Description
This platinum-catalyzed silicone rubber is known for its versatility and ease of use.
Ecoflex™ 5 cures at room temperature with negligible shrinkage.
The low viscosity ensures easy mixing and de-airing, and it is available in convenient dispensing cartridges.
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.
Features
- Water white translucent and can be color pigmented with Silc Pig™ pigments.
- Suitable for applications such as prosthetic appliances, cushioning for orthotics, and special effects (especially in animatronics).
- Pot life of 1 minute and a demold time of 5 minutes.
Technical Properties
- Mix Ratio By Volume: 1A:1B
- Mix Ratio By Weight: 1A:1B
- Pot Life: 1 minute
- Cure Time: 5 minutes
- Shore Hardness: 5A
- Specific Gravity: 1.07 g/cc
- Specific Volume: 1.58 cm³/g
- Tensile Strength: 2.41 MPa
- 100% Modulus: 103 kPa
- Elongation @ Break: 1,000%
- Die B Tear Strength: 13.1 kN/m
- Color: Translucent
- Useful Temperature Range: -54°C to 232°C
- Mixed Viscosity: 13,000 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 reduce working and cure time and the shelf life of unused material.
Cure Inhibition
Silicone rubber may be inhibited by certain contaminants, resulting in tackiness or lack of cure. Contaminants include latex, tin-cure silicone, sulfur clays, certain wood surfaces, newly cast polyester, epoxy, or urethane rubber. 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.
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. Note that platinum silicones will not work with modeling clays containing heavy amounts of sulfur. A small-scale test for compatibility is recommended.
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. 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. Use a vacuum pump that pulls a minimum of 29 inches of mercury. Leave room in the container for material expansion. Vacuum material until it rises, breaks, and falls, then vacuum for 1 minute after it 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. A uniform flow will help minimize entrapped air. 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 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, mold lubricity may be depleted over time. 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 used 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. However, 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 usage. Casting abrasive materials like concrete can erode mold detail, while non-abrasive materials like wax will not. Before storing, clean the mold with a soap solution and dry it fully. Assemble two-part molds and store them on a level surface in a cool, dry environment.
