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Post by Deleted on Sept 18, 2019 20:20:48 GMT -5
Aloha everyone,
it is quite amazing to see all the different products available for mold making by Alumilite. However, it is also a bit overwhelming. Even after watching the videos, I am still not sure about which product would be better for my application. I would like to make mold for small objects (a few centimeters) with small details and quite often undercuts. Because of that, I imagine that a liquid product would be better (so no mold putty) and 2-part molds might be recommended.
However, between Plat, High Strength, Mold Rubber, Quick Set, and Remelt ... what are the main differences?
I guess that Remelt might not be ideal for 2-part mold (though I like the fact it can be reused!).
So, what should I consider before I decide which product to get?
Many thanks!
N.
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Post by Brian on Sept 18, 2019 22:09:52 GMT -5
Pretty much every thing that I cast is small, roughly the same size as what your dealing with.....for the RTV silicone rubber I use either HS-2 or HS-3. I use HS-2 primarily for 2 part molds where there is a chance that unwanted pressure could distort the resin pour and HS-3 for 1 part molds.,..both pick up even the smallest detail and both work great where under cuts are involved.
The Plats are food grade silicone mold making rubbers , Quickset is a general purpose mold making rubber for simple 1 and 2 piece molds, probably not the best choice if your wanting to pick up fine detail and are dealing with undercuts. Remelt is just as the name says, reusable, its described as being used for smaller 1 part molds like jewelry or Chocolate molds. I've got some Remelt that I have not used yet...might try and see if I can pull off a simple 2 part mold with it 
If I where you I would consider going to your local hobby store and purchasing Alumilites Mini Casting Kit or since your dealing with detail and under cuts you may also want to consider purchasing HS-3 RTV silicone rubber and AlumiRes (RC-3) resin....I use RC-3 exclusively for all my pours....I cant say enough good things about it. |
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Post by notoes on Sept 19, 2019 17:21:08 GMT -5
I'll just add a little bit to what Brian said as he's given a lot of info.
The Plats are as good at two part molds as the HS series but being a "platinum cure" type, the Plats ARE a little picky about what they cure next to when you're making originals to make molds of. Most things are fine to use as originals with the Plats but there are some things the Plats just don't like - it will not cure if you have something that has an ingredient that inhibits the Plat. I learned the hard way that the Flex series does not play nice with Plat (made a big gooey mess), you can test a small spot if you're unsure of something or just ask about a specific thing. I can tell you that Original Sculpey and ABS 3D prints play very nice with Plat - I've used both a lot of times.
Remelt does do a great 2 piece mold, it's my go-to instead of clay when I need to pour the first half of a 2 piece mold. Cleans up very easily by peeling off nicely and any little spots that end up left on the original (like a tiny layer under an edge) can be rinsed off with warm water if you can't reach it with tweezers. Just one thing to note about Remelt - don't try to use RC-3 with it as the RC-3 gets too hot (been there done that) for the Remelt to handle, remember you make it liquid by heating it up in a microwave so anything that is too hot for a plastic chocolate mold will not play nice with Remelt. Also if you're unsure if the thing you want to pour into the Remelt is going to go in without melting it then try chilling the Remelt mold before using.
If you're near a Hobby Lobby, be sure to take advantage of the 40% off coupons they have. And RC-3 IS awesome, both Brian and I have even done tests on how to "recycle" it so you will 9 times out of 10 not get a bad casting cause even if it doesn't come out right we know how to recycle it to make it into a "good" casting.
What are you casting/making molds of? Food and non-food applications have different products that are best suited for each and we can better guide you if we have an idea of what you're making.
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Post by Tanker Pappy on Sept 26, 2019 21:06:19 GMT -5
Not a reply but a question. I have a little bit of HS-3 left over and just got order of HS-1, can I add the little bit of HS-3 to it? I don't want to waist it, but there is not enough left to use on it's own.
Thank you.
oldusmctanker@gmail.com
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Post by Brian on Sept 26, 2019 21:37:39 GMT -5
Yes, you can mix the two so long as the mold is not dependent on firmness.....
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