From and idea to a physical candle sculpture, start to finish our process includes designing, prototyping, mold making, casting, demolding and fine polishing.
"It all starts with an idea" Earl Nightingale
DESIGNING & PROTOTYPING
Our models are designed using 3D modeling software after which they are 3D printed.
Machine calibration and constant monitoring are necessary for the final print to be successful.
PREPARATION OF MODELS FOR MOLDING
Models need to be processed in order to make molds and consequently castings (candles) as successful as possible and with as few irregularities as possible.
Models are glued (if they are printed in several parts due to the stability of the structure)
After gluing, the models are treated with putty and car paint and sanded to smooth out any irregularities that could be transferred to the mold.
HOUSING / DEGASSING
It is necessary to make the housing in which we will lay and fix the model over which we will pour the freshly prepared mixture of silicone or polyurethane rubber. Prior to casting, the housing and the model should be coated with a non-adhesive coating to prevent the mixture from sticking to the housing and to allow easier removal.
Degassing - before casting two-component polyurethane rubber or silicone on the models, they go through the process of degassing, ie the process of removing air accumulations using a vacuum pump. This step is essential to ensure that the models do not have holes caused by air from the mixtures.
MOLD PREPARATION
Molds should be thoroughly cleaned and dried before casting as these are two-part molds, they need to be fixed well and carefully so that the joints are as invisible as possible.
Before casting the wax, steel wires of different thicknesses are prepared with the corresponding holders in order to enable the subsequent placement of the wick in the candles.
CASTING
The process begins with melting natural wax.
In order for the casting of natural waxes to be as successful as possible, it is necessary to cast the wax (soy or rapeseed wax) at a temp of 65-90 ° C.
For optimal results we need to experiment with different wax temperatures during casting.
A special casting technique is used to avoid the formation of air bubbles in the candle
Insertion of steel wires for subsequent wick placement.
UNMOLDING & FINISHING
After casting, the candle is cooled in the mold at room temperature for about 6 hours, after which it is carefully removed from the mold.
It is important not to leave the candle in the mold for too long or to remove it too soon.
After removing the candle from the mold, it is necessary to process the joints and small irregularities with modeling tools.