AMT Composites Q&A
Need a quick answer on working with our products? Have a look here.
What is the best temperature to work with resin?
The optimal temperature to work with resins is at an ambient room temperature of 23°C. If the temperature is warmer than 25°C, it is recommended to reduce the maximum casting thickness to avoid excessive exothermic reactions. For Kristal 50, due to its higher viscosity, pre-warming the resin and hardener to 28°C - 30°C prior to casting is advised.
What is the difference between Kristal 30, 50 and 100?
The difference between the resins lies in their maximum casting thickness and volume. KRISTAL 30 has a maximum casting thickness of 20mm and a max volume cast of 10 litres. KRISTAL 50 has a maximum casting thickness of 30mm and a max volume cast of 30 litres. KRISTAL 55 has a maximum casting thickness of 50mm and a max volume cast of 50 litres. KRISTAL 100 has a maximum casting thickness of 100mm and a max volume cast of 100 litres.
What is the difference between Woodcast and Kristal?
WoodCast 30 and Kristal are both types of resins but they have different properties and uses. WoodCast 30 is a two-part epoxy resin system used for casting and encapsulation, it's optically clear and commercial grade. It has a mix ratio of 100:60 by weight and a pot life of 45 to 60 minutes. On the other hand, Kristal resins (30, 50, 55, 100) are very hard resins used for casting with varying maximum casting thickness and volume. They have a mix ratio of 100:33 by weight and different pot life and cure time.
Are resins scratch proof?
The KRISTAL casting resins are scratch resistant but not scratch proof. They are also UV stabilised and anti-yellowing, although continuous exposure to harsh UV environments may still cause yellowing.
Can resin ignite?
Epoxy resin systems are exothermic and generate heat when the resin and hardener are mixed and begin to cross-link. If mixed and cast in larger volumes than indicated, they can generate enough heat to ignite combustible materials.
What happens when you use resin in cold weather?
In cold weather, it is advisable to heat your resin and hardener to at least 27 °C before mixing and casting. This can be done by placing your resin and hardener bottles in a bucket of hot water. If not heated, the resin may not mix properly or take longer to set.
What is the mix ratio for Woodcast?
The mix ratio for Woodcast30 is 100 parts Part A plus 60 parts Part B, measured by weight. This ratio is very important to maintain.
How do I know which resin to use for my application?
The choice of resin depends on your application. For indoor use, Woodcast 30 is suitable. If you need UV stability for outdoor use, you can add UV stabilised pigments to Woodcast 30 or use the Kristal range for clear castings. For full UV stability, use Polyurethane resin systems.
How do you remove bubbles in resin?
Bubbles present in the resin after mixing can be removed with the aid of a gas flame. This is the preferred method as it pops surface bubbles. Mini Gas torches for this purpose are available at AMT Composites. A heat gun can also be used, but it may distort the surface.
