5 replies to this topic

[Maniacal Coyote]

Would sprayable insulation foam sprayed into a mold make good stefans?
(I would probably 3D print a mold for uniform stefan formation.)

(That is an example of what I'd be using.)

Well?

[Xenomorph1320-D]

Would sprayable insulation foam sprayed into a mold make good stefans?
(I would probably 3D print a mold for uniform stefan formation.)

(That is an example of what I'd be using.)

Well?

You could try it but I think the foam might be too brittle.

[Keska]

Not only is that stuff hard & brittle, it expands so much that it's well-known for destroying molds. If you really want to mold & cast darts, Smooth-On is where you want to go to look at casting foams.

Also, foam will do it's best to stick to any sort of imperfections in a mold, so you would really want to make a mold out of silicone rubber rather than making a 3D printed mold.

I used to do a lot of casting with foam, so if you're truly interested in what will be a very complicated process, I can give you tips. I really think the current dart-making methods are far more suited to the task than making molds on a home hobbyist level.

[The lord of fish]

Its been done

[Astech]

Would sprayable insulation foam sprayed into a mold make good stefans?

Assuming they are war-worthy, can they be made for less than $0.06 each. If not, then slugs or silicone tips are definitely better, as you'll still have to tip everything and consume as much time. A very clever, quirky idea though. if you can find a way to make a small batch in 10 minutes or so, they could be a great emergency kit for when you need extra oomph.
[Edit]
If the foam doesn't expand after you take it out of the mold, cutting pieces of your barrel material as a mold might be better. Considering that imperfections are really bad, a few pieces of brass or PVC could be just the thing.

Edited by Astech, 28 May 2015 - 02:41 AM.

[Maniacal Coyote]

Assuming they are war-worthy, can they be made for less than $0.06 each. If not, then slugs or silicone tips are definitely better, as you'll still have to tip everything and consume as much time. A very clever, quirky idea though. if you can find a way to make a small batch in 10 minutes or so, they could be a great emergency kit for when you need extra oomph.
[Edit]
If the foam doesn't expand after you take it out of the mold, cutting pieces of your barrel material as a mold might be better. Considering that imperfections are really bad, a few pieces of brass or PVC could be just the thing.

I don't know. I'm probably gonna just make me a Mark VIII and some 3DBBQ magnums.

Although, my Fenian N.E.D. side is suggesting how to make quick-reload clips for NIC blasters.