From: LaughingEgg-AT-webtv.net (Steve Weber)
Date: Sat, 22 Nov 1997 13:31:26 -0800
Subject: Re: Medical/Dental Casting/Molding Materials


Hi Bob Demers and all,

   Bob, the plastic you are referring to is a type
of thermo-setting plastic called 'POLY-FORM'
There are numerous varieties of it that are sometimes used in the
theatre for props and costume accessories.
The medical grade you speak of is a high tack, low temp. variety. It is
also prohibitively
expensive (about $60.00 for an 12"x18" sheet)

POLY-FORM has it's uses, but building puppets
are not one of them. It is unstable ( temp. above
110 deg. will soften it) and it does not lend itself to moulded detail.  
Basically  it is simply 'FRIENDLY PLASTIC' in sheet and mesh form....and
we all know how nifty that stuff is...........NOT!! 

The dental industry has yielded many interesting products that are
utilized for taking
impressions of the mouth and for casting caps and dentures.   Some of
these are non-toxic.. ALL of them are expensive and some are VERY
expensive!  An example being a prepared non-toxic silicone putty for
taking mouth impressions costing $80.00 per ounce!

Dental Acrylic (Methyl -Methacrylate) on the other hand is affordable
and is commonly used
for casting in the special efffects industry.
As a matter of fact.. All the "LES POUPEES
DE PARIS" marionettes built by JACK SCHAFTON'S shop in Los Angeles, were
cast
in dental acrylic ...( they also weigh a ton!!)

The down side to all this, is that Dental Acylic is
HIGHLY toxic and it smells absolutely HORRIBLE!!!
Don't let any of this discourage you from seeking  out new and viable
mediums for puppet making however. 

                                                      Peace,
                                                  Steve Weber

      


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