FEATURES:
* Non-yellowing, crystal clear
* Easy stirring, low viscosity
* Easy to machine, 1420 is buffable
* Odorless
* Reproduces fine detail, air bubbles rise and break
* Long working time
* Tough, high hardness, non-brittle, low shrinkage formula

DESCRIPTION: Poly-Optic® Resins are two component, water clear, Poly Urethane casting systems, formulated specifically for application where optical clarity is a must. Their low viscosities and long pot lives allow easy degassing and handling. Selected dyes may be added to each system to obtain clear, colored castings.

All work with Poly-Optic® must be done with vacuum and/or pressure in a warm  environment. We do not recommend attempting to use Poly-Optic® without vacuum or pressure or in an environment below 74oF as poor cures with bubbles may result.

Poly-Optic 1411 is an easy 1:1, by volume mix that cures to a super-strong, hard plastic and develops physical properties very quickly. It also has a higher heat deflection temperature which is useful in certain prototyping applications.

Poly-Optic®1410 is virtually unbreakable and is lower in cost than Poly-Optic®1420. Poly-Optic®1410 can be cured at room temperature and may be post cured at 65oC (150oF) to improve physical properties.

Poly-Optic®1420 is a tough, high impact resistant system, used where polishing rough surfaces and higher heat resistance is necessary. Poly-Optic®1420 must be heat cured at 65-80oC (150-180oF).

Poly-Optic®14-70 is a firm rubber. Blends of Poly-Optic®1410 and 14-70 allow any hardness between Shore D 85 and Shore A 70.

USES: Poly-Optic® 14 Series clear liquid plastics are useful for production of decorative objects, production parts, tools, models, patterns, fixtures, duplicate masters and general tooling use. Long term exterior use of unfilled, unpigmented systems is not recommended. Casting thick sections over 1/2 to 1 inch thick may result in exothermic heating causing distortion, waviness and significant shrinkage.

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MOLD PREPARATION: These products will reproduce minute detail from a mold or pattern, but may stick or foam when poured on improperly prepared surfaces. A trial casting on a surface finish similar to the final mold should be made to avoid damaging a valuable mold. Polyethylene and PlatSil® silicone rubber molds do not require a release agent and are the best choice for a mold material for Poly-Optic®. Condensation-type tin-catalyzed silicones must be free of residual alcohol which may inhibit surface cure of Poly-Optic resins. Baking for 4-8 hours at 250-280oF prior to use will assure an alcohol free silicone mold. Latex, polyurethane rubber or metal molds must be dry and require a coat of suitable release agent, such as Pol-Ease. For optical clarity, highly polished molds are necessary, such as shiny polyethylene or polypropylene or silicone rubber mold of a polished surface.

ADDITIVES: Part 14X is a powerful catalyst to increase the speed of curing for Poly-Optic Resins. For best results, mix Parts A and B, degas if required, then add Part 14X and degas again if necessary. One half of one percent speeds the cure significantly. For example, one half of one percent of Part 14X in a 100 gram mix of Poly-Optic 1410 reduces the pour and curing time by half. Exotherm (heat of reaction) and thus shrinkage on cooling is also increased. Experiment to determine the right amount of Part 14X to use but do not use more than 1% Part 14X of the total weight of the mix or final physical properties will be affected.

MIXING: Prior to mixing, all molds and equipment must be prepared. Parts A and B should be clear liquids above 60oF. Once containers of Parts A and B are opened, they should be used as soon as possible and resealed tightly as atmospheric moisture contamination may cause foaming of the plastic. Metal or plastic mixing vessels and spatulas should be used to avoid introducing moisture with paper or wood tools. To determine the proper amounts of Parts A and B for Poly-Optic 1410, the following formula has been developed. Total weight of resin required divided by 5 equals one fifth of total mix. One fifth part of total mix times 3 equals the amount of Part A required, and one fifth of total mix times 2 equals the amount of Part B required. Weigh Parts A and B into mixing container. Polyethylene buckets are excellent and can often be reused. Once components are weighed, add Part 14X if desired. Mix immediately, thoroughly scraping sides and bottom, vacuum degas if desired. Pour mix into cavity as quickly as possible. Pressure casting helps produce clear castings. A light spray of Pol-Ease 2300 or quickly passing the flame of a torch over the back of the casting will help break any bubbles on the back of the pour. For best degassing results, degas Part B separately. After degassing Part B, add Part A and mix both components together, then degas total mix.

CURING: Castings should be allowed to remain in the mold until thoroughly cured. Parts demolded too soon may be subject to deformation. Use of pre-warmed molds will hasten curing. Low temperatures will slow the curing and extend demold time. Poly-Optic 1410 and 14-70 cure at room temperature. Recommended cure for Poly-Optic 1420 is 8 hours at 65oC (150oF) and for optimum physical properties 16 hours at 65oC (150oC). Poly-Optic 1420 may be demolded sooner when cured at a higher temperature and may be as fast as 30 minutes at 80oC (180oF) depending on size of casting. Mold release must be removed from surfaces prior to painting or bonding.

CLEAN UP : See Methods of Use.

SAFETY: See Methods of Use.

STORAGE LIFE: At least 6 months in unopened containers at room temperature (60-90oF). Poly-Optic 14 Series Part A's may slightly crystallize or become highly viscous during storage. If crystallization has occurred, warm the container to 40-50oC (100-120oF) with container lids loose to prevent pressure buildup, until crystals dissipate. Cool to room temperature before use.

OTHER CLEAR CASTABLE RESINS:

ACRYLICS: The standard embedment resin requires long, slow heat cure. Can generate high exotherm (heat of reaction) and has a strong odor (uncured) and high shrinkage. Expensive.

POLYESTERS: Low cost with strong odor (uncured), high shrinkage. Many grades have a green or purple tint.

EPOXYS: While not as colorless as Poly-Optic®, Polypoxy® 1010 and Poly Cure 1212 for small castings or Poly Cure 1220 for coatings or  Poly Cure 1230 for large castings will yield good clarity with vacuum or pressure assisted castings to eliminate all bubbles. Care must be taken that heat of reaction does not spoil castings in masses thicker than recommended in the technical bulletin.

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