Has anyone ever made a mold to attempt to mass produce lithophanes?

[don]

I have a unique opportunity to mass produce possible 4 or 5 different sizes of lithophanes. They vary from 10w x 4h, 4w x 16h, 10w x 8h oval, 6w x 4h oval, 20w x 10h.

And I am fortunate to have a company that is with in 30 miles from me that make their own version of solidsurface material. They have told me that they prefer to have a rigid mold. (made from aluminum instead of the rubber molds)

I'm wondering if anyone else has attempted or tried this.

[rookie432]

Don,
If milling the aluminum proves difficult you may want to look at smooth-on website. These guys are mold specialists. I believe they have resins with aluminum stability that can be milled easier. I have used several of their products and love them. Worth a look if you got a chance at a good contract.

Bill
www.smoothon.com I believe.
P.S. I'm not affiliated with smooth on, just a big fan.

[don]

Bill, I don't know where my mind was at. Thanks for that information. I did read it shortly after you posted it but was very busy and forgot to reply and give you the thanks you deserve. I do appreciate the wealth of information that I get from you and the rest of the members off of this site. Thanks Bill, and Thanks to all the other posting members.
Thanks!!
Don

[rookie432]

No problem Don,

I am curious did you discover a way to mass produce or pour these?

This issue has come up for me just in the last 42 hours and may be interested in a solution for a small production run of lithos.

Bill

[don]

I had sent an email to then ( http://smoothon.com )and they replied back in a week or so with a html page the briefly described the different types of applications and If I needed further help to contact them directly.
I looked their site over petty good and I think I could use their stuff. As you said its a bit pricey, But for the size I need and the quanities I need, It'll still be cheaper to use their product instead of attempting to machine it in aluminumn. I've had to put this project on the side for a while, and hope to dig back into it late this summer early fall.. I think its going to be a big winter project to fill in the time.

Thanks again, and I'll keep you posted.
Don