Mold Making and Casting through Polyurethane Resins Polyurethane resin is dynamic and can be used for many different purposes. It is also more durable than plastic or rubber. As it is more durable, it can reduce the frequency of replacement. A resin casting is a system consisting of two components that when combined sets to either a rubber like or hard plastic consistency depending on the formula. It is a method of plastic casting where a mold is filled with a liquid synthetic resin, which then hardens. The synthetic resin for is known as a monomer for making a plastic thermosetting polymer. During the setting process, the liquid monomer polymerizes into the polymer through heat, thereby hardening into a solid. There are many types of resin systems. They are generally made up of polyester, epoxy or polyurethane and can come in either clear or opaque finishes. Polyurethane resin is the most common type used today. There are various formulas of these resins available with different setting times and hardness. These types of resins are not as brittle as clear polyester resin (the fiberglass resin) and are therefore suitable for making model parts and small detailed items. The finished casting can be sanded, drilled and painted. The different types of resin material are plastic resin, polyester resin, polycarbonate resin, casting resin, polymer resin, acrylic resin, chemical resin, and dry resin. Resin is a substance used in lacquers, adhesives, plastics, and epoxies and is known for its translucent properties. Resin initially is in liquid form but hardens to produce a solid coating. The polyurethane casting resins are of two types- opaque resin and water clear resin. The opaque resins set to a white or ivory color in approximately 5-8 minutes where as the water clear casting resins require more setting time usually 20 to 25 minutes. The advanced formula clear resins set with fewer air bubbles than most available formulas. Polyurethane resin is used in an extremely wide range of production products, such as rubbers to medicines. To understand this material, it is best to have a basic understanding of how polyurethanes are made. Polyurethane resin is considered versatile because it can be used to produce an array of items, from inks to plastics. This is possible because the material can be manipulated to great extremes, which can change its properties from a soft pliable rubber to a very hard and ridged plastic. Polyurethane resins are commonly used for their chemical, oil and grease resistance and are typically very good at resisting abrasion. They are also often used to produce synthetic rubbers. Apart from these they can also be used for creating strong adhesive as well as highly detailed ridged casts. Thus, we can say that polyurethane are perhaps the most popular variety of resins used for mold making (rubbers) and casting (hard plastics). Environ Molds has been manufacturing and distributing superior quality art supplies throughout the world. http://www.artmolds.com
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