Description
This high-durometer platinum-cure silicone rubber is designed for demanding molding applications requiring strength, stability, and durability.
With a Shore 50A hardness, it creates firm, rigid molds that maintain their shape under heavy stress or repeated use.
It is suitable for casting rigid urethanes, high-viscosity materials, waxes, and low-melt metals, which can exert significant pressure on mold walls.
Despite its firmness, it captures fine detail due to its consistent flow and excellent cure stability. It cures with virtually zero shrinkage, ensuring accurate, repeatable parts for industrial components, prototyping, architectural detailing, and special effects production.
Once cured, it offers outstanding tear resistance and superior heat and chemical tolerance, extending mold life in harsh environments.
It can be thickened for brush-on molds or modified with pigments and additives for customized performance.
Additionally, it is food-safe when fully cured, expanding its use to culinary molding applications. It's a reliable choice for professionals needing strong, dimensionally stable silicone molds for demanding production workflows.
Instructions
Safety
- Use in a well-ventilated area.
- Wear safety glasses, long sleeves, and rubber gloves. Use vinyl gloves only, as latex gloves inhibit curing.
- Store and use at room temperature (23°C). Warmer temperatures reduce working and cure times and shorten shelf life.
Cure Inhibition
- Silicone may be inhibited by contaminants like latex, tin-cure silicone, sulfur clays, certain woods, and newly cast polyester, epoxy, or urethane rubber.
- Test compatibility by applying a small amount of rubber to a non-critical area. If gummy or uncured after the recommended time, inhibition has occurred.
- To prevent inhibition, apply a clear acrylic lacquer to the model surface and let it dry thoroughly before applying rubber.
- Even with a sealer, avoid using platinum silicones with sulfur-heavy clays. Conduct a small-scale test for compatibility.
Applying A Release Agent
- While not usually necessary, a release agent can ease demolding. Use Ease Release® 200 for silicone rubber molds.
- Brush the release agent lightly over all surfaces, then apply a light mist coating. Let it dry for 30 minutes.
Measuring & Mixing
- Pre-mix Part B to re-disperse pigments.
- Using a gram scale, dispense parts A and B into a container and mix for 3 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom.
- Vacuum degassing is recommended to eliminate air. Vacuum for 2-3 minutes at 0.98 bar, leaving room for expansion.
- Pour the mixture at the lowest point of the containment field to minimize air entrapment.
Curing / Post Curing
- Allow rubber to cure at room temperature (23°C) before demolding. Do not cure below 18°C.
- Optional: Post cure at 80°C for 2 hours and 100°C for 1 hour to enhance properties. Cool to room temperature before use.
Using The Mold
- Silicone molds naturally release casts initially. Over time, lubricity may decrease, requiring a release agent for materials like polyurethane.
Thickening & Thinning
- THI-VEX® thickens silicone for vertical applications. Adjust viscosity by varying THI-VEX® amounts.
- Silicone Thinner® reduces viscosity for easier pouring but may reduce tear and tensile strength. Do not exceed 10% by weight.
Mold Performance & Storage
- The mold's life depends on use. Clean with soap and dry before storing on a level surface in a cool, dry place.
