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Post by mrmoto on Dec 10, 2016 13:04:35 GMT -5
Hi! I'm new to the forum but I've done a fair amount of hobby related resin casting (rigid resins) in the past and I am trying Flex for the first time. The first attempt hasn't worked as well as I would like. The directions said that it would cure at room temp in 18 to 24 hours or using a "post cure" at low heat for 2 to 4 hours. Since I can do pressure or heat but not both at the same time I elected to try room temp under pressure. After 48 hours the resin was still tacky so I thought that maybe I had only cured it and it was now time for the "post cure" so I put it a warm oven for 4 hours. It was somewhat better but still tacky enough to try to adhere to whatever it touched. I'll soon make another attempt with just heat but this seems like a good time to listen to advice from more experienced users. Thanks!
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Post by mike on Dec 12, 2016 9:34:22 GMT -5
Good questions.
Here is the process I would recommend since you have Pressure:
1) Shake both A and B. 2) Preheat your mold (130F for 15 minutes or if it is silicone ... 1 minute on high in the microwave per lb of silicone) 3) Measure equal amounts by weight 4) Mix thoroughly for 1 minute or 5) Pour slowly into your mold to avoid introducing any new air bubbles 6) Pressure cast for 45 minutes at 30-50 psi. 7) Remove from pressure and post cure for 1 hour at 125-130F. 8) Allow to cool 9) Demold
The lower Flex series (30 & 40) will pick up dust/lint more than the stiffer Flex series (60-80). The lower Flex series urethane rubbers have more surface tension and pick up debris more easily but should NOT be "tacky" or "sticky". I would describe it more like static cling than tacky.
By all means, use pressure to ensure the best physical properties of the Flex.
Lastly, if you are casting a thin or small piece, it takes longer for it to cure as it doesn't generate as much exotherm on its own. So preheating your mold and post curing becomes more important.
Mike
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Post by mrmoto on Dec 12, 2016 15:52:02 GMT -5
Thanks! I'll try that procedure. It clarifies the difference between curing and post curing.
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Post by adaline3 on Dec 14, 2016 7:44:15 GMT -5
Hi. I am new in this forum too. Your advices helped me so much..Thanks guys
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