Alumilite

Hi all,
Ive had a bit of spare time so I thought I'd try some Alumilite. I brought the PU Alumilite Clear from Aldax.

Has as anyone used it before ? Do I need to pressure cast ? Or just do a slow cure and let the bubbles come out. I'm using one of the resin caster Sierra Moulds. Later I'll try block casting.

Can I use Pearlx and Polyester pigments .. mainly because that's what I've got in my shed.

Also I have herd it can be trickier to finish ?

Randal

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Originally Posted by Goggomobile

Do I need to pressure cast ? Or just do a slow cure and let the bubbles come out. I'm using one of the resin caster Sierra Moulds. Later I'll try block casting

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Pressure is always better, but for resin saver sort of molds, it isn't compulsory. In fact, those sorts of molds with tubes in don't like high pressure >20psi, as you might find the tubes filled with resin. For block casting you should be using pressure, as high as your pot can take safely.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Goggomobile

Can I use Pearlx and Polyester pigments .. mainly because that's what I've got in my shed

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Yes

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Goggomobile

Also I have herd it can be trickier to finish ?

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Basically the same as PR

The biggest issue with Alumilite (or any of the polyurethanes) is that they do not like moisture. PR reacts with moisture too, but Alumilite is worse, it will foam up with ANY moisture. So don't cast on humid days, and ensure anything you put in it (WW blanks etc), are oven dried to 0% MC.

The other issue is it goes off fast! So in our tropical heat, work fast, you probably have only ~30 seconds before it gels. You can often turn it after 0.5 hour it goes off so fast. You can get the slow set stuff, but even that only gives you a minute or so up here.