New silicones for rapid prototyping

ebalta has announced the introduction of two new silicone systems to enhance its product portfolio for both rapid prototyping and general mould making applications.

The Silicone SR 2 system is described as a low viscosity, condensation curing silicone formulated for general mould making applications. Ebalta says is is a robust, high strength system, coloured to ensure thorough mixing. The SR 2 is available with two different catalysts; SR 2 catalyst standard, which features a gel time of 30 to 45 minutes and a cure time at room temperature of 5 hours; or SR 2 catalyst fast, which features a gel time of 8 to 10 minutes and cure time of 2 hours. The two new Silicone SR 2 systems have been designed to exhibit low linear shrinkage of <0.5% and tear strength of 21 to 23 N/mm. According to ebalta, modification of the gel times and curing times allow the systems to be used for a variety of different moulding applications. The Silicone SR 2 system can be used with a thixotropic agent; Silicone SR 2 Thixo to produce a thickened, non-slumping material for jacket moulding and onsite reproductions of detailed surfaces for the art or film industry. Silicone SR 4 is described as a low viscosity, translucent, rapid prototyping grade addition cure silicone developed for RIM or vacuum casting applications. The system features release properties, which ebalta says gives longer life to the mould. Both Silicone SR 4 systems exhibit low linear shrinkage of <0.1% and feature tear strength of 27 to 32 N/mm, while the translucent appearance of the material allows split lines to be cut in block moulds. All of the ebalta Silicone SR 2 and SR 4 systems are supplied in matched ratio packaging and are backed up by technical support. All are also available on next day delivery.