What is a Post Cure | Why would I need to Heat Cure my Casting Resin?
Most BJB materials are designed to cure at room temperature, continuing to improve their physical properties for a couple days after. However, post curing helps parts to achieve their optimal properties.
The topic of Post Curing Parts is often a confusing subject. In this video, we explain not only why it is done but how you can do it with simple methods.
What is Post Curing?
Post curing is the simply curing parts at elevated temperature to increase the level of cure of the material. You don’t have to post cure but without post curing you cannot expect the optimal properties of that material.
In flexible materials this method helps to increases tear strength and tensile strength. For rigid materials, post cure increases Heat deflection (HDT), an increase in stiffness, increased impact strength, and a reduction of cold-flow over time.
What is the best post cure method?
Post curing is best done in a properly controlled and dedicated parts oven.
Other possible methods include using a solar oven which can also help to speed up the demould process. Hot boxes are also an option which are also good for storing materials in cold workshops. Heat guns or hand tools are not effective ways of post curing as parts need to fully soak in the heat.
Support may be needed to stop parts warping but it’s not recommended to leave the part in a silicone mould. This can result in wear and decreased longevity of the silicone mould; it can also swell and loose dimensional stability due to the elevated temperatures.
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For 40 years, BJB Enterprises, Inc., an ISO 9001:2008 Company, has been in the business of formulating and supplying quality liquid resin systems to a vast array of industries and with a myriad of applications in mind!
BJB offers a complete line-up of Castable Polyurethanes, Epoxy Systems, Silicone Casting Rubbers, Polyurethane Foam Systems, Aliphatic Water Clear Urethanes, Sprayable Polyurethanes, Pigments and Release.
Contact our experts for more information about post curing or visit our shop to get started!
