Frequently Asked Questions
We have questions and answers to help you decode the terminology and the fundamentals of mouldmaking and casting.
- Definitions of Mouldmaking and Casting Technical Terms Accelerator A material which, when mixed with liquid rubber (Kick-It™) or liquid plastic (So-Cure™), will speed up the chemical reaction between the catalyst and resin. Air-Bubble Void Air entrapment that has occurred either on the surface or within mold rubber or casting. ...
- Is there an easy way to test if a product is working properly? Performing a Cup Test There are many variables that can affect how a material performs and the outcome for your project. Proper mixing of Parts A and B, surface contaminants, using the right release agent in the right amount and humidity (in the case of urethane) are just a few. Getting Down ...
- What are the best solvents for cleaning uncured materials from different surfaces? People often ask what the best cleaning solvents are for removing different liquid or partially cured Smooth-On rubber, plastic, foam colourants and other materials from a variety of surfaces. After testing a variety, three solvents stood out as "best" for removing liquid or partially cured ...
- How do I make moulds and castings? Making a flexible mould of an original model will let you make one or many reproductions of that original in a very short time. However, some have described making flexible moulds as a tedious and frustrating process that is better left to the pros. Bentley is here to take the guesswork out ...
- What does the term "Shore Hardness" mean? Shore hardness is a measurement of the resistance a material has to indention. There are distinct shore hardness scales for measuring the hardness dissimilar materials ( flexible rubbers inflexible plastics, and supersoft gels instance ). These scales were design so that people can investigate ...
- Aquarium Safe Materials The following Smooth-On materials are designated as aquarium safe: Dragon Skin (ALL) Rebound 25 and 40 Mold Star 15, 16, 30 EcoFlex 0030, 0050 Sorta Clear 18, 37, 40 Simpact 85A, 60A Crystal Clear 200, 202 Tarbender Free Form Air Free Form sculpt Free Form Habitat Free Form ...
- Are Smooth-On materials ‘vegan’? Do they contain ingredients taken from animals? Smooth-On products do not contain animal-derived ingredients such as fats, oils, bone, or byproducts. Additionally, Smooth-On does not use animals in the testing of its materials for skin safety.