By Liz White, UT staffSummit, New Jersey-Casters can now reproduce items at up to 160 percent original size, while maintaining the model's proportions, using a novel polyurethane casting system, claims US-based developer ArtMolds. The casting kit supplier says its Panocast process manages this scaling up "accurately and inexpensively." ArtMolds has also developed a foamed silicone, as a "safe replacement for urethane foams." Non-toxic, odourless, fast-setting SilFome needs no oven baking, the manufacturer said. It serves as a void filler for silicone castings and appliances and can "create a life-like spongy feel for animatronics, soft toys"-in fact for all applications where a soft resilient material is required, the company claims. Summit, New Jersey-headquartered ArtMolds calls itself a "global innovator in the design, manufacture and distribution of alginate, latex, silicone and polyurethane moulding systems and kits." These products are used in mould making, restoration, art casting, special effects, life casting, prosthetics, preservation and taxidermy, says the firm. Customers in more than 15 countries use ArtMolds products, with customer support from the group a major focus. As evidence of this, Ed McCormick, managing director, cited ArtMolds', "world-leading marketing technology with Planograms, Merchandising Kits, DVD demonstrations as well as on-site workshops," in a company statement. "
