First, is that the responsibility of making the mold from a wax
pattern or other non metallic part is the responsibility of the
manufacturer… So … what happens if the pattern is broken in the
process? Oh well… another patern may need to be made… and at
what expense !!!
Hi, Dan–sorry I was unable to present much depth in my effort to
quickly pass on useful relating to the use of RTV
Silicones. You are correct, and many manufacturers still follow the
route you outline. However, the original wax or SLA is at risk if
you need to invest it in the model making process. Many original
waxes are lost at this point. Many folks think that the original wax
is at lower risk for loss if it breaks in the mold cutting process.
Why? because you still have the mold from which to shoot copies. The
shrink of platinum cure RTV is under 1/10 of 1% if cured at room
temperature, so the dimensional change in the mold does not affect
these applications. An 1/8" section will shrink less than .000125".
Of course there are other shrink considerations down line, but I did
not intend to address these as they do not relate directly to my
original point.
Cheers!
Bill Mull
Zero-D Products, Inc.
38285 North Lane. #103
Willoughby, OH 44094 USA
800-382-3271
440-942-1150
fax 440 942 2130
WWW.ZERODPRODUCTS.COM