Expansion of rubber after vac

Got a question about techniques, materials or other aspects of physically building a model? This is the place to ask.

Moderators: DasPhule, Moderators

Post Reply
User avatar
bobbyfett
Posts: 1165
Joined: Sat Jul 13, 2002 2:08 pm
Location: CT
Contact:

Expansion of rubber after vac

Post by bobbyfett »

Does anyone know the expansion % of RTV when you put it in a vacuum? I've been molding some stuff and I can't help but feel like I'm just wasting expensive rubber by not putting it under a vacuum. Any rough estimates?
http://www.starwarsmodels.com <-- I'm always looking for content contributors. Want to lend a hand? PM or E-Mail me!
User avatar
Umi_Ryuzuki
Posts: 3841
Joined: Fri Jul 12, 2002 2:22 pm
Location: PDX, Oregon
Contact:

Post by Umi_Ryuzuki »

I don't think you are wasting RTV at all.

The Vacuum process "de-airs" the RTV. This pulls all of the large and small air bubbles that get mixed into the RTV as you stir it.
Once you take it out of the vacuum, it cures a bit denser, and stronger.

If you pressure cast, any tiny air bubbles caught in the RTV will compress, and make a "pimple" on the model surface. This is the reason to put the RTV in a vacuum for de-airing, not to save RTV.

:wink:
'
"I have to go now,... because my life is stupid and leprachans are dorks."
Nyow!
/
=^o^=
Antenociti
Posts: 565
Joined: Sun Mar 12, 2006 8:43 pm
Location: Shrewsbury, UK
Contact:

Re: Expansion of rubber after vac

Post by Antenociti »

bobbyfett wrote:Does anyone know the expansion % of RTV when you put it in a vacuum? I've been molding some stuff and I can't help but feel like I'm just wasting expensive rubber by not putting it under a vacuum. Any rough estimates?
As Umi says it wont save you any RTV it will "just" remove bubbles. (which, if you think about it, will *technically* reduce the overall volume!)
Post Reply