I just recently obtained some MAS infusion resin I mixed the harderner and accelerator at a 50/50 mix. Then a 3 to 1 resin hardner ratio, it was supposed to be a ambient temp cureing resin. I have had my test pieces at 68 degrees for over 36 hours and its still not completely cured. I need my cf parts to have a water clear resin, I will be infusing my parts. The tech support guy said that the resin definetly need to be warmed up in a oven to fully cure. any suggestions, I can set up a hot box with a electric heater with a thermostat that maxes out at 85. This is just one more thing in the mix that takes more time and money. I would like to use a room temp infusion epoxy resin, should I stick with the MAS or can anyone suggest a better option.
Well, it depends on the resin. What resin you are using, if it calls for a 350f cure, then it will not cure at room temp for months!! Check the data sheet and cure cycle. If you need to heat it, there is no way around it, and I suggest you look for another epoxy.
I have had decent results with uscomposites 635 at 70F. They don’t specify a post cure although most epoxies will benefit from cure temps up to 150F. If you can get away with a moderate cure temp, I would suggest heat lamps. The 150w bulbs have been working out pretty well for me(about the same as putting in direct sunlight). I know you can also get the 250w red bulbs but I have not needed to go that far yet.
I have also seen simple cure boxes that just use a incandescant light bulb for heat.
The resin is made by MAS its called infuresin. Heat lamps might be a good idea. I was going to use some sort of a heater with a thermostate, but i was kind of worried about it burning my garage down. What kind of bulbs should i get and how long do i need to heat the parts for?