|
Polyester Resins are the primary material used in rigid mold making and FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Polyester) mold backing and M&CC (Mold & Casting Compound). M&CC is a combination of Polyester Resin and inert fillers. See REED ME, Fillers and FACTORY> Materials>Formulas for instructions on making M&CC. M&CC is cast in various size blocks for master plug sculpting, and mold body making.
There are four basic groups of Polyester Resins:
1. Laminating Resin. is a waxed resin for laminating thin fiberglass skins on plywood, or for general purpose fiberglass repairs. The wax in the resin will prevent surface tackiness even when applied in thin coats. Sand off the wax layer before painting or secondary bonding. Stir thoroughly in can before using. Requires 1%-2.5% MEKP (Methel -Ethel-Keytone-Peroxide) Catalyst.
2. Finishing Resin. Molding Resin is ideal for general purpose part fabrication and for building low cost molds. An internal thickening agent has been added to prevent drainage on vertical surfaces, yet it retains the low viscosity required for rapid wet out. This resin is wax free to reduce sanding between coats. Requires 1%-2.5% MEKP (Catalyst).
3. Clear Casting Resin. Clear casting resin is ideal for poured castings. Larger castings have been achieved through multiple pours and slight catalyst adjustments. It may be used with our colored pigments for opaque castings. This resin exhibits extremely low shrinkage when catalyzed at ½% to 2.5%, MEKP (Catalyst), depending on environmental conditions, and desired cure speed.
4. Gel Coats. Gel Coats are polyester resins that contain coloring pigments and other additives to make them wear resistant surface coatings.
Any of these three types of polyester resins can be used to make M&CC depending on the desired properties. Laminating Resin is used most for making M&CC because of it’s wax content that allows cast parts to cure (harden) tack free.
The majority of all fiberglass parts are constructed using polyester resins. Polyester resins are easy to use, fast curing, tolerant of temperature and catalyst extremes, and less expensive than epoxy systems.
Thin applications of polyester resin (FRP Mold Backing) can remain tacky when exposed to the air. Waxed resin is recommended for these thin layer lay-ups. The wax rises to the surface and provides a barrier to the air which allows the resin to fully cure. Note, the wax must be sanded and washed off before application of the next coat of resin or paint. If a laminate or mold is constructed using two or more layers of fiberglass reinforcement, no wax is necessary as the heat generated during the cure cycle will fully set the resin.
Tech Tip: Spray PVA (Poly Vinyl Alcohol) mold release over any polyester lamination or repair so the resin will cure tack-free. Wait 25 minutes after finishing the lay-up, then spray on two light coats. Within a few hours the PVA can be washed off with water, leaving a fully cured resin or gel coat surface!
|