What are the differences between using injection-molded and hand-cast resins for animal sculptures?

When creating animal sculptures, the choice between injection-molded and hand-cast resins can significantly impact the final product. Injection-molded resins are produced using high-pressure machines, resulting in highly consistent, durable, and mass-producible pieces. This method is ideal for intricate designs and large-scale production but requires expensive molds.

Hand-cast resins, on the other hand, are poured manually into molds, allowing for greater artistic flexibility and customization. While this technique offers unique textures and finishes, it may produce slight variations and is more time-consuming. Hand-casting is preferred for limited editions or one-of-a-kind artworks.

Durability-wise, injection-molded resins often have fewer air bubbles and stronger structural integrity, whereas hand-cast resins may require additional finishing work. Cost varies too—injection molding has high upfront expenses, while hand-casting is more affordable for small batches.

Ultimately, the choice depends on the artist's goals: precision and scalability favor injection molding, while creativity and uniqueness lean toward hand-casting.