Next Issue... Resin Setting Time

[Jezlad]

Hi guys,

I now have some polyurethane resin and I've managed to eradicate every bubble. My bases now look pretty professional.

The problem I have though is the pouring time, I mix the two parts of the resin together and then start to pour. I only have 10 bases on my mould but by the time I've finished pouring number 4 or 5 the mix has started to go off already. Is there anyway to prolong the time you have to pour?

If the mix went of in say 20 minutes I'd have far better results.

So thats basically my only problem now... the mix sets pretty quickly and hinders the pouring process.

[mangozac]

The pot life (or time it takes to start setting) is a characteristic of the actual resin product you're using. Different products will specify different pot life over a whole range from 1 to 10 minutes, but generally the longer pot life also means a longer curing time.

So the simple answer is no, you will have to change to another resin product.

You could get a little more time by putting the resin in the fridge so that it's cold when you mix it (I have done that before in Summer).

[Jezlad]

Awesome, thanks for the tip mate.

[paulson games]

If you are using a one to one ratio mix you can reduce the amount of catalyst you are using which will slow the resin's cure time a bit. (the catalyst is usually the b-side material) It's not the most accurate way but it might prove useful. If you cut it down by about 25% it should still allow the resin to cure properly but do so at a slower rate. You'll likely need to experiment to get the right ratio. It's probably easiest to buy a slower curing version, but this might work if you don't want to waste any of the stuff you currently have on hand.

Also as Zac mentioned if you let it cool down in the fridge it will lengthen the curing time considerably. Most hobby resin is formulated to set at a temp or 70-80 degrees and if you cool it down to 50-60 degrees then it should just about double the working time (and curing time) It will take a lot longer to cast parts this way but it should help. Also make sure not to freeze the resin.

[Lane]