epoxy casting how-to

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

time to start editing the wiki methinks.

[Lockednloaded]

I finally got that pourable epoxy You reccomended, and I'm impressed to say the least, my only problem is that when measuring out equal quantities of A and B in a syringe, it's near impossible to reuse. Do you reuse syringes, or just have a lot if them?

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

I used to clean them after use and reuse them, or keep specific syringes for A and B, but now what I do is remove the plunger, plug the nozzle and pour the epoxy in using it as a small measuring cylinder.

[Lockednloaded]

Even with separate parts in separate syringes, it is still hard to clean put either A or B alone, soap and water doesn't really help

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

Added a useful troubleshooting guide lifted from the US Composites website

[warhead052]

How would I go about casting with cardboard? Like making a cardboard box, then casting? Would I need double sided tape to prevent the epoxy from sticking to the cardboard?

[irisher]

Cardboard is really not recommended, it is imprecise and will get soggy. I would try sheet metal or plastic as the sides.

[warhead052]

I put cling wrap inside of it as a lining, and so far its working excellently! I left a bit hanging off the edges so I could lift the epoxy out without destroying the card board so I can create more if needed... Now I need to learn how to calculate how much epoxy I need at 1 time.


Edit, just checked it about 30 minutes in, and the thing is actually smoking. It has gotten hot enough to start slowly melting part of the hot glue holding the mold together! This is kind of weird considering its not even 80 degrees outside.

[dewey-1]

warhead;

It is called exothermic reaction. Most epoxies go through this process.

Ever seen those pre packaged hand/toe/ body warmers?
They are basically an epoxy that creates that heat. After they are completely used up as far as heat goes, you have a hard brittle bag leftover.


Read the following;
http://www.westsystem.com/ss/epoxy-chemistry/

[warhead052]

Ah ok. Thanks dewey! I guess the saying "You learn something new everyday" really is true.

[dewey-1]

I stand corrected see this;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hand_warmer

The end effect is similar though.