Moulding parts From Resin Instead Of Casting Metal

[echnidna]

I'm considering making some tools that are traditionally diecast from metal.

Let us say for example a Dowel Jig is more or less typical.

What are your opinions of using casting resin etc instead of metal.

Are there any specific resins that will work successfully?

Would the resins require reinforcing?

[cub3]

Bob google Devcon. Works very well.

Regards Den.

[joe greiner]

I made a couple photographic contraptions about 25 years ago from polyester resin: A lens holder for a DIY bellows extension for my Bolex motion picture camera, and a folding mirror stereoscope. I used resin for the frames - just used cardboard and plastecine for the molds IIRC. (The plastecine melts during curing, but it's already done its forming duty, so the only concern is cleanup.) And no reinforcing, I think; they're both painted black, so I can't tell. As usual, I was too dumb to know it was impossible, so I did it anyway. For lightly loaded jigs, reinforcing might be more trouble than it's worth.

One thing to beware of is shrinkage cracking of bulk castings. For large pieces, it's best to use less catalyst and allow more time for curing, so as to produce less thermal shock. Some experiments with similar size samples might be necessary to establish appropriate dosage, although supplier info could provide sufficient guidance.

Epoxy is more robust than polyester, but usually more expensive.

Joe