Description
This platinum-catalyzed silicone rubber is mixed in a 1A:1B ratio by weight or volume and cures at room temperature with negligible shrinkage.
Ecoflex™ 00-20 FAST has a low viscosity for easy mixing and de-airing. Once cured, it is very soft, strong, and stretchy, capable of stretching many times its original size without tearing, and it will rebound to its original form without distortion.
It is certified skin safe by an independent laboratory.
Features
- Water white translucent and can be color pigmented with Silc Pig™ pigments.
- Can be thinned with Silicone Thinner™ for lower viscosity.
- THI-VEX™ silicone thickener can be added for brushable applications.
- Suitable for prosthetic appliances, cushioning for orthotics, and special effects applications, especially in animatronics.
- 20-minute working time and 1-hour cure time.
Technical Properties
- Mix Ratio By Volume: 1A:1B
- Mix Ratio By Weight: 1A:1B
- Pot Life: 20 minutes
- Cure Time: 1 hour
- Shore Hardness: 00-20
- Specific Gravity: 1.07 g/cc
- Specific Volume: 0.93 cm³/g
- Tensile Strength: 1.10 MPa
- 100% Modulus: 55 kPa
- Elongation @ Break: 845%
- Die B Tear Strength: 5.3 kN/m
- Color: Translucent
- Useful Temperature Range: -54°C to 232°C
- Dielectric Strength: 350 volts/mil
- Mixed Viscosity: 3,000 cps
Instructions
Safety
Use in a properly ventilated area. Wear safety glasses, long sleeves, and rubber gloves to minimize contamination risk. Use vinyl gloves only as latex gloves will inhibit the cure of the rubber. Store and use material at room temperature (23°C/73°F). Warmer temperatures will drastically reduce working and cure time. Storing material at warmer temperatures will reduce the usable shelf life of unused material.
Cure Inhibition
Addition-cure silicone rubber may be inhibited by certain contaminants, resulting in tackiness or a lack of cure. Test compatibility by applying a small amount of rubber onto a non-critical area of the pattern. Inhibition has occurred if the rubber is gummy or uncured after the recommended cure time. To prevent inhibition, apply one or more coatings of a clear acrylic lacquer to the model surface and allow it to dry thoroughly before applying rubber.
Because no two applications are quite the same, a small test application to determine suitability for your project is recommended if performance of this material is in question.
Note: Even with a sealer, platinum silicones will not work with modeling clays containing heavy amounts of sulfur. Do a small scale test for compatibility before using on your project.
Applying A Release Agent
Although not usually necessary, a release agent will make demolding easier. Ease Release™ 200 is recommended. Lightly brush the release agent with a soft brush over all surfaces of the model, follow with a light mist coating, and let it dry for 30 minutes.
Measuring & Mixing
Pre-mix Part B thoroughly. Mix Parts A and B in a 1A:1B ratio by volume or weight for 3 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of the mixing container. Vacuum degassing is recommended to eliminate entrapped air, using a vacuum pump that pulls a minimum of 29 inches of mercury. Leave enough room in the container for material expansion. Vacuum for 1 minute after the material falls.
Pouring
Pour the mixture in a single spot at the lowest point of the containment field. Let the rubber seek its level up and over the model. The liquid rubber should level off at least 1.3 cm (1/2”) over the highest point of the model surface.
Curing / Post Curing
Allow rubber to cure at room temperature (23°C/73°F) before demolding. Do not cure rubber where temperature is less than 18°C (65°F). Optional post curing involves exposing the rubber to 80°C (176°F) for 2 hours and 100°C (212°F) for one hour. Allow mold to cool to room temperature before using.
If Using As A Mold
Silicone rubber molds exhibit natural release characteristics initially. Depending on the material cast into the mold, mold lubricity may be depleted over time. No release agent is necessary when casting wax or gypsum. Apply a release agent such as Ease Release™ 200 before casting polyurethane, polyester, and epoxy resins to prevent mold degradation.
Thickening Silicones
THI-VEX™ is used for thickening silicones for vertical surface applications. Different viscosities can be attained by varying the amount of THI-VEX™.
Thinning Silicones
Silicone Thinner™ lowers the viscosity of silicones for easier pouring and vacuum degassing. Do not exceed 10% by weight of total system (A+B) as it reduces ultimate tear and tensile strength.
Mold Performance & Storage
The physical life of the mold depends on usage. Casting abrasive materials like concrete can erode mold detail, while non-abrasive materials like wax will not. Clean molds with a soap solution and dry fully before storing. Store molds on a level surface in a cool, dry environment.
