Molding the unmoldable? « Routesetter.com Forum

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Molding the unmoldable?

(9 posts) (5 voices)

Started 11 months ago by acorneau
Latest reply from acorneau

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acorneau
Member

So this thought has been rolling around in my head for a week or so...

How would one create a mold for a handhold shape that doesn't lend itself to the traditional mold/cast process?

Example: Imagine a hold in the shape of swiss cheese with multiple holes going from one side to another as well as front to back.

It's easy to imagine the original design being shaped but how would such a hold be manufactured?

I know that some hold companies make some holds with a dual-mold process, but that wouldn't quite work in such a complex form. I've also seen that some basic looped holds (handlebars) can be made, presumably by the same dual-mold process.

So I ask you, is it possible to create holds with complex shapes? Is it possible but just not efficacious?

Looking forward to hearing from the wise ones that may (or may not) have considered this before.

Posted 11 months ago #
Vincent
Member

Yes it is possible! Several ways to do it actually. Factors of the size and angles of the through holes would determine which method is best to be used. Some (through hole = bridge in the mold) bridges can just be split, others may require building in a "key" to keep the bridge aligned. If the mold maker is experienced and good.. it can be made seamless and last for many castings.

Posted 11 months ago #
acorneau
Member

Thanks Vincent.

I've been thinking of some hold designs but have yet to move forward on them because I figured they would be impossible to manufacture. This gives me a little more incentive to go ahead and shape some of them, even if they never make it to full production.

Anyone else have thoughts?

Posted 11 months ago #
Herman
Member

I'm sorry to say but except for the most basic "handlebars" i don't see how this can result in holds that are actually pleasant to climb on AND have a functional through hole. also finishing the edge of the bridge in the finished product is time intensive. So you probably have a hard time finding a hold manufacturer that will produce these.

But surprise me. a concept shape is made in only a few minutes.

Posted 10 months ago #
GeorgeR
Member

I would have to agree with vincent on all accounts. The standard climbing hold mold, even those handles that are usually split molds are still extremely simplistic relative to what techniques and materials other industries are employing. The experience of the mold maker will determine how well the finished product will turn out. I will disagree with herman in that the finishing time from the bridge can be very short if the mold is properly made, I have made several bridge molds that need no more than a swipe with a utility knife to finish them, grinding is not always necessary.

Posted 10 months ago #
acorneau
Member

And the plot thickens... Very interesting!

The types of holds I'm thinking of aren't really holes or handlebars, but more of a larger void inside with a smaller opening, but in a more complex way.

Gotta say, though, that I don't see many holds of this nature in most major hold company's line-ups. Interesting, indeed.

Posted 10 months ago #
Herman
Member

@ George:
>I have made several bridge molds that need no more than a swipe with a utility knife to finish them, grinding is not always necessary.
Nice. PU I assume was thinking PE.

@Acorneau. some examples of what is possible:

"De Hoek" ("The Corner") http://axisroundedges.com/serie/specials/0
Was designed by me and basically has 6 holes that go all the way into the hollow back. As well as 6 t-nuts integrated into the-hold itself. However i would not recommend grabbing the bridge (which is at the back of the hold anyway).

Here is an example of a big finger pocket (about 11 fingers that is). http://axisroundedges.com/serie/holds2008/7 (hover above for view from back)
Taking this out of the mold takes some practice and patience. Luckily the mold is flexible enough to get it through the hole. But there is only so much that you can flex the mold

here is a 3 finger pocket that extends to the back: http://axisroundedges.com/serie/holds2005/12 (E82)
I used to cast a similair hold like this in which the finger pocket part tended to sag away. I ended attaching it by pulling it up by a piece of elastic band.

Posted 10 months ago #
Barth
Member

@ Herman: Do you have a distributor in the US?

Posted 10 months ago #
acorneau
Member

Thanks for the examples, Herman.

Those "2009 Insert" sets look very cool. Wish we had standard plywood walls so we could use something like that.

Posted 10 months ago #

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