LiquiCast Liquid Molding Rubber
Version: July 2, 1997
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LiquiCast liquid molding rubber is NOT a silicone rubber. Procedures may be different than those you may be accustomed to using. Please read and observe the following instructions carefully.

1. Mix 1 part A and 10 parts B by WEIGHT. Components MUST BE WEIGHED CAREFULLY AND NOT ESTIMATED, as is often the case with liquid silicone rubbers. Use an accurate scale. DO NOT MEASURE BY VOLUME DO NOT ESTIMATE OR GUESS!

Unlike silicone rubbers, the recommended mix ratio for LiquiCast liquid molding rubber CANNOT BE VARIED without spoiling the mold.

2. Pour the required amounts of both parts A & B into a mixing container - do not mix in the original container the rubber is supplied with except in the case of 1- lb kits. A rubber mixing bowl of the type commonly used to mix jewelry investment is ideal. DO NOT mix in paper cups or use wooden mixing tools - they may contain moisture that can ruin a mold.

Always pour catalyst (part A) into rubber (part B).

4. Mix thoroughly by hand for 3 to 4 minutes until no traces of the catalyst can be seen. Take care to scrape the sides of the mixing bowl into the center several times during mixing. Do not use wood, paper or cardboard mixing tools and containers as they can introduce moisture and spoil the rubber.

5. Make sure the bowl is big enough to allow for expansion of the rubber 300% to 400% without overflowing.

6. Vacuum the liquid rubber for approximately 2 minutes, making sure that it boils and bubbles vigorously. Vacuuming is complete once the rubber rises and collapses. Do not wait for the rubber to stop bubbling completely - it will not do so no matter how long you vacuum it.

7.Pour the liquid rubber into the mold frame taking care to avoid entrapping air. Optional: vacuum again for 1 to 1½ minutes. Do not over-vacuum. Make sure to allow extra room at the top of the frame for the rubber to expand.

8. Put the mold aside to cure at room temperature ( 77 F°/ 25 C°) for 16 to 18 hours. A period of 24 hours is best. Always remember that longer cure times will improve the mold and will not hurt it, while shorter mold times will result in soft and deformed molds. Avoid curing in areas where the temperature is below 65°F / 18°C.

Avoid moving the mold during the curing process. Avoid temperature changes during curing, such as lower temperatures at night, open windows, etc.

Cure at the same warm temperature/hat all your materials were when they were mixed. Temperatures below about 65°F! 1 8°C will lengthen the time required for proper curing and may spoil the mold. Placing the poured mold in an area warmer than the materials were when they were poured can cause bubbles or distortion.

9. If you absolutely and urgently need the mold in less time, it can be cured for 2 hours in an oven at 150°F / 66°C. The quality of the mold will not be as good, but it can be used.

 

NOTES

MIXING AND CURING: Both Part A and B tend to absorb atmospheric moisture, and thus should be used as soon as possible after opening the container. All materials should be at room temperature. Stir individual components before use. If solid material is noted at the bottom of the Part A container, it may be re-dissolved by loosening the lid and warming to 150°F / 66°C, stirring with a metal or brass rod and allowing to cool before use.

Part B should be weighed into a clean metal, glass, rubber or plastic container ( but not styrene or polystyrene foam, such as cold drink cups), then the appropriate amount of Part A can be weighed on top of the B. One pound kits are pre-weighed and the Part A can simply be emptied into the Part B container, if the whole unit is to be used at once. Do not use wood, paper or cardboard mixing tools and containers as they can introduce moisture and spoil the rubber.

Curing in a warm location, up to 150°F/ 65°C, will greatly accelerate the curing speed while low temperatures slow down the cure.

STORAGE: Avoid exposure to moisture and humidity. Keep containers tightly closed. Store and use at normal room temperatures.

Part A & Part B will remain usable for at least six months from the date of shipment in unopened containers, if stored in a cool, dry location.

Cured LiquiCast molds will slowly soften with age due to ambient moisture in the air. Proper mixing of components in the correct mix ratio contributes to longer mold life. Storage of molds in a dark, cool dry area will prolong life, as will reducing contact with moist air by enclosing stored molds in tightly closed plastic bags. Wax or metal patterns should be stored in the molds to maintain their shape. With proper care, molds should not soften appreciably for 2 - 4 years.

Do not allow molds of one type of rubber to remain in contact with those of other rubbers as migration of oils or plasticizers from one to another can cause swelling, shrinkage, or distortion.

If the mold is left in a distorted shape for any length or time it can take a permanent set and may never recover to its original shape.

WRITING ON MOLDS:   Cured LiquiCast molds can be written on for identification with ordinary marker pens.

CLEANING MOLDS:   LiquiCast molds can be cleaned if they become soiled or dirty by wiping them carefully with denatured ethyl alcohol (shellac thinner).

MODEL PREPARATION: Porous surfaces such as wood, terra cotta or plaster must be sealed to prevent the rubber from penetrating the pores. Several coats of paste wax, allowed to dry and then polished, or melted paraffin, petroleum jelly, PVA (polyvinyl alcohol solution) and potters soap all work well for certain surfaces.

CLEAN UP: Paper towels for wiping up are a must. Tools should be wiped clean before plastic or rubber is hard. Denatured ethyl alcohol (shellac thinner), acetone or MEK are good cleaning solvents, but are highly flammable.

 

GENERAL ADVICE

Have all material at the same temperature. Warm room temperature, 70-85°F / 22-30°C, is best. Remember, it may take 24 hours for a five gallon pail of material to warm up to room temperature in the winter.

Have all materials and equipment clean and ready. You do not want to have to go searching for something after you have already mixed the material because time is critical to obtaining good results.

Close containers tightly after use. components absorb atmospheric moisture, and thus should be used up as soon as possible after the container is opened. Leaving caps off will cause deterioration even faster, sometimes within a few days. While LiquiCast is usable for at least six months after shipment if unopened, its

Time your actions with a clock. Start timing when you start mixing. Try to have material poured and in place before half of the working time has elapsed so there is plenty of time for bubbles to rise away from the mold surface.

Mix well, but avoid mixing air into the mix. Scrape the sides and bottom of the mixing container thoroughly several times while mixing. Sometimes, to insure that no unmixed material is clinging to the sides or bottom, the mix can be poured into another clean container and mixed again for a minute or two before pouring into the mold frame.

Avoid being rushed. Careful planning should allow a deliberate pace without mistakes.

Follow directions. All too often, projects are spoiled because in enthusiasm for completing a project, important directions were not followed. Please read all instructions thoroughly and call if you have any questions, before starting your project.

Avoid air entrapment. Most molds can be poured by simply pouring in a steady stream into one corner of the mold frame, allowing the liquid to flow over the surface pushing air out ahead of it.

Some mold makers feel that brushing a small amount of mixed rubber to the surface before pouring the bulk of the mix helps to assure that the liquid pushes all the air out of the crevices

Remove molds from their frames and cut them gently as the material is softer than it will be a few days later The longer the material can cure before de-molding, the better

 

Trouble-Shooting Guide

  • Mold Won't Cure
  • Improper mix ratio
  • Rubber contaminated with moisture from air, mixing equipment,etc
  • Individual components not mixed thoroughly before use
  • Mold Cures Too Slowly
  • Improper mix ratio
  • Cure temperature too low
  • Individual components not mixed thoroughly before use
  • Mold distorts after handling or use
  • Cure temperature too low
  • Mold removed from frame or cut too soon
  • Streaks of soft rubber or air bubbles
  • Rubber not mixed thoroughly. Unmixed
    rubber usually from the bottom or sides
    of mixing bowl
  • Bubbles in mold
  • Improper mixing of individual components A & B
  • Insufficient vacuuming of uncured rubber
  • Temperature changes during curing

 

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this bulletin is considered accurate. However, no warranty is expressed or implied regarding the accuracy of the data, the results to be obtained by the use thereof, or that any such use will not infringe any patent. Before using, user shall determine the suitability of the product for the intended use and user assumes all risk and liability whatsoever in connection therewith.

WARNING: Uncured LiquiCast compounds may cause skin or respiratory irritation or sensitization if improperly handled.- Avoid skin and eye contact with the uncured material. If skin contact occurs, remove with water-less hand cleaner or alcohol, then soap and water. Flush eyes with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Use with adequate ventilation. Read MSDS and container labels prior to use. LiquiCast can be used safely if simple precautions are taken as recommended. Use gloves, dust masks, eye protection, closed shoes and adequate clothing as needed.

WARRANTY- IMPORTANT NOTICE

All CASTALDO. Jewelry Manufacturing Products are intended for professional use only and only by persons familiar with jewelry casting techniques. We are not responsible for misuse of our products or their use in conjunct/on with unsafe or improperly maintained equipment.

CASTALDO- products are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship. THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF AND EXCLUDES ALL OTHER WARRANTIES NOT EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED BY OPERATION OF LAW OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. The seller shall not be liable for incidental or consequential losses, damages or expenses, directly or indirectly arising from the sale, handling or use of the goods, or from any other cause relating thereto, and Seller's liability hereunder in any case is expressly limited to the replacement (in the form originally shipped) of goods not complying with this agreement or at Seller's election, to the repayment of, or crediting Buyer with, an amount equal to the purchase price of such goods, whether such claims are for breach of warranty or negligence. Any claim by Buyer with reference to the goods sold hereunder for any cause shall be deemed waived by the buyer unless submitted to Seller in Writing within thirty (30) days from the date Buyer discovered, or should have discovered, any claimed breach.

 

 

The I. Shor Co.

I. Shor Canada
Shor International Corporation
Fine Tools, Equipment and Innovative Products Since 1918
20 Parkway West, Mt. Vernon, N.Y. 10552
Phone (914) 667-1100 Fax (914) 667-0190

e-mail:

shorinternational@attglobal.net