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's low viscosity ensures easy mixing and de-airing.
Once cured, the rubber is very soft, strong, and stretchy, capable of stretching many times its original size without tearing and rebounding to its original form without distortion.
It is certified as 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.
Technical Properties
- Mix Ratio: 1A:1B by volume
- Mix Ratio: 1A:1B by weight
- Pot Life: 30 minutes
- Cure Time: 4 hours
- 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
- Mixed Viscosity: 3,000 mPa·s
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). Warmer temperatures will drastically reduce working and cure time. Storing material at warmer temperatures will also reduce the usable shelf life.
Cure Inhibition
Addition-cure silicone rubber may be inhibited by certain contaminants, resulting in tackiness or a lack of cure. Latex, tin-cure silicone, sulfur clays, certain wood surfaces, newly cast polyester, epoxy, or urethane rubber may cause inhibition. A small-scale test is recommended to check compatibility. Apply a small amount of rubber onto a non-critical area of the pattern. If the rubber is gummy or uncured after the recommended cure time, inhibition has occurred. 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. Dispense required amounts of Parts A and B into a mixing container (1A:1B by volume or weight) and mix thoroughly for 3 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of the container. Vacuum degassing is recommended to eliminate entrapped air. Your vacuum pump must pull a minimum of 29 inches of mercury (or 1 Bar / 100 KPa). Leave enough room in the container for material expansion. Vacuum material until it rises, breaks, and falls. Vacuum for 1 minute after 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 inch) 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 when first cast. No release agent is necessary when casting wax or gypsum. Applying a release agent such as Ease Release™ 200 is recommended when casting polyurethane, polyester, and epoxy resins to prevent mold degradation.
Thickening Silicones
THI-VEX™ is made for thickening silicones for vertical surface application. Different viscosities can be attained by varying the amount of THI-VEX™.
Thinning Silicones
Silicone Thinner™ will lower the viscosity for easier pouring and vacuum degassing. It is not recommended to exceed 10% by weight of the 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 can erode mold detail. Clean molds with a soap solution and dry fully before storage. Store molds on a level surface in a cool, dry environment.
