Model Making Materials

Body casting alginate impression compound.

Alginate produces a very flexible mould which reproduces body parts (face, hands etc) with great detail. The mould will deteriorate rapidly allowing only one or two copies, dependant on complexity.

• Mixing is simple and timing begins the moment the water touches the alginate.
• Simply add 2 parts water to 1 part alginate by weight and mix briskly and thoroughly.
• Don't forget to start your stopwatch when mixing begins and remember retarding is easy, reduce your water temperature.
• The mould is not very robust and cannot be retained for later use as it dries out.
• Safety Data Sheet

Although this is based on the alginate used by dentists, this version has been developed for professional and craft makers: it affords a little more time to apply before it becomes unworkable.

Further information:

• 4D modelshop information sheet available for this product (1.3Mb PDF).
• Casting a hand using Alginate (YouTube video)
• Casting polyurethane resin into alginate. (David Neat)