Silikonkaavat

Silikonkaavat is a Finnish term that broadly refers to silicone molding or silicone casting. It encompasses the techniques and processes used to create objects using silicone rubber as the molding material or the material being molded. This can involve creating a silicone mold from an existing object, or pouring liquid silicone into a pre-made mold to form a new object.

The process typically begins with a master object, which can be made from various materials like plastic, metal, clay, or even another silicone part. This master is prepared for molding, often by applying a release agent to ensure the silicone does not permanently adhere to it. Liquid silicone rubber, which usually comes in two parts that are mixed together, is then poured or brushed over the master object, or into a containment structure surrounding it. Once the silicone cures, it solidifies into a flexible and durable mold.

Alternatively, silikonkaavat can refer to the act of creating a final product using silicone. In this context, liquid silicone is poured into a mold (which may itself be made of silicone or another material) and allowed to cure. The resulting silicone object can have a wide range of applications due to silicone's properties, such as flexibility, heat resistance, and water resistance. These applications include industrial parts, prosthetics, food-grade items like baking molds and utensils, and artistic creations. The specific type of silicone rubber used, such as platinum-cure or tin-cure silicone, depends on the desired properties and the intended use of the mold or cast object.