Harvey Project Fabricators

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(Fabricators: use this page to organize your work)

The job of the fabricators will be to build the physical component of the exhibit(s) and make sure that everything works the way it should, is safe, durable, attractive, and so on. At this point it isn't entirely clear what kind of materials the exhibit(s) will involve, but we have some fun things to work with. One is a set of Smooth-On lifecasting supplies so we can make realistic molds and casts of human arms, model hearts or animal bodies, as necessary. Some of the fabricators should start becoming familiar with the processes of mold-making and casting. Another idea we should pursue is to try to build a model circulatory system out of an aquarium pump, tubing and colored water. We don't have the supplies for this, but we can easily afford to purchase what we need if it makes sense to build this into the exhibit.

This year we may also have access to computer-controlled machines that allow us to do sign-cutting and small-scale milling. These haven't been set up and tested yet, so we can't rely on having them, but it is an exciting possibility that may develop during the year.

The fabricators will be working closely with designers (to make sure everything looks and works as slickly as possible), with programmers (who will be designing the computer component of the display), and with hardware specialists (who will be building electronics into the physical fabric of the exhibit).

• Fabrication Wiki
  

• Smooth-On Lifecasting page
  

• Google SketchUp

(according to the Introduction to Life Casting DVD I) — Jenna Leifso

Materials Needed
- Alga-safe
- Silc-Pig (Pigment)
- Plexi-glass 2'x 4' Thin Gauge
- Vacuum pump and chamber
- Electric Drill and Squirrel mixer
- Measuring cups
- Mixing sticks
- Water Clay
- Eco-flex 00-30 (Silicone Rubber)
- Clean Water
- Mixing containers
- Adhesive tape
- Marking Pen
- Cutting Utensils
- Base board

Step 1
- construct a containment cylinder using 2'x4' (thin gauge) sheet of plexi-glass (found at art supply stores)
- form a tube big enough to fit an arm - use packing tape to secure seams
- place tube in centre of base board, draw a line around the base of the tube onto the board
- place water clay along marked line
- put tube into clay
Step 2
- Read the Alga-safe technical bulletin
- 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) of Alja-safe is needed
- Mix ratio- 1 part Alga-safe to 1 part water
- Mix together 3 containers of powder with 3 containers of water
- Combine and mix thoroughly in a mixing container with the squirrel mixer
Step 3
-pour Alga-safe mixture in the cylinder container
- wet arm
- put arm in the cylinder with the Alga-safe mixture staying as close to the centre as you can
- suspend the arm 1/2 inch from the bottom.
- wiggle arm slightly than hold still for 12 minutes
- remove slowly and carefully
Step 4
- cast the mold within an hour
- read the Ecoflex technical bulletin
- use silicon rubber (Ecoflex 00-30)- follow the instructions
- add the colour aka mix the Slic-pig
- Mix colour into part B of the Ecoflex 00-30
- Then add part A
- To remove air put silicone mix into vacuum container for 3 minutes
- pour into mold
- cure for 4 hours
Part 5
- Demold
- razor knife cuts away the Alga-safe mold being carefully not to cut the silicone arm

Arm models: Simon, Meaghan, and Heather

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