| wardog | 15 Feb 2013 4:49 a.m. PST |
quick question
what would the lifespan of silicon rubber molds be casting resin. your experiences please
note the only available resin i can get hold of easily is polyester resin (car repair shop) not really the right type i think but have to do for now |
| Warlord | 15 Feb 2013 6:16 a.m. PST |
It really depends on the temperatures, how often you cast and so on – even the size of the mold. You could get as many as 50 but it is very hard to say with out knowing the exact conditions you are casting in. I wanted to mention check out the resin you are using, some stuff if you get in your eyes will cause you to go blind. |
 BrigadeGames  | 15 Feb 2013 6:17 a.m. PST |
There are so many variables that affect mold life that it is near impossible to tell you. It could range from 10 to 100 but generally in the lower 50% range of that number. One of the big things is the design of the piece e.g. the severity of the undercuts. |
| timlillig | 15 Feb 2013 7:03 a.m. PST |
I agree, it depends on a lot of factors. 1-50 or 1-100 is a reasonable range, with about 30 being a good goal for a small object that is easily removed from the mold. |
| Dave Schmid | 15 Feb 2013 8:03 a.m. PST |
I use resin for all of my models (Armaments In Miniature). I would suggest using Polyurethane type resins such as "Smooth On" type resins. My experience is that I get 30 to 50 casts per mold depending on the severity of undercuts. |
| Ravens Forge Miniatures | 15 Feb 2013 8:17 a.m. PST |
I workas the senior moldmaker in a casting shop. We get ~25 pieces per tool. More if the parts is less detailed and we can paint it. Less if the part is exetremely detailed and we ship without paint.
We use urethane casting resins in a heated pressure tank. You will probably get less from polysester. Make sure your resin can handle polyester.
Bo |
| TheOtherOneFromTableScape | 15 Feb 2013 8:30 a.m. PST |
Using polyurethane resin or foam and a platinum (addition) cure RTV, I expect to get at least 150 casting from a mould, and as many as 300 if its a "good" shape. |
| Ron W DuBray | 15 Feb 2013 11:50 a.m. PST |
lets put it this way.
you will get longer life if you:
pull the casting ASAP.(never leave a casting in a mold)
only use a mold once a day or vac it after each casting
clean the mold after every casting.(goes back to never leave a casting in a mold even small bits of resin)
use mold release every time.
chill as in cool(don't freeze it)the mold before casting.(heat is not good for resin molds)
avoid sun light/UV bulbs treat the mold like it is a vampire.:) I have gotten up to 100 good casting and as low as 20(but that was a badly made mold) mostly around 50. |
| shaun from s and s models | 15 Feb 2013 2:52 p.m. PST |
i have some moulds from when we started in 1986 that will still work but i also have had moulds tear after 1 cast.
also polyurethane resin will destroy moulds quicker than polyester resin.
the complexity and shape of the item will also play a part.
a panther turret for instance is an ideal shape, but something with undercuts and lost of detail will wear a lot quicker. |
| oldretiredhobbyist | 21 Jan 2014 7:52 a.m. PST |
Automotive "BONDO" gets me between 25 to 75 before the mold burns out. (Lead Castings) |
