Question about resin supplies.

[mrm]

Hi guys. Maybe someone on here can help me with some questions.

I have made molds before. When I tryed it for the first time, the only place that was selling supplies for making resin parts were MicroMark. I have used their products with mixed results. There RTV sylicone worked fine for some applications in the past and not so well for others. Their tire making rubber never worked for me. Some of their resins were fine and some not. Then someone pointed me in the direction of Alumilite. I have used them for some time as I found them to be supperior to MicroMark's product for most applications.

Now somone was telling me that Smooth-on is better yet than the Alumilite product. Someone also mentioned that MicroMark does not make any of their product, but rather has Smooth-on product repackaged for them. So, can someone shed some light on the subject please?

Is microMark and smooth-on the same product? Also what experiences does anyone have with smooth-on vs. alumilite? Which one is better and what makes it so?

Any input is more than welcome.

Thank you

[RyanSilva]

Ive noticed micromark is prepacked smooth-on, in fact most of micro marks items are repackaged items that sell for much more money but that's another topic

I use smooth-on products exclusively, Ive tried alumilite resin and wasnt a fan of it, sets up way to quick, and they dont have many slower than 3 minute resins. Smooth-on has a few mix time ranges that I use. The smooth-cast 300/320 and the 305/321 (300 series is white, 320 series is tan)

With complex molds and summer time use i use the 320 or 305, when its the winter and much cooler I use the faster setting 300/320's. Its very thin in viscosity though not as thin as polytek's resin.

If you want to make tires I suggest Polytek pt flex rubber, demold in 1hr

1:1tin cure silicone is fine for making quick castings and its cheaper but it doesnt hold up to many casts, you can tear it with your hand. I like using mold max and dragonskin platinum silicone for production items. Smooth-on makes a new series of silicone called mold star which doesnt need to be degassed with 3 different mix times, Ive used all 3 and they work well. Even though I pressure cast my resins and silicones it works well without one and just vibrating the bubbles out and pouring in thin streams.

[monkeyclaw]

I think each and every person will give you their own favorite....so be prepared....my advice; try a few different brands to see which works best for you. I have tried them all over the years; and for me what works is the "firm" rtv from www.hobbysilicone.com . Mike Knott has taken pretty good care of my needs for a long time; and his product has worked well for me. As for resin; I only use Alumilite white resin; I like the timing; and the service I get from alumilite. Carol Warner has been helping me for years; and always gets my stuff shipped when I need it. I know I haven't talked alot about the actual products; but the people that get me those products have by far been the best part of the product experience for me...........Matt