General
Akron LOVIS RTV-RPä Silicone Mold Rubber is the first low viscosity, high strength silicone RTV and is designed to work with all RP grown (printed) models and all Stereo Lithographic resin models. LOVIS RTV-RP is a two-part  10:1 mix ratio, addition cure system exhibiting high tear strength and very high elongation. You will find it to be well suited to difficult applications where undercuts and thin sections can otherwise be a problem. The firmness of the finished mold will prevent deflection of thin sections during wax injection. Stored at room temperature, unmixed product will retain its excellent properties for six months or more. Because settling can occur during extended storage, it is recommended that both the resin and catalyst be stirred thoroughly in their respective containers before use. Always thoroughly clean the model and frame to prevent cure inhibition.

Again, to prevent settling, always thoroughly stir parts A and B in their individual containers before using.

Mixing
LOVIS (aqua) is sensitive to mixing time. LOVIS is a ten to one mix. Weigh the resin (Part A) in a clean container of about four to five times the volume of the resin being weighed. This will allow room for expansion during de-airing. Add the appropriate amount of catalyst (Part B). Use a power mixer on low to medium speed. Mix until the color is consistent, with no streaking. Then mix for a minimum of 5 minutes while continuously scraping the sides of the bowl. This will produce a mold of 40° Shore A durometer, which is ideal for most applications. The clear version of LOVIS is not mix time sensitive.

Less mixing time will produce a finished mold that can be anywhere from 30° Shore A to 38° Shore A durometer.  With some experimenting, you can determine the time required to arrive at the  hardness you prefer. Make a record of the mixing time for future reference. Useful pot life is approximately 90 minutes.

De-airing
Use a vacuum chamber capable of pulling 29 inches of mercury. Most investment units are perfect for this. Place mixture in vacuum chamber allowing the mixture to expand to about two times it's original volume, crest and recede. Continue under vacuum for 2 to 4 minutes.

Pouring
If you are using glass mold frames, it is recommended that you use Teflon (TFE) mold release spray on the glass surfaces to provide easier release. Pour your mixture carefully down the side of the mold frame, taking care not to introduce new bubbles. See that the mixture flows down the side of the frame and up into undercuts in the model without entrapping air. Conserve material by using the shortest possible sprue and fill the frame to no more than ½" over the top of the model. Further time under vacuum may be appropriate if you introduce air while pouring. Vacuum two to three minutes in the mold frame.

Cure Time
If you are making a mold from a carved or machined wax, or resin model, you may use the 16-hour cure time at room temperature, or 60 minutes at 50ºC (122ºF). If your model is not sensitive to elevated temperatures, you can cure in 30 minutes at 88ºC (190ºF).  A good low temperature cure method is to partially immerse the mold frame in a water tank maintained at the required temperature, or cure in an oven capable of closely controlled temperature.

Direct Alloy Casting
LOVIS RTV-RP Silicone is rated for continuous exposure to temperatures up to 500ºF (260ºC). We do not recommend direct alloy casting, as it is an unsafe procedure without proper training. The mold rubber will, however, withstand this method.

Yield
A 1.1 lb. kit will yield 5 to 6 molds from an average mold frame 3/4" x 2" x 3".  Actual yield is dependent on model size and other factors within the user's control, such as not filling the mold frame to the top.

How Much?
The approximate amount of mold rubber required to fill a specific mold frame is calculated as follows:
L= total height planned for the mold in inches. Plan to make mold as short as possible to conserve material.
W= internal width of mold frame
T= thickness of mold frame

Lbs.= L x W x T x .047
Grams= L x W x T x .047 x 454

This will make the size mold you desire, but does not allow for the displacement of the model. You will want to deduct an amount for the displacement of the model.
The above formula provides total mixed weight. To discover the proper portions of part A and part B, divide total weight by 1.1. This is the weight of part A (resin) required. Multiply this figure by .1 to discover the total weight required of part B (catalyst).

Clean Up
To clean up resin or catalyst before RTV cures, use toluene, naphtha or a similar product such as mineral spirits. All are rather inexpensive and can be purchased at any paint or hardware store. There is not a solvent for cured material, however, it will simply peel away.

Zero-D Products, Inc.
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