Post by TapHandleNewbie on Mar 10, 2019 14:27:13 GMT -5
We're a scrappy MA brewery trying to get creative with our tap handles, and I'm trying to create a tap handle that has a base with an aluminum can mounted on top. To solidify the can, and mount the base through the bottom, I've been experimenting with resins to fill the can. Any epoxy resin I've tried does a great job at creating a rock solid connection to the base, but doesn't reinforce the aluminum can walls enough. I need to create a completely rigid interior for the aluminum can so that it can be squeezed and used as a tap handle without denting or bending.
Basically, regardless of the resin I've tried, the shrinkage becomes very apparent because the epoxy separates from the walls of the aluminum, creating a small 1/8" void between the resin and the aluminum that allows for clicking and denting of the can. I thought that trying Amazing Clear Cast would work because the slower cure time would reduce exotherm and allow for some flow, but that didn't seem to help.
What filler could I use to reduce shrinkage to basically zero? I saw some people recommending aluminum trihydroxide, but nothing definitively stating how much it mitigates shrinkage.
Alternatively, I'm going to experiment with pouring 10oz Amazing Casting Resin first, waiting for the first solidification, then pouring ~2oz Amazing Clear Cast so that it is vacuumed into the negative space as shrinkage occurs due to its longer curing time.
Any help is appreciated, and a magic solution will certainly earn free brews mailed to you for anyone stateside!
Basically, regardless of the resin I've tried, the shrinkage becomes very apparent because the epoxy separates from the walls of the aluminum, creating a small 1/8" void between the resin and the aluminum that allows for clicking and denting of the can. I thought that trying Amazing Clear Cast would work because the slower cure time would reduce exotherm and allow for some flow, but that didn't seem to help.
What filler could I use to reduce shrinkage to basically zero? I saw some people recommending aluminum trihydroxide, but nothing definitively stating how much it mitigates shrinkage.
Alternatively, I'm going to experiment with pouring 10oz Amazing Casting Resin first, waiting for the first solidification, then pouring ~2oz Amazing Clear Cast so that it is vacuumed into the negative space as shrinkage occurs due to its longer curing time.
Any help is appreciated, and a magic solution will certainly earn free brews mailed to you for anyone stateside!
