Bill of Materials

To cast an actuator with one of the laser cut molds, the following is needed:

Materials

  • Liquid silicone (Ecoflex 0030 or 0050)
  • Silicone glue (Sil-Poxy)
  • Non-stretch fabric (in a material that will absorb the liquid silicone, e.g. cotton)
  • PVC tubing (ID/OD 1.5/3mm) (Silicone tubing can also be used, but is hard to push it into the actuator, as it is softer. It is, however, easier to fit onto a syringe, valve, pump, and Y connector)
  • Mixing container (with volume indication if a scale is not used)
  • Stirring stick
  • Bamboo skewer (with an approx. diam. of 3mm)
  • Cigarette lighter
  • Rectangular piece of wood (a little larger than the mold)

Tools

  • Pair of scissors
  • X-Acto knife and ruler (optional)

Equipment

  • Oven (optional) [Note: do not use an oven that is also used for food]
  • Vacuum chamber (optional)