Tripel X Professional Props Uses TASK 16 to Make Props that are Absolutely Indestructible
Tripel X Theming and Props (based in Sneads Ferry, NC) provides onsite special effects services to a variety of films and weekly TV shows. It is especially well known for providing hyper-realistic weapons props for several popular detective shows filmed in New York and Los Angeles.
Tripel X had a client that was experiencing unusually high breakage with their gun props. “The script for two consecutive episodes called for weapons to be thrown repeatedly at cops and bad guys on the set. What we were using was shattering”, says Tripel X President, Art Burnette.
Tripel X contacted Smooth-On and was steered towards TASK 16. Burnette states that, “the material pigments beautifully, cures quickly and finished castings are absolutely unbreakable. If our film customers are happy, we’re happy. We wouldn’t think of using anything else now”.
1 - A mold is created using Mold Star 16 fast setting silicone rubber
2 - The mold captures all of the detail of the original gun.
3 - The mold is closed...
4 - ...and placed between two wooden boards.
5 - The mold is clamped firmly using a mold strap.
6 - TASK 16 has a mix ratio of 1:2 by weight.
7 - Part A is shaken before using.
8 - Part B is shaken before using.
9 - Part A is weighed out.
10 - Part B is weighed out.
11 - A small amount of So-Strong black colorant is added to the part B of the urethane.
12 - The So-Strong is thoroughly mixed into the part B.
13 - The part A is combined with the pigmented part B.
14 - The two components are mixed thoroughly.
15 - The TASK 16 is quickly poured into the Mold Star 16 mold.
16 - After 90 minutes, the mold is disassembled.
17 - The casting reflects perfect detail.
18 - Excess material is trimmed from the casting.
19 - The new TASK 16 casting is a perfect duplicate.
20 - TASK 16 is flexible and highly impact resistant.
21 - "These prop guns have been thrown against brick walls and on concrete sidewalks many times. They won't break no matter what we do to them" Art Burnette, Tripel X Props
