RTV2 silicones are essential materials used in a wide range of industries, from gift items and furniture to concrete wall panels and food applications, wherever mold making and prototyping are required. However, selecting the right mold silicone is crucial for achieving the desired results. In this article, we’ve compiled some critical questions to help you choose the best product for your project.
How Important is Dimensional Accuracy for Your Product?
If you need your product to have precise dimensional accuracy, addition-type (platinum-cured) RTV2 silicones are an excellent choice. These silicones do not shrink during curing, ensuring nearly 100% dimensional accuracy. They can also cure within minutes with heat assistance and are ready for use immediately after demolding.
Are You Looking for Cost-Effective and Perfectly Replicated Details?
For cost-effective solutions, condensation-type (tin-cured) RTV2 silicones are ideal. Although they may shrink by up to 0.4% during curing, this does not compromise the accuracy of the details. These silicones enable precise replication of intricate designs and are generally more affordable.
Which Casting Material Should You Use for Your Mold?
RTV2 silicone rubber molds are compatible with a variety of casting materials:
- Plaster, ceramic, wax, or concrete: Suitable for high casting volumes.
- Polyurethane and polyester resins: May cause wear on the mold over time.
If you plan to produce a large number of castings, ensure you choose the right silicone type and maintain your molds regularly.
How Quickly Does Your Mold Need to Be Ready?
Curing time refers to the duration required before the model can be demolded. An ideal curing time is between 6-10 hours. However, with Craft products, you can adjust the catalyst ratio to accelerate or slow down the process to fit your production timeline. For tailored catalyst solutions, consult our expert team.
How Hard or Soft Should the Silicone Mold Be?
The hardness of cured silicone rubber is measured in Shore A units. Craft offers a product range covering soft, medium, and hard silicones within the 5 – 80 Shore A scale:
- Small and detailed products: Softer silicones are recommended.
- Larger and less detailed products: Harder silicones are more suitable.
The softness or hardness of the silicone does not impact its durability or lifespan. For guidance on selecting the appropriate silicone hardness for your model, you can always rely on our expert team.
Conclusion
Choosing the right RTV2 silicone for mold making and prototyping is key to achieving accurate and precise production. At Craft, we are here to support your projects with a comprehensive product range and expert advice tailored to your needs.
If you need assistance in selecting the correct mold component, feel free to contact us for expert support.
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