KX Flex™ 90 – Fast Setting Urethane Casting Elastomer

Instructions

PREPARATION… Materials should be stored and used in a warm environment (73°F/23°C). These products have a limited shelf life and should be used as soon as possible. All liquid urethanes are moisture sensitive and will absorb atmospheric moisture. Use in a low humidity environment (below 50% RH). Mixing containers should have straight sides and a flat bottom. Mixing sticks should be flat and stiff with defined edges for scraping the sides and bottom of your mixing container. Mixing tools and containers should be clean and made of metal, glass or plastic. Mixing should be done in a well-ventilated area. Wear safety glasses, long sleeves and rubber gloves to minimize contamination risk.

Applying A Release Agent – If you are unsure about surface compatibility, a trial casting on a surface finish similar to the final mold or model should be made to avoid damage to the working surface. Polyurethane, latex or metal molds should be dry and require a coat of suitable release agent. Universal Mold Release (available from Smooth-On) is ideal for this purpose. A liberal coat of release agent should be applied onto all surfaces that will contact the rubber. To ensure thorough coverage, lightly brush the release agent with a soft brush over all surfaces. Follow with a light mist coating and let the release agent dry for 30 minutes.

MEASURING & MIXING… Before Dispensing – IMPORTANT: Pre Mix the Part B before using every time.

Measuring – You must use an accurate digital gram scale to weigh Parts A and B properly. Do not use an analog scale or attempt to measure components by volume. Dispense the required amount of Part A and Part B into a mixing container.

Hand Mixing – After dispensing the required amounts of Parts A and B into mixing container, mix thoroughly for at least 60 seconds making sure that you scrape the sides and bottom of the mixing container several times.

Mechanical Mixing – drill mix using a Turbine mixer or equal for 30 seconds followed by careful hand mixing for 30 seconds as directed above.

Be Aware – material pot life is 2.5 minutes at 73°F/23°C. Pot life at elevated temperatures will be less. Do not delay between mixing and pouring.

POURING, CURING & PERFORMANCE…

Pouring – If casting KX Flex™ into a rubber mold, pour mixture in a single spot at the lowest point of the mold. If encapsulating an object, do not pour the mixture directly over the object. Let the mixture seek its level. A uniform flow will help minimize entrapped air.

Curing – Handling time can be as soon as 30 minutes. However, like many urethane elastomers, KX Flex™ is mass sensitive and low mass castings with thin walls can take longer to reach handling strength/full cure. Uniform mild heat will accelerate the cure time. These materials will reach full cure in 24 hours at 73°F/23°C. Castings will reach ultimate physical properties at room temperature in 7 days.

Post Curing Option – Castings will reach “full cure” faster and achieve maximum physical properties / heat resistance if KX Flex™ is heat post cured in a dedicated shop oven. Post curing is recommended if castings are thin or of low mass concentration. Castings should be post cured in a mold or support structure. Allow the material to cure fully at room temperature followed by 4 hours at 150°F/65°C. Casting should be allowed to cool to room temperature before handling.

Handling / Demold Time – Demold time of the finished casting depends on mass and mold configuration. Make sure casting has reached handling strength before demolding. If casting has a flat back, it can be removed from mold and allowed to cure outside the mold on a flat, level surface to attain full working properties. Allow material to cure for 24 hours at room temperature before putting into service.

Because no two applications are quite the same, a small test application to determine suitability is recommended if performance of this material is in question.