Supply for 32″ rubber glove-cotton linning for Madras

FAQ Content

Hands…hands…so many hands!

Examining the different types of RTV mold rubber available for mold making and casting from Smooth-On.

Advantages of Latex
* Least expensive mold rubber available.
* Very elastic, thin-walled and strong.
* Lasts a long time.
* Offers good abrasion resistance.
* Good for making glove molds.

Disadvantages of Latex
* Strong ammonia smell.
* Can only be brushed onto an original.
* Many coats are necessary.
* Can take up to two weeks to make mold.
* Shrinkage.

Casting with Latex
* Good for casting concrete, wax or plaster.
* Generally not used for casting urethane, polyester, or epoxy resins, or low-temp metal alloys.

Advantages of Polysulfide
* Soft, stretchy, and durable.
* Last a very long time.
* Moderate cost.
* Will cure against water clay or clays containing sulfur.

Disadvantages of Polysulfide
* Accurate gram scale to weigh components.
* Offensive odor.
* May stain white plaster during casting.

Casting with Polysulfide
* Good for casting plaster or wax only.
* Will not handle concrete, resins, or low-temp metal alloys.

Advantages of Silicone Rubber
* Best release properties of all the mold rubbers.
* Model surface preparation minimal nor not necessary.
* Release agent for casting often not necessary.
* Most heat resistance to high temperatures.
* Can cast low-tempmetal alloys such as tin and pewter.
* High tear resistance.
* Knotty tear propagation.
* Very good chemical resistance.
* Longest mold life for casting urethane, polyester, or epoxy resins.

Disadvantages of Silicone Rubber
* Price.
* Require precise measurement.
* Air entrapment. Vacuum degassing may be necessary

Disadvantages of Tin-Cure Silicone
* Will shrink somewhat over time.
* Will lose tear strength when stored in library over time.

Disadvantages of Platinum-Cure Silicone
* Most expensive available.
* Cure inhibition.

Casting with Silicone
* Appropriate for most casting materials.

Advantages of Polyurethane Rubber
* Available in a wide hardness range.
* Last a very long time.
* Cost less than silicones and polysulfides.
* Accurate gram scale often not required.
* Vacuum degassing generally not required.

Disadvantages of Polyurethane Rubber
* Sticks to most surfaces.
* Model preparation generally required before pouring.
* Release agent may be necessary before casting.
* Moisture sensitive.
* Very limited shelf life after opening.

Casting with Polyurethane
* Good for casting wax, plaster, concrete and resins.
* Will not handle the heat of low-temp metal alloys.

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