A method, composition and kit that enable the creation of a three-dimensional object by the action of placing at least one molding composition of at least one color or type into a mold, and then subsequently placing the mold within a liquid hardening agent to cure and solidify the molding composition enough so the three-dimensional object can be removed from the mold and become an object of display or a toy to be played with.

A method, composition and kit that enable the creation of a three-dimensional object by the action of placing at least one molding composition of at least one color or type into a mold, and then subsequently placing the mold within a liquid hardening agent to cure and solidify the molding composition enough so the three-dimensional object can be removed from the mold and become an object of display or a toy to be played with.

A mold for encapsulating an electrical component. The mold includes an encapsulation chamber and an air inlet. The encapsulation chamber is defined by a housing, an open top, and a solid bottom. The housing includes a solid outer wall, a permeable inner wall, and an air chamber between the solid outer wall and the inner wall. The air inlet is configured to introduce a gas into the air chamber. The encapsulation chamber is sized and shaped to receive the electrical component while leaving a gap for the introduction of encapsulant around the electrical component. The encapsulant may be silicone rubber. To remove an encapsulated electrical component, pressurized air may be introduced through the air inlet into the air chamber, passing through the permeable inner wall, separating the outer surface of the encapsulant from the housing, and allowing the combination casting to be removed from the mold.

A mold for encapsulating an electrical component. The mold includes an encapsulation chamber and an air inlet. The encapsulation chamber is defined by a housing, an open top, and a solid bottom. The housing includes a solid outer wall, a permeable inner wall, and an air chamber between the solid outer wall and the inner wall. The air inlet is configured to introduce a gas into the air chamber. The encapsulation chamber is sized and shaped to receive the electrical component while leaving a gap for the introduction of encapsulant around the electrical component. The encapsulant may be silicone rubber. To remove an encapsulated electrical component, pressurized air may be introduced through the air inlet into the air chamber, passing through the permeable inner wall, separating the outer surface of the encapsulant from the housing, and allowing the combination casting to be removed from the mold.

In an embodiment, a fluid flow structure includes a micro device embedded in a molding. A fluid feed hole is formed through the micro device, and a saw defined fluid channel is cut through the molding to fluidically couple the fluid feed hole with the channel.

The invention relates to a process for producing an optical casting comprising at least one volume-holographic optical element by means of at least one casting operation, the process comprising the following steps: providing a casting mould comprising a first mould section having a flat, spherical, aspherical or free-form first surface and a second mould section having a flat, spherical, aspherical or free-form second surface, the first mould section being connectable to the second mould section to form the casting mould, providing at least one holographic optical element, positioning and aligning the at least one holographic optical element with respect to the first mould section or/and with respect to the second mould section, combining the first and second mould sections to form the casting mould, introducing casting material in one or more casting steps, the casting material having a maximum viscosity at 25° C. of 100 000 mPas, curing the casting material, removing the cured casting material comprising the at least one holographic optical element from the casting mould, the at least one holographic optical element being at least partly surrounded by the casting material.

The invention relates to a process for producing an optical casting comprising at least one volume-holographic optical element by means of at least one casting operation, the process comprising the following steps: providing a casting mould comprising a first mould section having a flat, spherical, aspherical or free-form first surface and a second mould section having a flat, spherical, aspherical or free-form second surface, the first mould section being connectable to the second mould section to form the casting mould, providing at least one holographic optical element, positioning and aligning the at least one holographic optical element with respect to the first mould section or/and with respect to the second mould section, combining the first and second mould sections to form the casting mould, introducing casting material in one or more casting steps, the casting material having a maximum viscosity at 25° C. of 100 000 mPas, curing the casting material, removing the cured casting material comprising the at least one holographic optical element from the casting mould, the at least one holographic optical element being at least partly surrounded by the casting material.

The improved mold assembly for cultured marble molding is provided. The mold assembly can comprise a male mold portion and a female mold portion. The assembly can further comprise a molding tool. The molding tool can have a side wall having an upper curved s and a lower curved portion. The molding tool can be constructed from a flexible and/or soft material. The lower curved portion of the molding tool can be coated with a gel coat having a first color. The molding tool can facilitate molding of a countertop having a recessed bowl portion having a color different from a counter portion of the countertop.

Provided is a curable composition which has excellent curability, less causes silicone molds to swell, and allows the silicone molds to have better durability and a longer service life in repeated use. The curable composition according to the present invention is a curable composition for production of an optical component by molding using silicone molds. The curable composition contains curable compounds and a cationic initiator. The curable compounds include (A) a cycloaliphatic epoxy compound and (B) an oxetane compound. The oxetane compound (B) is present in a content of 10 to 45 weight percent of the totality of all the curable compounds contained in the curable composition. Of the totality of all the curable compounds contained in the curable composition, 90 weight percent or more is a compound or compounds having a solubility parameter of 9.0 (cal/cm.sup.3).sup.½ or more as determined at 25° C. by the Fedors' method.

Provided is a curable composition which has excellent curability, less causes silicone molds to swell, and allows the silicone molds to have better durability and a longer service life in repeated use. The curable composition according to the present invention is a curable composition for production of an optical component by molding using silicone molds. The curable composition contains curable compounds and a cationic initiator. The curable compounds include (A) a cycloaliphatic epoxy compound and (B) an oxetane compound. The oxetane compound (B) is present in a content of 10 to 45 weight percent of the totality of all the curable compounds contained in the curable composition. Of the totality of all the curable compounds contained in the curable composition, 90 weight percent or more is a compound or compounds having a solubility parameter of 9.0 (cal/cm.sup.3).sup.½ or more as determined at 25° C. by the Fedors' method.