mark
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Posts: 1
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Post by mark on Jan 17, 2016 17:11:22 GMT -5
I read the FAQs and they don't answer my specific questions. Feel free to point me to an answer in case I had a senior moment and missed it... :-)
1) Storage temp for raw components. The FAQ says "ambient temp.' Exactly what is that in degrees? I see that storing in the garage or outside in myunheated workshop was Not A Good Idea in Seattle temperatures. OK, components and dyes are now stored in the house where the "ambient temperature is kept to about 65 deg F to conserve household energy. I have a small heater in the outside insulated workshop. it is only used to warm up the shop for an hour or so before use. I could set the components on the heater to pre-warm them before use but would that temp fluctuation defeat the purpose and render the resins problematic for proper casting?
2) I am trying to cast hollow spheres (think Christmas ornaments that look like cut glass in clear crystal). I am thinking to cast a solid one and etch/cut the facets into it to use as a master. Make a mold from it. Support the mold in a small box and spin in on a lathe at under 1000 RPM or so while the resin cures to make a hollow ball. Then demold and polish until really shiny with lots of reflective bling. Is there a best material for the mold/casting resin to use in an application like this?
Thank You. MarkS The noob in Seattle
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Post by mike on Jan 18, 2016 17:19:34 GMT -5
Hello Mark,
Yes, ambient temps would be between 65 & 75 F. Moisture is the big nasty that will create havoc in your materials so a room temp low humidity area is ideal.
Make your master however is easiest that gives you what you are looking for in your end product. If you visit mannetron.com you will find information on hollow casting that will explain the process for making hollow parts. At 1000 RPM you are centrifugal casting it more and I highly doubt the part would come out. You need a smooth even coat which hollow casting can give you. There was also a maker bot that was a small rotational bench top caster that would probably work perfect for what you are looking to do. As far as resin, I'd recommend our Alumilite Clear or Water Clear if you are going into production with them and Amazing Clear Cast if this is more of a hobby project. Any of which will work.
Mike
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Post by Allison on Jan 23, 2016 19:02:38 GMT -5
Can I use silicone or aluminum cake pans for resin molds?
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Post by carol - Alumilite Corp on Jan 26, 2016 12:54:49 GMT -5
Allison,
You can use either, just remember when pouring resins into anything but silicone a release is needed! Resins bond to everything but silicone and silicone only bond themselves is a good rule of thumb to follow.
When you use a cake pan, I would suggest keeping it delegated just for resin, not food products.
Regards,
Carol
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