Blue Realm Studios » Tech Tips

Molding a Proton Pack – Part One

Devin — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:37:07 +0000

This is the first part of a how-to vid about making a mold. In this video we explore how to mold a proton pack. We walk through the steps of using smooth-on rebound 25. Take a look and enjoy the tutorial.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Understanding Shore Hardness

Devin — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:22:20 +0000

Hardness is defined as a material’s resistance to indentation when a static load is applied. The most common instrument used for measuring hardness is Shore Durometer. It measures the depth of penetration of an indenter on a scale from zero to a tenth of an inch (0.1 in.). A zero reading indicates that penetration depth was at its maximum; a reading of 100 specifies there was no penetration.

The Shore A scale is the most common scale for TPEs, and the Shore A Durometer consists of a blunt indenter with moderate spring force. Shore A instruments are less accurate when readings are above 90. Shore D Durometers are more appropriate when hardnesses exceed 90 Shore A. This instrument uses a sharper indenter and higher force. Softer TPEs (below 5 Shore A) use a Shore 00 scale. Most soft gels and foam rubbers are measured using this scale.

Most materials resist initial indenture but eventually yield over time due to creep or relaxation, so Durometer readings can either be taken instantaneously or after a specified delay – typically on the order of 5 to 10 sec. Instantaneous readings typically give higher (or harder) results than delayed readings. But delayed readings are more representative of hardness and resiliency. Weak, less-elastomeric materials creep more than higher strength, more resilient materials.

Hopefully, this information on the topic of shore hardness has created a clearer understanding of this important subject. While it is, admittedly, a complex topic, it is a subject with which one must be familiar in order to effectively select the proper project material.

Material	Durometer	Scale
Bicycle gel seat	15-30	OO
Chewing gum	20	OO
Sorbothane	40	OO
Rubber band	25	A
Door seal	55	A
Automotive tire tread	70	A
Soft skateboard wheel	75	A
Hydraulic O-Rings	70-90	A
Ebonite Rubber	100	A
Solid truck tires	50	D
Hard hat	75	D

Understanding Viscosity

Devin — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:41:58 +0000

Every fluid material has a basic physical property, called its viscosity, which is a measure of its resistance to flow. The “thicker” a fluid is, the higher is its viscosity, because of its greater resistance to flow. One might now assume that the question is simply a matter of assigning every fluid a characteristic viscosity value. Unfortunately, there are different types of viscosity, which complicate matters. A simple example will demonstrate this fact. Which product has a higher viscosity, honey or mayonnaise? One could argue that mayonnaise is higher, because it will not run out of the inverted jar, while honey will. On the other hand, one could argue that honey does, because it is more difficult to stir a jar of honey with a spoon than it is to stir a jar of mayonnaise. This is not a paradox; it is simply evidence that there is more to the discussion of viscosity than simply assigning a number to each fluid. The different types of viscosity relate to the manner in which the various fluids respond to shear forces.

Now that the basics of the subject have been explained, a list of the viscosities of some common fluids will prove helpful. This list will enable one to relate the viscosity of a newly encountered product to a more common product and, thus, develop an intuitive feeling for what the viscosity really means. The values in the attached listing are in the most commonly used units, centipoise (cP), and they are specified as effective viscosities; that is, they represent the viscosity of the fluid at the shear levels normally encountered in a typical pump. This term does not have a precise technical definition, but it is intended to allow one to estimate the apparent viscosity of a non-Newtonian fluid at the shear levels. (The viscosities listed are at room temperature unless otherwise noted.)

Occasionally, one will encounter viscosities expressed in units other than centipoise. Many of these other units have arisen because of the numerous instruments and techniques available for measuring viscosities. Since these various methods employ different levels of shear in the measuring technique, there will not be a direct numerical agreement among the results for any non-Newtonian fluids. Fortunately, tables have been prepared which allow for the conversion from most common viscosity units to the equivalent viscosity in centipoise.

Hopefully, this information on the topic of fluid viscosity has created a clearer understanding of this important subject. While it is, admittedly, a complex topic,it is a subject with which one must be familiar in order to effectively select the proper project material.

Fluid	Viscosity	Fluid	Viscosity
Auto Lube Oil SAE 40	200 cP @ 100F	Mayonnaise	5000 to 10,000 cP
Bakery Batter	2200 cP	Melted Butter	18 cP @ 140F
Corn Oil	30 cP	Milk	1.2 cP
Corn Syrup	15,000 cP	Sugar Syrup 60 Brix	75 cP
Cough Syrup	190 cP	Sugar Syrup 68 Brix	360 cP
Frosting	10,000 cP	Sugar Syrup 76 Brix	4,000 cP
Gasoline	0.8 cP	Tomato Paste	7000 cP
Honey	1500 cP @ 100F	Toothpaste	20,000 cP
Hot Fudge	36,000 cP	Yogurt	1100 cP

via: www.APV.com

Adam’s Podcast Episode 2

Devin — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:05:16 +0000

Well Adam is at it again. In his never ending search of becoming the expert at everything, he has given us a new gem view. Personally I find the close quarters and inner monologue a little disturbing, but I’ll let you be the judge. Enjoy episode 2 of Adam’s podcast.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Check out Adam’s Podcast

Devin — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 16:59:56 +0000

While Adam is on a journey of becoming an expert at podcasting he’s allowed us the pleasure of watching a few of he’s videos. I have to admit he’s quite entertaining. Blue Realm Studios is in the process of developing a format that will allow us to podcast useful things for the general prop making communities. We hope to jump on the podcasting revolution soon. But in the mean time we’ll let Adam figure out all the kinks. Please enjoy the first episode of Adam’s podcast.

Click here to view the embedded video.

MISC Props

Devin — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 21:51:21 +0000

MISC Props
This is the section of our misc. props. We dont know what they are or what they do but hey they are cool.

Arbiter Props – hand crafted by artist Devin White

Robot Entertainment Shield – hand crafted by artist Devin White

ODST Back Pack – hand crafted by artist Sean Bradley

Energy Sword – hand crafted by artist Sean Bradley