Editorial Policy & Sourcing Methodology
At MakerRatio, we believe that precision in crafting is the difference between a successful project and wasted capital. To ensure our calculator suites provide absolute precision, we adhere to strict materials science guidelines and verify every formula against manufacturer specifications.
1. Sourcing & Material Specifications
We do not invent material parameters or density averages. All density values (specific gravity), mix ratios, curing times, and safety margins are sourced directly from official manufacturer documentation:
- Epoxy & Urethane Resins: Technical Data Sheets (TDS) and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) from manufacturers including Smooth-On, TotalBoat, and ArtResin.
- Candle Waxes: Formulation manuals from Golden Wax (AAK), EcoSoya, and IGI wax databases.
- Acrylic Composites: Official Jesmonite AC100 mixing and curing guidelines.
- E-Commerce Pricing: Live marketplace documentation from Etsy's seller policy pages and Shopify transaction rate listings.
2. Calculation & Verification Methodology
Our calculations are built on solid geometric equations. To verify that our math matches real-world pours, we execute the following steps:
The Verification Cycle:
- Theoretical Volume: Mathematical models calculate exact volumes based on shape dimensions (adjusted for unit conversions).
- Water Displacement Calibration: Physical prototypes of mold boxes are filled with water to calibrate and verify the mathematical volume equations.
- Mass-Density Adjustment: Theoretical volume is multiplied by the specific gravity of the material (e.g. 1.13 g/ml for epoxy, 1.34 g/ml for silicone) to determine exact pour weight in grams.
3. Safety Disclaimers & Pour Depth Boundaries
While our estimators provide high accuracy, material behavior varies depending on room temperature, mixing speed, humidity, and chemical age. Always review manufacturer datasheets before pouring large volumes. For deep pours (e.g., epoxy river tables), observe maximum pour depth limits to prevent thermal cracking or uncontrolled exothermic curing.