationwide bottle deposit law that would create an incentive to recycle. Taxpayers have to pay for the clean up, now the costs should be shifted to the consumers.

2.Eliminate the patchwork bottle laws that vary from state to state and make it nationwide.

3.Find a way to get the manufacturers to stop opposing legislation in Congress. There has been widespread bipartisan support, but the beverage lobby groups have tremendous political influence. So, what's new? Still, with enough pressure things could change.

Using Pressure Transducers in Plastic Mold Making

Since the 1960's Plastic mold have use pressure transducers to monitor many different aspects of molding. Now, more and more injection mold makers are using pressure transducers to add value to their molds.

As globalization and an uncertain economy take their toll on mold making, it makes sense to add high value to you finished product. Now that pressure transducers can be designed and installed in a greater variety of locations, with varying purposes, the applications are more robust than ever.

Why use a pressure transducer?

Using a pressure transducer enables mold makers to gain precise and accurate data about how the tool is actually performing in production. Some of the types of information that can be gained are:

How different fill speeds affect the balance of the tool.

1.What kind of effect varying temperatures have on the final part.

2.How different cooling temperatures affect the outcome of the part.

3.To obtain accurate information when using slides and the effect of Rapid prototype mold pressure on the components.

4.To help with the design of a more robust core and cavity.

Why not just use simulation software?

A detailed comparison of simulated results with actual in-process data will quickly answer that question!

Use pressure transducer information to help the customer

A customer who has just spent many thousands of dollars will most likely benefit greatly from the precise and detailed information you can provide. Pressure sensors were rather delicate in the past, as well as difficult to install.

Now, with the aid of solid modeling the model for pressure sensors can be electronically sent from the customer to the mold maker. This greatly helps to avoid the possiblity of a poor location or improper installation.

Conclusion

When used as a value added mold component, pressure transducers can help the mold maker to gain a competitive edge. With the increase of international competition, the trend toward more sophistication will continue and the use of pressure sensors is a good example of adding a valuable service to help the customer.

Randy Hough has worked as a plastic mold maker since 1978. He heads a group of industry professionals who have a web site dedicated to injection mold making.

Gelatin Plastic mold

Nothing is worse than an overstuffed stomach searching for a dessert and finding only an assortment of heaviness adding to the misery of overindulgence. Shining like crown jewels, gelatin Plastic mold are one way of alleviating the bloatedness resulting from the usual holiday meal.

Served attractively in a gelatin Plastic mold, a cherry cola salad glows like a ruby necklace while resembling something sinfully richer. For the sugar restrictive, a sugar-free product is substituted. For the carb and the cholesterol conscious, a low-fat cream cheese is substituted.

Cola Salad

1-6oz package black bing cherry flavored gelatin

1-8-oz.can crushed pineapple in syrup

1-8-oz cream cheese, softened

1-12 oz can cola

1-8oz can black bing cherries, in syrup

Directions: In a saucepan: drain the juices of the black bing cherries and the crushed pineapple setting aside the fruit.On medium heat dissolve the black bing cherry gelatin in the fruit juices. Into a large bowl: refrigerate the gelatin mixture until it is thickened. Mix in the softened cream cheese until it is well blended. Fold in the black bing cherries and the crushed pineapple, stir in the canned cola. Pour into a mold that has sprayed with a canned cooking oil. Refrigerate until the mold is well set.

Emerald green congealed lime gelatin salad shimmers as a light alternative to the more weighty desserts as well as a delicious addition to a holiday meal.

Congealed Lime Gelatin Salad

1-large package lime flavored gelatin

-cup of shredded cabbage

-cup of diced celery

1-small can of crushed pineapple

Directions: Mix the lime flavored gelatin as directed on the package. Add the four ingredients to the gelatin stirring well and then pour into a Plastic mould. Refrigerate until the mold is well set. Unmold the gelatin serving it on a bed of shredded lettuce with a side dish of mayonnaise. For the carb and cholesterol conscious, a sugar-free flavored gelatin and low-fat mayonnaise is substituted.

Brassy oranges, toasty coconut and crushed pineapple hang on the fringes of the more established elements. Yet, they have always managed to impress even the most jaded tastebuds.

Orange-Pineapple Gelatin Salad

1-small can mandarin oranges,the slices cut into fourths

1-large box of orange flavored gelatin

1-medium sized can of crushed pineapple

1-medium carton of sour cream

1-large carton of whipped topping

Directions: Sprinkle the orange gelatin into the bottom of a plastic mold. Drain the juices from the pineapple and the mandarin oranges mixing the fruits into the orange flavored gelatin then letting the mixture chill for two hours. Add the sour cream and the whipped topping mixing it well with the gelatin and the crushed pineapple. Let the ingredients chill until it is well set.

Gelatin like diamonds is usually dull unless it gleams with strawberries, cranberries and sliced apples that gives the mold the essence of something much grander.

Strawberry Gelatin Salad

1-large package of strawberry flavored gelatin

1-large red apple

2-cups of cold cranberry juice

Directions: dissolve the gelatin in two cups of boiling water. Add the cold cranberry juice. Peel the apple and dice it into small pieces stirring it into the gelatin. Pour into a Rapid prototype mold that has been sprayed with cooking oil. Let chill and serve.

Cooking since the age of fifteen, the author has always enjoyed preparing holiday meals.

Soap Molds For Candle Making

Candle making is an amazing art to cherish the creativity and ideas. Those who are well aware about this art can easily find several molds in producing amazing candles. Here in this article I am telling you some facts about soap molds. Soap are very popular Plastic mold that are extensively adopted in the manufacturing of various candles. These molds make good and wonderful designs of candles.

Several other kinds of molds are also available in the market. These are made up of different materials. You can easily find silicon, metal, glass, plastic and rubber candle molds. These molds can be purchased easily from any shop where candle making supplies and kits are available. You may also find soap making products here. However, if you are really interested in making candles then you should buy a full fledge kit. This would be a more preferable choice for you while working at home. You can also order these kits online.

With the help of soap molds, you can make exciting candles and you can create more fun. Soap molds can be purchased from any craft shop.

In many different ways candle making is same as soap making. In candle making, wax is poured into candle molds same as glycerin is poured into soap molds in soap making. However, it is a fact that soap molds are usually smaller in size than candle Rapid prototype molds. In both the cases some color, scents and glitters are added to make the item more aromatic and appealing. Several aromas and dyes are also used.

Molds that are used for soap making are usually cheap in different sizes and shapes. You can easily find many shapes like star, fruit, flower, animal or some heart shaped varieties. However, if you are a beginner I will advise you plastic molds which are easy and convenient to handle.

Here are some disadvantages of plastic mold. These molds may wear out easily and quickly. So, prefer some other mold if you want to adopt candle making as a regular hobby. Moreover, plastic items can become dull and brittle after extensive and extended use.

Secrets Of The Pros About Candle Making Plastic Mold

Candles Making Plastic mold have been a good friend to man for ages. Up until the invention of the electric light bulb candles were a necessity for normal life. Candles and the light they provided was a critical item to any center of human activity including households, work places, offices, places of entertainment, etc.

When usable electricity arrived on the scene it was thought that candles would go the way of buggy whips and quickly fade away but GUESS WHAT! they not only survived to this day they remain a very popular item in homes and many other places.

Today there is a substantial commercial candle production industry that provides the market with millions of candles of every size, shape, color, odor and size. Along with this there are also many hobbiests that enjoy making their own candles.

A key component in the candle maker's toolkit are the candle making molds. Today candles come in all sorts of sizes and shapes and the molds are what make it happen. There are three basic types of molds available to the candle maker including aluminum, rubber and plastic. Here is a look each type:

Aluminum Molds

Aluminum molds are the first choice of most chandlers for several reasons. The first is that they produce a very good looking candle because they are a durable one piece design. The finished product is smooth with no seam lines. They are also easy to work with because of their durability and heat resistance. Another factor is that they are easy to clean. All that is required to clean them is to place them upside down on a cookie sheet and put them in an oven heated to 150 degrees and the excess wax will fall off onto the cookie sheet leaving a clean mold ready for the next candle. They are cheaper than Rapid prototype mold or rubber molds because the per candle cost is very low due to the fact they will produce many more candles over the long run which reduces the mold expense factor of each candle to a very low figure.

Rubber Molds

Rubber molds include such types as latex, polyurethane, or silicone. These molds are flexible and are generally used to make candles with unusual shapes although they are perfectly suited for motive or pillar candles. Rubber molds of almost any shape or form are available but if a particular desired shape is not found one can be easily made with liquid latex. Just find an object with the desired shape and paint on several coats of the liquid latex and shortly you will have a rubber mold as desired.

Silicone molds are the most expensive of the plastic variety but well worth the price. They are easy to work with because they are flexible enough to obviate the need for releasing agents but they are rigid enough to hold their shape and they leave no parting lines.

Polyurethane molds are a little less expensive than silicone molds. They require a release agent due to the fact they are flexible but do not stretch to any appreciable degree that would facilitate demolding. They also have a strong plastic odor that can be absorbed into the candle which is not a desirable occurrence.

Latex molds have lost favor with candle makers as silicone molds began to become more popular but the material still is good for making custom molds.

Plastic Molds

Plastic mold is the least expensive and best suited for new chandlers. They are the least durable of the rubber class of molds and are not known for making better quality candles or longevity. They do make candles and are a good starter mold.

With this information in mind the intrepid candle maker can go forward with confidence in the knowledge of the best types of candle molds for their purpose.

How To Get Mold Out Of A Plastic Air Mattress

One of the most preferred types of Plastic mold mattresses is air mattress. It offers versatility that cannot be offered by many other mattresses. You can inflate the mattress and fill it up with air to the right firmness you desire. This is what makes it a staple in this industry.

However, molds can still develop even to your plastic air mattress. I must stay molds do not really care where they form just as long as there is the right temperature, humidity and environment for them to grow. But don't worry, your plastic mattress is made from strong stuffs. Cleaning it is just a breeze.

Step 1: Deflate the mattress first using the same pump device that gives it air. Make sure it is completely flat so it is easier to handle. When it is flat, you can easily remove the visible signs of molds.

Step 2: Clean the mattress to a sunny area. Molds tend to develop in dark and moist areas. Cleaning it outside the house is also a good idea as you can make mess and not worry about cleaning it up later.

Step 3: If all the air inside the mattress has not been efficiently deflated by the pump device, push the mattress carefully with your hands. Press it down until air comes out. This will gradually loosen up air without putting Plastic mould pressure on the seams. Also take this time to inspect the mattress for any signs of wears. If there are any seams about to burst, make a mental note to patch it up later.

Step 4: If your mattress has a cotton or velvet covering, you might want to vacuum it first to remove dust mites. Use a portable vacuum cleaner. If you do not have this at home, you can just wipe the surface off with a clean towel.

Step 5: Next, prepare the cleaning solution. No need to purchase a cleaning solution in the grocery as you can make one at home. Just add a cup of white vinegar to half a cup of warm water. Mix them carefully.

Step 6: Get a soft-bristled brush and a clean towel. Moisten the towel with the vinegar solution and then wring the solution out on the affected area of the mattress. Let the solution stay there for a couple of minutes before brushing it out. Be careful not to vigorously scrub the mattress as you may damage the outer plastic Rapid prototype mould. After removing all the molds, rinse the mattress using clean water.

Step 7: Leave it in a nice, sunny area to dry completely.