Showing posts with label polyurethane resin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label polyurethane resin. Show all posts

The Essence That Makes Polyurethane Resins What They Are

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , Tuesday, March 1, 2022 12:45 AM

 When it comes to the resins, polyurethanes are the most popular and versatile of the lot. Here is a look at the properties and benefits of polyurethane resins which work in their favor for making molds and casts.


Resins are the most commonly used type of casting materials. While synthetic resins are of different types with specific properties and uses, the polyurethane ones turn out to be the most diverse and versatile of the lot.

When it comes to polyurethane resin casting, there are options like fast-setting resins, slow-setting resins, clear resins, opaque resins, foaming resins, semi-flexible resins and more. These are two-part formulas that are usually mixed in equal quantities to form a hard and durable plastic.

 



These resins can be used to produce an array of products. The liquid is poured into the mold and will capture all the details to form a rigid cast. It should be noted that the resins have low viscosity which works well in the shaping and casting in the most optimum manner. The material also flows well which allows it be mixed and processed with ease.

After casting, the resin sets quickly and can be demolded in a short period itself. There is minimal shrinkage in the process and it displays heat resistance as well. Again, note that the resins lend themselves well for casting very small and thin-walled items which still come with high stability. It sets quickly and can be demolded in about 15 to 20 minutes itself.

The best part is that the resin is receptive to additives like fillers, color pastes and even inhibitors. Water clear casting resins are commonly used for making jewelry like pendants, earrings and bracelets by encapsulating leaves, flowers, buttons, stones, pictures and other keepsake items.

It is noteworthy that the finished polyurethane casts display excellent chemical, oil and grease resistance. Even the abrasion resistance properties are exceptional which ensures that the casts do not tear easily.

However, artists need to keep in mind that polyurethane resins tend to be sensitive to moisture and ultraviolet light. The latter can even cause yellowing, especially in the water clear resins. It also emits a strong odor during the curing process which can become a health hazard.

Special care has to be taken in the pouring as clear resins are prone to bubbles. Casting in a pressure pot will suffice here as the pressure compresses the trapped air till the resins set to a hard plastic, not leaving any space for the bubbles to expand once again.

When it comes to AquaClear Clear Casting Resin, it can be easily sourced from EnvironMolds. This is a storehouse of all types of materials, supplies and equipment for making molds, casts and life casts. For instance, it is not just about the resins alone, the website also provides access to resin pigments, medium and more. Additionally, there are photo luminescent pigments and a complete line of skin-safe body paints as well.

0 Comments

Playing with Temperatures for Better Resin Casts

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , Thursday, December 16, 2021 3:57 AM

The temperature of the resin as well as the room should be on the warmer side to ensure that the resin castings cure properly and are free of bubbles. Following are some tips on how to get the temperature right.

Resins come as a two part system – the resin and hardener (or catalyst) have to be mixed together in the specified ratio to make it workable. Here, it is not only about how the two parts are mixed, but also the temperature at which they are used.

Indeed, the temperature of the resin mix as well as the room will determine the quality of the resin casting!


Manipulating the temperature


Resin cures best in warm and dry environments. In case the resin is too cold, it will become thick and may not mix properly. Moreover, the mixing procedure will tend to trap air which will show up as pesky air bubbles in the cast. The resin also fails to cure properly in a cool room and will turn out soft, bendy or with cloudy streaks.

On the other hand, when the resin, hardener and the surroundings are warm enough, they will support the chemical reaction that is essential for the curing to take place.

So, if the resin and hardener are not warm enough, they need to be heated prior to use. The trick here is to place the bottles in warm water for around 10 minutes before mixing. Do not use too hot or boiling water as it will accelerate the curing, thus shortening the pot time. The resin may start curing even before it has been cast!

Another point to note is that the bottles should be dried properly after removing from the water as any droplets of water that fall into the mix can again affect the curing.

In a similar vein, the temperature of the art studio should be maintained around 70℉ to 75℉. If the space is cooler, it is advisable to turn up the heat in the room and close the door prior to starting the casting process. This will even dry up the room a bit. However, ensure that the temperature stays stable as any drop in the mercury can again delay the curing time of the resin.

Some artists even go as far as warming up the mold with a heat tool to ensure a perfect casting! Another option is to use a ‘hot box’ to keep the air around the curing resin warmer than the temperature of the room. Then again, do not overdo the heat either as the resin will cure too quickly in hot surroundings.

EnvironMolds is a one-stop shop for everything to do with mold making, casting and life casting. It offers top quality materials, supplies and tools including all types of resins and polyurethanes for making exquisite casts. The range covers jewelry resins, clear casting resins and even a special formula that can increase the size of the casting by 160%.

1 Comment

Tips for Working with Materials

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , , , , Tuesday, April 27, 2021 1:56 AM

Mold making and casting is an easy job as long as you abide by the rules and instructions. Following are some useful tips that every artist should follow, irrespective of the type of mold or cast.

The world of mold making and casting opens up a veritable treasure trove of materials – each with their own specific characteristics, methods and usage. The commonly used options are clay, wax, alginate, moulage, plaster, gypsum, concrete, polyurethanes, rubbers, etc. Artists can try their hand at different materials and play around with different options depending on the type of mold or cast they are making.
 


Following are some general tips that beginners should keep in mind when working with almost any kind of material for making molds or casts:

  • Every packaged material comes with its own set of product literature like TDS (Technical Data Sheet), safety data sheet. Always read the label and other product information carefully before using the said product.
  • Work with materials that are already at room temperature and ensure that the room is at room temperature as well.
  • Stick to the prescribed methods and techniques – like mix ratio, type of release agents, compatible materials – at all times. At times, there may be other simple provisions that can make a world of difference. For instance, alginate requires the use of soft/bottled water; using hard water even unintentionally will render the material into a lumpy mess. It takes experience to deviate from the given methods to tinker with the viscosity or other features.
  • Some materials are suitable for certain applications and other options may not work as well, depending on the model, mold-making/casting material and other factors. Choose an appropriate material for the task. Seek advice from experts if needed.
  • Always shake or stir components thoroughly before use. Sludge can sit at the bottom of the box while oil tends to float on the top. Shaking before use followed by proper mixing of the components together is crucial.
  • Always mix a small amount as a batch test at first. It is better to get a feel for the material before mixing in large quantities for the project as it can end up as a time-consuming and expensive mistake.
  • First try your hand at making a small mold or casting, use a small object as a test model before moving on to larger molds or castings.
  • Keep the pot time and working time in mind. Avoid pouring delays as this will add to the working time and can affect the quality of the mold or cast.
  • Before pouring, check if the sealer and release agent have been used, if required. Also check the mold/mold box for leakage before pouring the material.
  • Wear gloves when working with any materials. Some materials may require the use of mouth mask, safety goggles and other additional protection.
  • Use clean and good tools for any project. Assemble the required tools and supplies before starting the work.
  • Follow the indicated set time and demold time to the T. Else, the mold or cast will end up distorted/deformed and unusable.
  • Do not hesitate to ask any questions to the experts about the clay mold, resin casting, cold casting, alginate life casting, etc.

All the best for your new project!

0 Comments

Backdating Mold Making and Casting

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , , Tuesday, June 9, 2020 12:10 AM

The techniques of mold making and casting are nothing new. In fact, they emerged way back in the Neolithic times and gradually developed as the key for making most of the objects we use and enjoy today.

Mold making and casting procedures are used to make most of the things we use – from household goods and decorative items to industrial equipment and structural components. These techniques are especially popular in the world of art and design and are patronized by artists of various genres. They are commonly used for new artworks, art reproductions, sculpture making, ceramic works, garden statuary, candle making, props, masks and the like. The same are also applied for architectural restoration works, prototype tooling, taxidermy, fossil preservation, etc.



Not to mention the beautiful art of life casting. Indeed, life casts have emerged as a magnificent mode of creating a three-dimensional reproduction of the live human body. The regular techniques of making molds and casts are used with appropriate skin-safe materials to make body molds and life casts of the face, hands, feet, belly, torso or even the entire body. These are extremely popular for infants, friends, families, pregnant mothers and more. The same is also used for medical prosthetics, special effects, animatronics, etc.


The synthetic materials like polyurethane resin, latex rubber and silicone rubber may be new additions to the fold, but mold making and casting themselves are not contemporary techniques by a long shot. In fact, they date back to the prehistoric times when settlements were being established and agriculture came into being. The primitives slowly developed these processes to fabricate tools, equipment, jewelry and religious artifacts What’s more, the oldest surviving casting of a copper frog dates back to 3200 BC!

With the passage of time, these techniques were applied for making and reproducing artworks, especially sculptures. The introduction of hollow wax casting was the precursor to the highly prized Greek statues and Roman copies made later.

Clay and plaster continued to be the popular medium of making molds and casts down the ages. Gradually, art schools started teaching mold making and casting and used wood or terracotta also to make the molds. This led to the creation of iconic artworks that remain illustrious till date. Simultaneously, they were used for making pottery and ceramics as well.

These age-old processes finally made their way from the homes of royals, aristocrats and art aficionados to the foundries of today. The advent of industrialization witnessed a quick adoption for the mass production of regular objects in a range of styles. Injection molding was introduced in industries and new materials like plastics and polymers also came into being. Everyday items became inexpensive due to lower costs of production.



These techniques were progressively incorporated into the making of complicated automotive parts, equipment, machinery and even structures.

Indeed, from the simple molds and casts of ancient times to two part molds and cold casting for artworks to highly technical and complex processes in industries - mold making and casting have surely come a long way!

0 Comments

Getting to Know KastEZ Polyurethane Resin

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , Sunday, March 29, 2020 9:25 PM

There are various kinds of resins and each type comes in different formulations. KastEZ is a popular polyurethane resin formula that is commonly preferred by artists for their casting works.

Resins come in different types – polyester, epoxy and polyurethanes are the commonly used ones for making castings.

Of these, polyester resin is considered the most easy to use and the price is also reasonable. It cures to a hard form too. However, it emits noxious fumes which are quite dangerous for the user. Epoxy resin is also considered easy to use and is advised for beginners, primarily because of the longer pot time. It is safe to use, but cures soft which can make it difficult to handle.

It goes without saying that polyurethane resin is the most popular resin, even despite the comparatively higher price.

What works for polyurethane resin is that it is versatile and boasts of excellent strength, durability, elasticity and resistance to oils and other chemicals. It captures details well and generally cures to a hard form. However, varying the formulation of the resin can yield varying properties from a soft pliable rubber to a very hard and rigid plastic. It comes in both opaque and water clear forms to suit different applications. The resin is commonly preferred for general mold making and casting. Some of the polyurethanes may require the use of a respirator due to a mildly noxious odor.

The EnvironMolds MoldQuik is an example of a pliable polyurethane whereas KastEZ Resin cures to form an opaque, hard plastic casting.
The latter is a two-part polyurethane casting resin used in 1 to 1 ratio by volume. It is available in 16 oz, 2 quarts and 2 gallons packaging. Initially, when both the catalyst and base are added together, the resin will look cloudy. It will begin to clear with the mixing. A thorough mixing while properly scraping the sides and bottom will cause the resin to become clear and this is when it is ready to use.

KastEZ resin is easy to use. Simply pour the resin into the mold and allow it to set. It cures at room temperature – within 10 minutes itself. A release agent is required, but demolding is a straightforward process as well.

The cast will be lightweight and will form a hard plastic with an ivory white color. Special resin dyes have to be used to impart a specific color to the resin. The colorant can be easily mixed into the resin to get the desired color. Proper mixing will give a uniform color while a few strokes will create a marbleized effect. The dye will not affect the pot life, demold time or even the inherent properties of the cured plastic in any manner.

This same resin can in fact be cast in both rigid and flexible molds. Some of the most common uses are figurines, displays, rapid prototypes, special effects and sculpture reproductions. In fact, KastEZ polyurethane resin is the right choice for almost any application.

0 Comments
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)