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Epoxy Casting & Internet of Things (IoT)

Rich McCue

rmccue@uvic.ca

McPherson Library A318c

​

MakeAnything.opened.ca

RichMcCue.com

Topic 8: 1-4PM

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Outline for Today

  • Class Check-in & Q&A (10 min)
  • Use cases for epoxy resin casting
  • Review epoxy safety & key skills
  • Use cases for Internet of Things (IoT) devices
  • Hands on: Make an epoxy cast of your signet ring (60 min)
  • Break time (10 min)
  • Hands on: Complete 2 or 3 IoT activities (60 min)
  • Blog Critical Reflection on today’s topic (20 min)

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I’m Thankful For…

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Any Questions from Last Class?

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Use Cases for Epoxy Resin Casting

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Resin Crafts and Jewelry

https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/column-silicon-resin-mold-pendant-resin-mould-jewellery-etsy-in-2022--194569646393595042/

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Casting Figurines & Statues

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/293010076685

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Concrete or Plaster Crafts

https://madmolds.com/blogs/news/make-valuable-concrete-items-using-silicone-molds

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Special Effects and Cosplay

https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/628674429212531643/

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Industrial Parts & Components

https://hackaday.com/2021/08/26/making-high-quality-copies-of-existing-parts-using-a-silicone-mold/

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Epoxy Resin Casting:

Key Skills & Safety

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Epoxy Resin Casting Skills

  • Explain the characteristics of epoxy resin and hardener, including mixing ratios, curing times, and potential effects on different surfaces
  • Demonstrate thorough mixing, ensuring a smooth, bubble-free finish
  • Explain how the use of color pigments, dyes, and additives to design unique and captivating resin pieces
  • Explain how layering epoxy resin can create depth and interesting visual effects in your pieces
  • Explain how to embed objects, photos, and natural elements like flowers, enhancing the sentimental value of your creations
  • Demonstrate how to polish and finish your pieces to a professional standard, while using appropriate safety precautions

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Epoxy Resin Casting Safety

  • Work in a well-ventilated area to minimize exposure to resin fumes. Wear an N95 mask or respirator if necessary.
  • Prevent resin contact with your skin by wearing gloves.
  • Shield your eyes with safety glasses.
  • Follow manufacturer instructions meticulously, as incorrect mixing can result in an unusable mess.
  • Store epoxy resin and hardener in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
  • Wipe up spills promptly.
  • Be aware of potential allergies to epoxy resin components, and discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur.

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Make an Epoxy Resin Cast of Your Ring (60 min)

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Break Time

(10 min)

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Complete 2-3 IoT Projects (60 min)

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Critical Reflection

Blog about the following (including one or more pictures and/or videos):

  1. Your experience making your silicone mould
  2. Can you think of any ways that the other prototyping tools we’ve already learned about (laser cutter & 3D printer) could be used in conjunction with silicone moulds?
  3. Continue brainstorming ideas for your major project (no decision on your final project need to be made at this time, and you may decide to do something else later in the course)

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Workshop Badges

If you’d like to earn a DSC badge, email screenshots or photos of 3 projects to dscommons@uvic.ca

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Hands on Lab Time:

Topic 7 on class website