Page 1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Containers
Kit Matrix
Custom & Shell
Slip & Slide
Dip & Dunk
Reverse Flow
AirPaths & Liners

Chapter 1: The Matrix
Selecting and/or Creating Lifecasting Containers.

A matrix is any fairly rigid container which holds the liquids until they turn solid. The matrix also determines the amount of materials a particular project will need. This chapter explains how to select or construct one.
"Mother Mold" is another term for the matrix but usually refers to a free form, rigid casing or wrapping that conforms to the shape of an interior, flexible mold (the "daughter" mold). These are discussed in Chapter 3.

Lifecasting Containers:
Containers for use in your projects can already exist or be made to fill a particular need. Follow these suggestions in your selection of an existing container:
1. Avoid metal, glass and ceramic containers since it is very difficult and dangerous to remove the finished casting from these materials. Flexible or disposable containers are best.
2. Select a matrix to fit your project. If the container is too big you will have to mix more material than necessary which is more expensive. Also, especially in Precision LifeCasting™ (Chapter 5) where working time is limited, the greater the quantity needed to fill the matrix the more frantic your efforts will have to be.AA life cast rnd/sqr
One way of conserving materials is to select a matrix with rounded bottoms and/or sides. Square shapes are sometimes needed but, require much more material since the corners must also be filled.
•, We can see how much more is required for a square container when we flip the corners inside the circle!
3. Many consumer product packages are perfect for LifeCasting™ and for the same reasons; manufacturers want to conserve materials and frequently use molding technologies to form their packages. Here are a few examples;
•, Cylinders used for oatmeal, drink powders, etc. fit the human body very well because we, of course are cylindrical! Save these packages when empty and use them again for LifeCasting™ before discarding.
•, Paper and foam cups come in all sizes from tiny medical ones to enormous popcorn tubs. Good sources are restaurant supply stores and movie theaters.
•, The oval shaped, vacuum formed domes which cover whole, roasted chickens are perfect for Precision LifeMask™ uses.
•, Flexible food storage containers come in almost infinite shapes, many which fit the odd forms and angles of the living anatomy.
AA life cast tprcp4. The tapered shape of many such containers is because of the requirements of high volume production technologies and is ideal for LifeCasting™. Tapered containers are smaller at one end than the other. Their shape allows you to pour the fluid ArtFORM™ or Earthium™ (f/x) in, do the LifeCast™ then simply turn it over to pull out the mold and unveil. If you are careful they can even be reused.
Making your own matrix is sometimes the only way to get the shape you need. One useful way to make a LifeCast™ matrix is to form the general shape from a hardware wire screen, the kind with about 1/4" grids that can be bent. Then the outside is completely covered in a few layers of plastic food wrap until it will hold water. This shape can then be bent into the exact shape. For more ideas see the next section.
Copyright © 1987 through 2003 by MSWinn. Thank you for visiting www.lifecast.net!
ToP
1/18/03

LifeCast™ & MSW Creative Works Legal Information:

Contents of this web site (lifecast.net) and all life cast materials and other art and sculpture products or lifecast kit packaging, art techniques and sculpture instructions copyright © 1986-2002 by Mark S. Winn. All rights reserved. The terms BODY PARTS™, LifeCast™, ChildCast™, StudioPack™, ArtForm™, ArtCast™, Earthium™, Earthium(f/x)™, ShrinKast™, PolyART™, WaterTrap™, BlendBag™, Successful Creativity Guarantee™, LifeMask™, FastMask™ as well as the phrase "Make YourSelf Immortal!™" and any other art materials product or craft item denoted by a small 'TM' (such as in LifeCast™) are trademarks. The phrases life cast and life casting or the words lifecast and lifecasting are generic.
Our LifeCast™ products or other sculpture, mold making and art materials products are are entirely safe within the context of arts & crafts when used as directed. Other arts & crafts materials shown here each carry their own warnings and degrees of safety. They are available for use as creative mediums AT YOUR OWN RISK and since we cannot control the actual use of these art products, we disclaim any responsibility for damage or injury caused by incorrect or experimental life cast, sculpture, life mask, erotic art or other mold making or creative applications.
NOT FOR USE BY CHILDREN: These arts & crafts materials may be used with children of any age but should never be used by an unsupervised child. A "child" is defined by law as anyone under the age of 18 years. Our art, lifecast or sculpture product prohibitions against unsupervised use by children therefore applies to all persons under that age. "Supervised" by definition means at all times, through each step of any use of our life cast or other art materials. Such supervision must be by an adult over the age of 18 years while using the BODY PARTS™ LifeCast™ kits or other life cast, sculpture and art materials.
Our life cast, sculpture and other art materials should never be used by anyone who cannot read, understand and apply the language in which the lifecast, sculpture or art materials' instructions appear. The terms of said language are exclusively defined in any standard, widely accepted and comprehensive dictionary of that language and are meant to be construed in no other manner.
Purchase and/or use of our life cast, sculpture or other art materials implies your understanding and acceptance of these reasonable terms. If you do not agree, for any reason, please do not purchase or use our lifecast, sculpture, mold making or other arts & crafts products.
The information contained in this document is given in good faith based on our current knowledge. It is only an indication and is in no way binding, particularly as regards infringement d or prejudice to third party rights through the use of our products. MSW GUARANTEES THAT ITS PRODUCTS COMPLY WITH ITS SALES SPECIFICATIONS. This information must on no account be used as a substitute for necessary prior tests which alone can ensure that a product is suitable for a given use. Users are responsible for ensuing compliance with local legislations and for obtaining the necessary certifications and authorizations. Users are requested to check that they are in possession of the latest version of this document.
Contact MSW Creative Works by mail, eMail, telephone or fax via the Company Information shown by clicking our logo on any page.
Thank you for visiting www.lifecast.net.