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™ 00-30 features low viscosity for easy mixing and de-airing.
Once cured, it is 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™ or thickened with THI-VEX™ for brushable applications.
- Suitable for making prosthetic appliances, cushioning for orthotics, and special effects applications, especially in animatronics.
Technical Properties
- Mix Ratio By Volume: 1A:1B
- Mix Ratio By Weight: 1A:1B
- Pot Life: 45 minutes
- Cure Time: 4 hours
- Shore Hardness: 00-30
- Specific Gravity: 1.07 g/cc
- Specific Volume: 0.93 cm³/g
- Tensile Strength: 1.38 MPa (200 psi)
- 100% Modulus: 69 kPa (10 psi)
- Elongation @ Break: 900%
- Die B Tear Strength: 6.7 kN/m (38 pli)
- Color: Translucent
- Useful Temperature Range: -54°C to 232°C
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 time and cure time. Storing material at warmer temperatures will also 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 total 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. Inhibition has occurred if the rubber is gummy or uncured after the recommended cure time has passed. 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 for use with silicone rubber. 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. After dispensing required amounts of Parts A and B into a mixing container (1A:1B by volume or weight), mix thoroughly for 3 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of the container several times. Vacuum degassing is recommended to eliminate entrapped air. Your vacuum pump must pull a minimum of 29 inches of mercury. 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 your mixture in a single spot at the lowest point of the containment field. Let the rubber seek its level up and over the model. A uniform flow will help minimize entrapped air. 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 as prescribed 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 the mold will aid in quickly attaining maximum physical and performance properties. After curing at room temperature, expose 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
When first cast, silicone rubber molds exhibit natural release characteristics. Depending on what is being cast into the mold, mold lubricity may be depleted over time, and parts will begin to stick. No release agent is necessary when casting wax or gypsum. Applying a release agent such as Ease Release™ 200 prior to casting polyurethane, polyester, and epoxy resins is recommended to prevent mold degradation.
Thickening Silicones
THI-VEX™ is made especially for thickening silicones for vertical surface application. Different viscosities can be attained by varying the amount of THI-VEX™.
Thinning Silicones
Smooth-On’s Silicone Thinner™ will lower the viscosity of silicones for easier pouring and vacuum degassing. A disadvantage is that ultimate tear and tensile are reduced in proportion to the amount of Silicone Thinner™ added. It is not recommended to exceed 10% by weight of the total system (A+B).
Mold Performance & Storage
The physical life of the mold depends on how you use it. Casting abrasive materials such as concrete can quickly erode mold detail, while casting non-abrasive materials (wax) will not affect mold detail. Before storing, the mold should be cleaned with a soap solution and wiped fully dry. Two-part molds should be assembled. Molds should be stored on a level surface in a cool, dry environment.
