Measuring & Controlling The BODY PARTS™ Materials:

•, Working Time is from when the powder and water are combined until when the fluid stops flowing. This includes Mixing Time plus Positioning Time.

•, Setting Time is from then to when its safe to release body part.

After choosing a casting matrix you will measure how much water you need then how much powder to use based on that liquid volume. The amount of powder is deterimned by the proportion or ratio your project requires.

There are two possible measurement systems. We do not recommend mixing these two distinct systems in a single project. Pick one and stick with it.

•, By Weight: An exact method if precise amounts and behavior is your top priority. Use the weight and volume references shown below for your calculations.

•, By Volume: The method which we use in our instructions. However, the powders are packed tightly. It is very important to fluff them up loosely, then scoop, tap firmly to eliminate any voids and then level off. Just as you would in cooking.

Temperature is another very important issue, especially for more advanced uses. For more information on this subject refer to the LifeCast™ Library. Here we use room temperature (65-70 degree F) only for both the water and the powders.

Measuring Fundamentals:

1. Water Determines Mold Volume:

•, ArtForm™: The powder does not increase the volume of the water significantely. The mold will be about the same size as the volume of water alone.

•, ArtCast™: The water and powder combine into the total amount needed. Multiply the volume needed by the percent below for the ratio you want. The result is the amount of water to start with, then add the cement by ratio.

2. Powder Determines Strength & Flow:

•, More powder used in relation to water makes stronger solids which set faster.

•, The more powder used in relation to water the thicker the fluid will be and the longer it will take to flow into intricate areas

3) Temperature & Ratio Determine Speed:

•, Cold water and/or powder is slower.

•, Warm water and/or powder is much faster.

•, More powder in ratio to water sets faster

ArtForm™ Ratio Table: In Minutes:Seconds.

H2O:Pwdr	Ratio Characteristics	Work	Set
1:1	FAST. Dense Mold	2:00	2:00
2:1	Standard LifeCast™ Ratio	3:00	5:00
3:1	SLOW. Weak Mold	4:00	9:00

•, Cold Water (40º F) retards mix & set times.

•, Warm (90º F) retards mix & set times.

ArtCast™ Ratio Table: In Minutes:Seconds.

H2O:Pwdr	Ratio Characteristics	Work	Set
1:3	STRONG. For Spreading	2:00	10:00
1:2	Standard LifeCast™ Ratio	5:00	60:00
1:1	WEAK. Soft and Chalky.	8:00	60:00

•, Liquid weights per volume are always constant.

•, Powder weights per volume depend on density.

WEIGHT REFERENCES:	VOLUME REFERENCES:
•, 1 cup Water =8 ounces (oz.) •, 1 cup ArtFORM™ = 3 oz •, ArtCAST™ = 8 oz. •, 1 Pound(lb) = 16 Ounces(Oz) = 448 Grams(gm)	•, 1 Gallon = 4 Quarts = 16 Cups •, 1 Cup = 16 Tablespoons (tbsp) •, 1 Tablespoon = 3 Teaspoons (tsp)