Casting the Appliance Evaluation

After completing the two part moulding process, the next step was to cast the appliance. This was done using foam latex which was formed by adding a number of ingredients both safe and toxic. When completing the task, it was important to wear protect clothing and work cautiously. The exercise did not take long to carry out, however the product was to be left for a few hours to set. Once the latex had set and the two part mould was removed. I was left with my prosthetic facial appliance which was ready to be applied to the model. This task was undertaken twice in order to obtain a prosthetic to practice on and one to use in the final exam.

This task although done quickly, it was one which would suffer bad results if the correct measurements of products were not used. This meant one had to stay focused and listen carefully demonstrating good listening skills. I followed instructions and considered caution very carefully. It was an enjoyable task and I found myself helping others who needed it showing team work skills. When the first mask was removed from the mould although the mould cracked, the mask was done successfully, capturing all the detail which was sculpted and I was pleased with the outcome.

When later on applying the first mask as a practice I realised that the overflow in the position of the eyes was not smooth fading onto the cutting edge which meant when the piece was to be attached to the face it would not blend so well with the skin. It was difficult removing the first appliance from the two part mould as the plaster used for the mould was not thick enough which meant it began to crack on the positive and negative mould. When the prosthetic was removed, it was vital to stabilize the mould by mixing up more plaster and adding it to the outside of the negative mould and round the edges of the positive mould. Burlap was also added to assure the product would stay strong. Unfortunately, there was cracks in the detail which the second appliance captured. If I was to complete the exercise again I would not change the way the appliance was casted but would make sure the plaster was thick enough when completing the moulding process and ensure the overflow was thin when blending it onto the cutting edge.