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A Helpful Guide to Casting Clear Resins

From Hapco, Inc.

Achieving optically clear parts using thermoset liquid molding is not impossible. But as anyone with experience will tell you it's not a slam dunk either, especially if the cast possesses complex detail. So unlike the days of old, today's materials and methods allow manufacturers and model-makers alike to attain water-clear parts without excessive rejects. It just takes the right combination of process and resins.

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Molding Compounds and Resins
Molding compounds and resins are industrial plastics and polymers that are suitable for forming. They are used in injection molding, compression molding, reaction injection molding (RIM), resin transfer molding (RTM), and blow molding.
Resins and Compounds
Resins and compounds are used for shape fabrication or bond formation. Types include adhesive, casting, and leveling resins; caulk and grout; and sealants and thread lockers.
Thermosets and Thermoset Materials
Thermosets and thermoset materials are crosslinked polymeric resins that are cured or set using heat or heat and pressure. They generally have a higher resistance to heat than thermoplastics.
Elastomers and Rubber Materials
Elastomers and rubber materials are characterized by their high degree of flexibility and elasticity (high reversible elongation or resilience).
Casting Resins
Casting resins are pourable plastic or elastomer compounds that are used to cast parts, make molds, or form structures in place. They are mixed with a hardener, catalyst or activator and then poured into the sprue of open molds.
Product Announcements
ELANTAS PDG, Inc. - Resins for Components
ELAN-Tron®, ELAN-Cast® and Bectron® resins are used for vacuum potting, meter-mixing, atmospheric potting and casting. Their uses include EMC filters, capacitors, power semiconductors and... (read more)
Custom-Pak, Inc. - Increase Distance And Thin Panels Become Stronger
It is interesting to note that thin panels can become stronger by increasing the distance between walls. (read more)
Hapco, Inc. - Hapsil 360 Silicone Rubber
Hapsil 360™ is a high tear strength, tin-catalyzed RTV-2 silicone rubber, which was designed for casting Hapco's wide variety of rigid and flexible polyurethane resins. (read more)
Osborne Industries, Inc. - Specialty Plastic Formulation
At many RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) and RIM (Reaction Injection Molding) molding shops the physical properties of your parts are limited to the resins and catalysts available from their distributors. (read more)
3 Dimensional Services - Transfer case oil flow testing
AXLE MANUFACTURER SEES ITS WAY TO A BETTER DESIGN THANKS TO SOME HELP FROM 3-DIMENSIONAL SERVICES... (read more)
 
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