Preface:

An Introduction to Molding and Casting in a Paleoanthropological Context

General Concepts

The primary goal of any molding and casting laboratory is to combine science and art to create the finest and most exact replicas possible of one-of-a-kind original specimens.

The science of molding and casting requires a thorough knowledge of both the materials and the equipment being worked with. The technician needs to be familiar with the mixing of accurate proportions, be knowledgeable of time constraints and shelf lives, as well as with the operation of vacuums, pressure hoses, balances, microscopes, and vibrating platforms; and understand the concepts of surface tension, viscosity, pressure, chemical reactions, solvents, etc. Understanding the specimen being working on is critical. A working knowledge of anatomy, osteology and morphology is also important in molding and casting.

The art of molding and casting is what ultimately makes the difference between a good cast and a bad cast. It involves an "eye" for correct mixing proportions, a "feel" for where bubbles may occur, the "touch" needed to pull a delicate specimen, a sense of how much time remains until the plaster or plastic hardens, a visualization of complex processes and their ramifications, etc. Technique is immeasurably important in molding and casting. It can come quickly, or it may take years to develop.

Purpose of this Manual

This manual was conceived and written to give casting and molding technicians a solid base of data and detail directly related to and tailored to the needs of paleoanthropological casting. Other manuals have been written but either lack the detail necessary to properly train a technician, or are specific to the needs and tasks of certain laboratories. I hope to combine the best aspects of both approaches and neither be so general as to be a mere introduction to lab techniques, or so specific as to neglect other equally important topics.

This manual will never take the place of the long hours of training necessary to become proficient in its techniques, but rather is meant to introduce the subject, augment training, and serve as a reference guide to the functions of a paleoanthropological casting and molding laboratory.

ContentsChap. 1Chap. 2Chap. 3Chap. 4Chap. 5Chap. 6Epilogue
GlossarySafetyMaterialsSuppliersBibliographyMat. Specs. .