Vinamould - pourable mould making system

This looks like quite an interesting product that might be good for low volume, simple pieces. Some investment required for the melting pot but I like the idea of being able to cut it up and reuse it when done. I wander if it would be stiff enough for infusion or bagging, I suppose it could always be braced if not.

http://www.ecfibreglasssupplies.co.uk/store/vinamould-pack-p-646.html

Here’s the text if the link isn’t accessible

[b]Vinamould is self - releasing, re-useable, synthetic rubber based on vinyl resins.

Very versatile they produce moulds for a wide range of casting applications – they can be used to cast epoxies, polyesters, plaster, and even fine concrete (decorative paving). Up to ten castings are easily obtained from each mould. These vinyls are solid materials, which must be melted down before use.

Vinamould is supplied in different grades offering a choice of flexibility, in general, the more flexible the material, the less durable, and vice versa. Greater flexibility is an advantage where the original model is particularly complex in shape, whilst durability is essential when a number of castings are required from the same mould.

Release agents are not normally required, although porous originals should be sealed with heat resistant varnish.
Wooden formers should be coated with a two part polyurethane varnish, which should be left to cure completely for approximately seven days. Stone or plaster formers should be soaked in water then wiped dry before mould making, this prevents rubber locking into the pores but still retains the texture. A damp clay model is an ideal former, the former must not be too wet – excess moisture will boil off when it contacts the molten material, creating bubbles in the mould.

A retaining wall is needed around the former to contain the molten compound once it has been poured. Any heat resistant material can be used as retaining walls – a good choice is melamine-faced chipboard (DIY Shelves). Joints and gaps should be sealed with wet clay. Keep some clay nearby in case leaks occur during the pouring. Use a knife or spatula to plug any leaks – DO NOT use fingers! SEVERE burns will occur. For exactly that reason – wear appropriate protective clothing when melting the rubber.

When melting the rubber use a double skinned melting pot, this has an inner compartment in which the vinyl is placed. When the pot is heated, the hot air circulating between the inner and outer compartments will melt the vinyl. Do not use the type of melting pot which needs water in the outer container as the water boils at too low a temperature to enable the rubber to melt. Carry out the melting in a well-ventilated room, cut Vinamould into small strips and place in melting pot, heat slowly. Stir frequently, covering the container between stirring. If dark streaks appear and acid fumes are given off, the material is overheating and decomposing. If this happens adjust the heat immediately – severe overheating will cause the rubber to ignite!

1 Kg of Vinamould is enough volume melted for an 850cc mould, which should take 30 – 40 minutes to melt, melting point for red is 140oC – 150oC. When it becomes a smooth, thin liquid with a creamy consistency it is ready for pouring. DO NOT pour the molten liquid directly into the former as air bubbles may be trapped, pour between the former and the retaining walls, pouring slowly and continuously until the former is covered to a depth of at least two inches. It is often a good idea to warm the former before pouring, as this lessons the risk of air voids.

Leave the mould to cool overnight, and then it is ready for casting.

When the mould is no longer needed, it can be washed, cut up and melted down for re-use![/b]

I have tried vinamold, certainly no good for vacuum infusion or postcures :slight_smile: its more meant for resin casting.

What I can recomend though for really quick moulds is a fastcast polyurethane like huntsman do. This works amazing on small moulds, ready to use in a few hours. Just make your plug on a base board build a box around it and pour in.