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)