Have you ever wondered how Usagi No Nedoko makes their Sola Cubes so precisely in order to showcase the delicate specimens within? Read below to learn their step by step manufacturing process. (Photos courtesy of Usagi No Nedoko).
Cleaning and Sorting Materials
Plants to be enclosed in Sola cubes are sorted by size and shape. They are also cleaned to prevent dust or debris from entering during enclosure.
Molding
Liquid acrylic is poured into a mold larger than the Sola cube. Once the acrylic has partially solidified into a gel-like state, the dried plants are placed inside, and more liquid acrylic is added.
Pressure and Heat
The mold containing the acrylic is placed into a chamber called an autoclave. Pressure within the chamber is controlled to remove air bubbles. Heating also hardens the resin. A heat treatment called annealing stabilizes the acrylic's molecular bonds, creating a durable cube.
Processing
The solidified cube is removed from the autoclave, and cut into a 4cm square size using tools, which then plane the sides of the cube to make them smooth.
Polishing
The surfaces are buffed to a mirror-like finish, completing the cube.
