article on casting of parts--lenses

[ben-tex]

The latest issue of the AACA magazine has an article on casting small parts--in particular lenses. If I was a youngster like some of you guys (and had more talents lol) I would look into doing the 51F lenses. The supplier of the materials needed for molds etc is at http://www.smooth-on.com/index.html They also have instructional videos etc.

[kaiserfrazerlibrary]

I looked at the website and there seem to be several "challenges" with doing the 1951 Frazer Tail light lenses:
1.  You need a set of perfect lenses (left and right) as a "model"
2.  You have to catch all the fine detail (the internal ribs, etc)
3.  You have to use a material that is not only colored, but clear
4.  You need to worry about reflective distortion (proper amount of light showing through the lens as well as direction
5.  Making sure the final product from these items passes judging muster

I suggest those interested read the AACA article throughly and, more important, look at the kinds of lenses they said could be made this way. You will find that intricate detail was not a strong suit of the process.