In recent times, silicone rubber has been used as the ideal material for making long-lasting flexible molds for idols, figurines, gift items, architectural items, fossils, important specimens and other rigid items. While silicone rubber for mold making is similar to liquid latex that has the ability to provide a light, flexible, high-fidelity mold; it also has two added advantages. First, it is more durable and second it is resistant to chemicals and decomposition. With a good technical expertise and high quality products available, one can make a silicone rubber mold in a shorter span than a latex mold. While silicone rubber is slightly more expensive than latex the savings in labor and time make it a better value for money.
Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) silicone is the most common silicone compounds used for mold making. It is made from a two-component system: Base plus Curative (Part-A + Part-B). This silicone rubber compound, a combination of reactive silicone polymers and reinforcing mineral fillers, is safe as long as it is used as per proper guidance. However, the curing agent or the catalyst could be toxic if ingested. It may also cause irritation to the eyes and skin.
At Performance Polymers we offer both Tin (Condensation) and Platinum (Addition) cure silicone mold making rubber, and training/guidance on how to use these products. Whether your need is for thin and pourable, thick and brush-able or for kneadble silicone putty, we offer different grades of rubber you require to make an outstanding mold. We also offer other additives such as diluents (for viscosity adjustment), inhibitor(for cure speed control), thixotropic additive(liquid thickener), the bonding agents - the best in the market, compatible with both types of rubber. This enables you to use the same rubber for thin pours as well as thicker brush-up needs. The RTV silicone rubber compounds (Both Tin Cure Silicone and Platinum Cure Silicone) that we offer are of a very high quality and pick up more details than you might have ever imagined.
Condensation (Tin) Cure Systems
The tin cure silicones provided by us are suitable for use by amateurs and mold makers who want quick and easy results, as well as expert masters. It is usually used for individual projects, hobbies and small scale production. One of the reasons is tin cure silicone’s are insensitive to contamination and are the easiest to cure. Tin cure systems are trouble free compounds and are easy to use and cure against just about any substrate. It cures at room temperature, having minimal shrinkage and is the best for many mold making applications including collectibles, soap molds, candle molds, bronze foundry molds to cast wax, architectural casting and polyester and urethane casting. It also finds particular use in making silicone rubber molds for natural objects such as fossils, stones etc.
Tin cure RTV silicone rubber is widely used in:
Addition (Platinum) cure silicone RTVs can be used for the same applications as tin cure and for numerous other purposes. Such compound is well suited to obtain outstanding precision and reproduce the master honestly. Platinum cure silicone is ideal for concrete molds, Casting PU, higher temperature applications such as casting pewter and generating leads for jewelry and precision prototype parts. Food grade silicone rubber molds (for chocolate, sugar candy, baked items etc) are made using platinum cure silicone. Heat only helps to accelerate the cure cycle. Rapid prototyping specialists who make some of the most precise parts use platinum cure silicone for accurate replication that is essential for making parts that fit or snap together.
Addition cure Silicone RTVs are used in :
Addition cure silicones are sensitive to inhibition which can show itself as localized sticky areas. To avoid inhibition substances to keep away from include :
Following materials can be used to cast in to silicone molds.