Flexi Mold - Reusable Molding Material
What Is Flexi Mold and How Does It Work?
Flexi Mold is an innovative and versatile material designed for the manufacture of 1 or 2-sided reusable molds, offering a sustainable and reusable alternative to traditional silicone molds. It can be melted and reused many times, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for a variety of applications. It is flexible, food grade, and allows mistakes to be corrected by re-melting and starting over. Because it is biodegradable and contains no petroleum-based components, it is an environmentally friendly option.
To use Flexi Mold, heat it (preferably in a microwave), pour it over the object you want to reproduce, and let it cool. Once solidified, it will capture complex details accurately, making it ideal for artistic, culinary, and part-production purposes.
Flexi Mold is a superior alternative to silicone because it offers several distinct advantages over traditional silicone molds:
- Performance: It is reusable, which significantly reduces material costs over time.
- Environmental Safety: Being biodegradable and free of harmful chemicals makes it a safer choice for the planet.
- Correctable: If a mistake is made, it can be remelted and remolded without wasting material.
- Ease of use: Unlike silicone, it requires no mixing or curing agents, simplifying the process.
- Food grade: It can be used in the process of culinary elaborations.
Although working with silicone allows for more durable molds, in terms of single-use applications, because of their reusability and eco-friendly nature; they are an excellent alternative for most projects.
Important usage advice:
This product should only be heated in microwave-safe containers, such as the product packaging, in which it comes. The use of incompatible containers may result in damage or unsafe handling conditions.
How Many Times Can You Reuse Flexi Mold?
Its reusability and food compatibility are its most significant advantages. Generally, when used correctly and with proper care, Flexi Mold can be reused more than 35 times. In fact, with careful handling, its shelf life could be extended to over 100 times. By avoiding overheating above 82°C (180°F) and filtering out waste after each use, more than 35 cycles can easily be achieved. Users have reported extending their service life to over 100 remelting processes. Filter out debris and particulates to keep it clean and efficient for future use.
The time it takes to cool depends on the size and thickness of the part. Small ones (about 300 ml or 10 ounces) solidify completely in about 2 hours at room temperature. To speed up the process, place it in the refrigerator, where its cooling time can be accelerated. Larger sizes may need more time to solidify completely.
Process of use
- Melting: Heat it until it becomes a liquid. To do this, you can use the microwave, always in short heating intervals, or a bain-marie. If it is heated all at once in the microwave, it may burn.
- Pour: Pour the molten material over your object or into a casting box in which to make your mold.
- Cool: Allow it to solidify completely by letting it cool to room temperature or refrigerating it for faster results.
- Reuse: When no longer needed, reheat the product to reshape it or create a new one.
How Do You Melt Flexi Mold Safely?
It can be melted either in the microwave or in a bain-marie using the product container.
Microwave method: Use a few seconds heating intervals to avoid overheating and thus degradation of the product. The usual heating times are as follows, although it is wise to constantly monitor the state of the product as it turns to liquid.
- 300ml (10 oz.): 1-2 minutes. Select the time in your microwave and stop every 10-15 seconds to check the condition of the Flexi Mold. Continue heating until ready to use.
- 600ml (20 oz.): 3-5 minutes. Use the technique explained above, with the possibility of extending the intervals a few seconds longer.
- 1200 ml (40 oz.): 7-10 minutes. In this case, the intervals will be somewhat longer.
2.- Double boiler or bain-marie method: Place it in a container inside another pot with water. This method keeps the temperature below 100°C (212°F), reducing the risk of burns.
Always stir it during heating to ensure even melting and to avoid overheating your container. Remember to stir it superficially so as not to introduce air and bubbles that will be transferred to the mold, creating imperfections.
What Materials Can Be Cast with Flexi Mold?
Flexi Mold is versatile and works well with many casting materials including:
- Gypsum, Acrylic Resin and Plaster: Ideal for decorative items and art projects.
- Resins: We recommend using slow curing epoxies or polyurethanes only for small parts to avoid overheating.
- Chocolate and sweets: It is food safe, making it perfect for culinary creations. It is certified for food contact, making it ideal for chocolate, fondant and other confectionery projects. Just make sure the material is clean before use.
- Candle and soap wax: Cool before pouring hot materials to ensure faster cooling.
It can even be used to shape unique materials such as polymer clay, ensuring smooth, detailed results. Remember, after molding the clay you must bake it, without a mold, to make it resilient and keep its shape.
Precautions when using resin with Flexi Mold
Resin generates heat during curing, so there are several things to keep in mind before using it.
- Size: Larger projects tend to produce more heat due to the larger volume of resin that reacts. This is why you should only use it on small projects. Otherwise, the accumulated heat will damage the mold as it could eventually melt it.
- Ambient temperature: Ambient temperatures affect the prolongation or reduction of the curing process of these materials.
- Resin type: Different resins have different curing characteristics, including the amount of heat they release. Consult the manufacturer's manual for proper cure.
- Additives: Additives such as pigments or fillers can affect the curing process.
- Cooling: When using these materials, which work with temperature, it is advisable to let them cool completely.
Understanding these factors helps to achieve better results with resin projects.
How Do You Clean and Maintain Flexi Mold?
Cleaning is simple. Use a cool, damp cloth to remove debris, avoiding immersion in hot water, as the material can dissolve in hot water. For molds with embedded particles, remelt it and filter it through a fine mesh or filter to restore its purity.
Store it in a cool, dry place, always protected from extreme temperatures to prevent it from losing properties and deteriorating. It will then be ready for your next project.
What Are the Temperature Guidelines for Using this Reusable Material?
It is reusable and melts at approximately 140°F (60°C) and can withstand temperatures up to 180°F (82°C) during heating. When working with high temperature casting materials, cool the product in the refrigerator for a few minutes before pouring to avoid warping.
Can Flexi Mold Be Used for Two-Part Molds?
Yes, it is ideal for creating two-part molds. Here’s how:
- Prepare the Base: Begin by embedding your object halfway into a layer of clay. Shape the clay carefully to cover half of the object, ensuring smooth edges to reduce seam lines and achieve a better fit between the halves.
- Set Up the Casting Box: Place the clay and object setup into a cast frame square. Apply a release agent evenly over the exposed surface of the object and the surrounding clay.
- Pour the First Half: While the release agent is still wet, pour the melted molding material over the exposed portion of the object. Make sure it fully covers the surface. Allow the material to cool and solidify completely.
- Prepare for the Second Half: Once the first half has solidified, carefully remove the clay and apply a release agent to the surface of the solidified part. Chill this first half in the freezer to prevent melting during the second pour.
- Pour the Second Half: Reheat the molding material to a temperature between 50°C and 60°C (120°F–135°F). Let it cool slightly until pourable but not too hot. Pour the material over the remaining half of the object and the first half.
- Finalize the Mold: Allow the second half to solidify completely. Once cooled, you’ll have it ready for use!
By following these steps, you can create precise molds with minimized seam lines and a seamless fit between the halves.
How Can You Minimize Bubbles in Flexi Mold?
To avoid bubbles:
- Pour it slowly and steadily.
- Use a vibrating surface to release trapped air.
- Paint a thin layer of melted Flexi Mold onto difficult details before pouring.
- Seal porous objects to prevent air from escaping during molding.
Is it Safe for Pets or Accidental Ingestion?
It is a non-toxic material made from food-safe ingredients. However, if you incorporate substances like urethanes, plaster, or release agents into the mold-making process, it may no longer be safe for consumption. Always refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for those additional materials to ensure safety.
Interestingly, some dog owners have reported their pets consuming it, as it seems to attract their curiosity. In all reported cases, the dogs were fine afterward. That said, if your dog shows any unusual behavior or symptoms, it’s best to consult a veterinarian to err on the side of caution.
Warnings before use
Flexi Mold is a partially water-soluble material, so it can dissolve in contact with water. That is why it is not recommended to fill the molds with water-based mixtures (such as acrylic resin, plaster, or plaster, among others) without taking the appropriate measures. To achieve an optimal result with these mixtures, it is absolutely necessary to apply a layer of release agent inside the mold, which will protect it from the humidity of the materials inside. Specifically, from Green Stuff World we recommend the use of sculptor vaseline since our team of experts has proven its effectiveness.
It is important to keep in mind that once Flexi Mold has been mixed with Vaseline, it will no longer be a food-grade product and therefore cannot be reused to create molds in culinary recipes. In addition, it is recommended that vaseline residues be cleaned as much as possible before reuse to avoid premature degradation of the product.