Page 1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Introduction
Infants
LifeMask™ 1 2
FastMask™ 1 2
Non-Human
Arts & Crafts
Large Work 1 2
Miscellany

Chapter 5: Advanced Techniques
Precision Lifecasting & Other Approaches

Precision LifeCasting™ is the term used to describe any application that requires exact control over very short working times. This is only possible with our Earthium™(f/x) because it can be pre-liquefied.
Refer to that product's instructions for more specific information, ratios and practice exercises.

Precision Lifecasting Overview:
Remember from LifeCast™ Basics that:
Working Time = Blending Time + Positioning Time
Setting Time is from first gellation (the end of the liquid state) to a full solid (when the model may be released).
The relationship between Working Time and Setting Time is proportional. In other words the faster you want it to set, the less working time you will have. Therein lies the challenge of precision LifeCasting™; to achieve a good mold when the time is measured in seconds rather than minutes.
This requires us to work with liquids. Powders (solids) simply do not dissolve fast enough. Pre-blending the two parts of Earthium™(f/x) to their liquid state before combining them eliminates most of the blending portion in the above equation, allowing the artist to focus almost entirely on the second part; Positioning Time.
Positioning Time has two parts, which may seem to be the same but, they are not;
1.) Getting the model in the mold
2.) Getting the mold on the model
Part 1 is fully discussed elsewhere. Basically you can dunk the model in or pour/spread the mold around them.
Part 2, in Precision LifeCasting™ can be tricky. Because of the short Working Times, only medium and low viscosity ratios (see LifeCast™ Basics) work. Only relatively thin fluids can be mixed and get into all the details of your subject fast enough. This also means that for anything more than a couple of cups, BlendBags™ are required.
This also requires the LifeCaster™ to intimately familiar with how to deal with air bubbles, traps, paths and pools. In Precision LifeCasting™, set-up is everything! Refer to Dip & Dunk (Chapter 1) for a precision Matrix Set-Up.
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.
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