Mould Making & Casting
These terms relate to creating moulds and producing cast copies.
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Core
An insert placed inside a mould to create hollow spaces within a casting.
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Cure Time
The time required for resin, silicone, or adhesives to fully harden.
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Demould
The process of removing a finished casting from its mould.
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Draft Angle
A slight taper incorporated into a master to make removal from the mould easier.
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Flash
Thin excess resin that forms where mould sections meet.
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Gel Coat
The first decorative surface layer applied inside a mould before casting.
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Key
A locating feature that ensures mould sections align correctly.
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Master Pattern
The original object used to create a mould.
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Mother Mould
A rigid outer shell that supports a flexible silicone mould.
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Mould
A form used to reproduce an object repeatedly.
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Mould Box
A temporary container built around a master while making a mould.
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Mould Line
The seam left where mould sections join.
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Mould Release
A product applied to prevent materials sticking during mould making.
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Parting Line
The point where mould halves separate.
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Pot Life
The amount of working time after mixing resin or silicone before it begins curing.
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Pull
A single casting produced from a mould.
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Raw Cast
A newly cast part removed from its mould before any trimming, sanding, assembly, or painting has taken place.
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Registration Keys
Features built into moulds that ensure each section fits together precisely.
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Release Agent
A coating that prevents mould materials from bonding together.
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Shell Casting
A hollow casting technique used to reduce weight while maintaining strength.
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Skin Coat
The first thin layer of resin or silicone applied to capture fine detail.
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Slush Casting
A process where liquid resin is rotated around a mould to create a hollow casting.
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Sprue
The channel through which resin enters a mould.
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Undercut
A recessed feature that can make mould removal difficult.
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Vent
A small passage allowing trapped air to escape during casting.