KRISTAL 50 – 6.65kg

KRISTAL 50 – 6.65kg Physical Properties

The KRISTAL casting resins are available in 4 unique systems in a variety of weights:

• KRISTAL DIAMOND COAT 6 – 6.65kg and 1.3kg ultra-hard scratch resistant coating resin with a 5mm maximum casting thickness per layer.
• KRISTAL 30 – 6.65kg and 1.33kg very hard resin with a maximum casting thickness of 20mm per layer. Max volume cast of 10 litres.
• KRISTAL 100 – 32.25kg and 6.65kg very hard resin with a maximum casting thickness of 100mm per layer. Max volume cast of 100 litres.
• KRISTAL UV (200g) 1-part UV curable clear resin.

View the complete KRISTAL Range here.

KRISTAL 50 – 6.65kg Processing Recommendations

• Materials should be stored and used at an ambient room temperature of 23°C with relative humidity below 85%. Warmer temperatures will reduce pot life and may also influence the casting thickness.
• If ambient room temperature is warmer than 25°C, reduce maximum casting thickness by 50% or as appropriately required to avoid excessive exothermic reactions.
• Due to the higher viscosity of Kristal 50, it is recommended to pre-warm resin and hardener to 28°C – 30°C prior casting to minimise air bubble entrapment, then leave to cure at 18°C – 23°C.
• Kristal resin systems can also be vacuum de-aired to minimise air bubble entrapment.

Safety and Handling

Epoxy resins and hardeners are chemicals and the below safety precautions should be practiced when using these materials.

• Work in an environment with adequate ventilation and avoid breathing fumes (a NIOSH approved respirator is recommended)
• Use protective Nitrile gloves to avoid skin contact
• Barrier creams can also be used to minimise skin contact
• If accidental skin contact occurs, use soap and water or hand cleaner to wash hands (never use solvents)

Always

• Measure out part A – resin and part B hardener as indicated using an accurate digital gram scale.
• Mix resin and hardener together thoroughly for 3 – 5 minutes using a flat paddle mixer, also scraping the sides and bottom of the container several times. Pour mixed material into a clean container and mix for another 60 seconds before casting. (this is a “mix pour mix” technique that ensures that part A & B on the sides and bottom of the container are properly blended so that there are no tacky spots or streaking in the cured casting)
• Allow adequate time to fully cure before sanding, polishing, and using.
• Wear appropriate safety gear and dust mask when sanding and polishing cured resin.

Avoid

• Applying onto oily or contaminated surfaces.
• Applying onto damp or wet surfaces.
• Whipping and beating material while mixing, this will introduce additional unnecessary air bubbles.

Applying a Release Agent

Ease Release 200, Ease Release 205 (available in 700g or 180g sizes) or Ram Wax can be used to effectively release cured epoxy castings to prevent adhesion on non-porous surfaces like metal, glass, melamine, or acrylic sheeting.

Adding Colour

KRISTAL 50 – 6.65kg epoxy casting resin can be coloured by using Epoxy Pigments, So-Strong Pigments or UVO pigments and some amazing effects can be achieved by using metallic & pearlescent powders or phosphorescent glow in the dark powders like Glow Worm.

Important

Epoxy resin systems are exothermic, meaning that heat is generated when resin & hardener are mixed and begin to cross link. Larger volumes will create more heat and if mixed and cast in larger volumes than indicted, can generate enough heat to melt plastic mixing cups, burn skin or even ignite combustible materials. Please take care and reduce casting thickness when working in environments warmer than 25°C. If a batch of material begins to get excessively hot from the exothermic reaction, move to an open-air environment and be careful not to breathe fumes. Please note that even though these materials are UV stabilised to promote “anti-yellowing”, ambering or yellowing will occur if continually exposed to harsh UV environments.

Pouring

• When pouring, it is recommended to pour to the lowest point and allow material to seek its level.
• Pouring in a uniform manner will help to reduce air bubble entrapment.
• Do not exceed recommended casting thickness.
• If pouring in stages, allow previous layer to cure and return to room temperature before pouring the next layer.
• A propane torch can be used to dissipate surface air bubbles. (Move the torch / open flame over the surface of the resin, keep the torch moving so not to burn the surface.)

KRISTAL 50 – 6.65kg Pot Life and Curing Time

• Epoxy casting resins are mass-sensitive, larger volumes of material will generate higher temperatures through the exothermic reaction which will reduce pot life & cure time.
• Thinner castings will generate less heat and will take longer to cure.
• Ambient room temperature will also play a significant role in the pot life & cure time.
• Typical cure time at 23°deg C may take 24 to 72 hours.
• Temperatures below 18°C may cause cure inhibition.

Removing Epoxy

Uncured epoxy can be removed by scraping as much material as possible from the surface using a paint scraper, acetone or isopropyl alcohol can be used to remove the residue that is left.