EXPERT TIPS

Technical Parameters of Silicones

Parametri Tecnici dei Siliconi

Each SILICOMASTER silicone by ResinPro® is designed to meet specific technical needs. Understanding the fundamental parameters of silicones helps optimise results and ensures safe and professional use. In this section, we explore the main technical parameters of SILICOMASTER silicones by ResinPro® and provide guidelines for interpreting and using them effectively.

Density
The density of a silicone is crucial for the stability and rigidity of the material. SILICOMASTER silicones by ResinPro® vary in density depending on Shore hardness, with lower hardness products tending to be less dense and more flexible.

Optimal Density for Detailed Projects: For objects requiring precision and fine detail, such as jewellery and miniatures, it is advisable to use silicones with higher density.

SILICOMASTER by ResinPro® Lines: Tin-cured silicones – Liquid Mold and Platinum-cured silicones – Pure Mold are available in different densities to meet flexibility and hardness requirements.

Viscosity
Viscosity measures the fluidity of the liquid silicone and affects the material’s ability to cover details and infiltrate mould cavities.

High Viscosity: Indicates a slower flow, ideal for large moulds with fewer details.

Low Viscosity: Promotes penetration into fine details and reduces the risk of air bubbles, making it ideal for precision projects such as sculptures and prototyping.

SILICOMASTER by ResinPro® Tip: Low-viscosity silicones are perfect for creating complex objects, such as miniatures and detailed decorative components.

Pot Life (Curing Time)
Pot life is the time required for silicone to transition from liquid to solid. Knowing the pot life is crucial for planning the work and ensuring that the material is fully stabilised before use.

Fast Pot Life: Suitable for quick production projects but requires some skill to avoid mistakes during casting.

Slow Pot Life: Recommended for large projects or for those who want to work more calmly, allowing better material distribution.

SILICOMASTER by ResinPro® Advice: Tin-cured silicones – Liquid Mold have a fast pot life, useful for quick projects. Platinum-cured silicones – Pure Mold, on the other hand, offer slightly longer curing times, allowing greater control.

Heat Release During Curing
During curing, some silicones generate minimal heat, which can still affect the stability of the mould or the object being made.

Effects of Heat Release: Heat release can cause deformations in sensitive materials or thin objects. For applications requiring low thermal release, platinum-based silicones are recommended.

SILICOMASTER by ResinPro® Tips: For delicate projects or thin objects, Pure Mold offers stable curing with minimal heat release.

Resistance to Chemical and Mechanical Agents
The chemical and mechanical resistance of silicone is essential for projects exposed to extreme conditions, such as contact with chemicals, moisture, or heat.

Chemically Resistant Silicones: Platinum-based silicones such as Pure Mold are resistant to many chemical agents and suitable for long-term use or exposed environments.

Mechanical Resistance: For moulds used frequently or under pressure, mechanical resistance is crucial. SILICOMASTER silicones by ResinPro® are designed to withstand repeated pressure, ensuring long-lasting results.

Technical Comparison Tables
Below is a summary of the main technical characteristics of SILICOMASTER by ResinPro® silicones.

Technical Parameters of Tin-Cured Silicone (Liquid Mold)

Test Liquid Mold 7 Liquid Mold 15 Liquid Mold 20 Liquid Mold 25 Liquid Mold 30 Liquid Mold 40
Colour (Part A) White White
Colour (Part B) Transparent to light yellow Transparent to light yellow
Density (g/cm³) 1.15 1.18 1.20 1.20 1.20
Catalyst (Part B) Tin-based catalyst Tin-based catalyst
Viscosity at 25°C (mPa.s) Part A 12000 ± 2000 18000 ± 2000 26000 22000 ± 2000 23000 ± 2000 24000 ± 2000
Viscosity at 25°C (mPa.s) Part B 200–300 200–300 200–300 200–300 200–300
Mixing Ratio (A:B) 100:3 100:3 100:2 100:3 100:3 100:3
Working Time at 25°C (min) 50–60 50–60 60–80 50–60 30–40 30–40
Curing Time at 25°C (hours) 10–12 10–12 24 10–12 8–10 8–10
Hardness (Shore A) 5 ± 2 15 ± 2 20 ± 2 25 ± 2 30 ± 2 38 ± 2
Tear Resistance (kN/m) 8 16 27 25 25 19
Tensile Strength (MPa) 1.5 2.2 4.3 2.5 3.5 4
Elongation (%) 500 450 490 400 350 300

 


Technical Parameters of Platinum-Cured Silicone (Pure Mold)

Test Pure Mold 10 Pure Mold 20 Pure Mold 30 Pure Mold 35HR SilFood 9300-30
Colour (Part A) Translucent Translucent Translucent Translucent Transparent
Colour (Part B) Translucent Translucent Translucent Translucent Clear
Density (g/cm³) 1.08 1.08 1.10 1.10 1.10
Catalyst (Part A) Platinum-based catalyst Platinum-based catalyst
Viscosity at 25°C (mPa.s) Part A 5000 ± 1000 9000 ± 1000 13500 ± 1000 13500 ± 1000 85000 ± 2000
Viscosity at 25°C (mPa.s) Part B 4500 ± 1000 8000 ± 1000 12500 ± 1000 12500 ± 1000 100–200
Mixing Ratio (A:B) 1:1 1:1 1:1 1:1 10:1
Working Time at 25°C (min) 30–40 30–40 30–40 30–40 40–50
Curing Time at 25°C (hours) 3–5 3–5 4–6 4–6 7–9
Hardness (Shore A) 10 ± 2 20 ± 2 30 ± 2 30 ± 2 30 ± 2
Tear Resistance (kN/m) 14 15 16 16 14
Tensile Strength (MPa) 3.2 4.0 4.2 4.2 3.5
Elongation (%) 450 420 400 400 350

 


Comparison Table: Main Properties

Parameter Tin-Cured – Liquid Mold Platinum-Cured – Pure Mold SilFood
Density Medium Variable (high precision) High
Viscosity High (great detail) Low (easy infiltration) Medium
Curing Time Fast Moderate Moderate
Heat Release Moderate Low Low
Chemical Resistance Moderate High High
Mechanical Resistance Medium High High

 

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