Make sure that it is always hardened material which you want to dispose of. Hardened material can be disposed of as residual waste. Liquid residues are defined as special- or hazardous – waste. Make sure to consult the SDS and follow the recommended disposal procedures.

The reaction rate of addition crosslinking silicones can be increased via platinum accelerators, thereby ensuring crosslinking at temperatures below 20 ° C. If the ambient temperatures is too high, the reaction can be slowed down using a retarder. For condensation curing silicone systems, the reaction time can be shortened by increasing the amount of crosslinker. The mixing ratio must not be changed. Crosslinkers for different processing times are also available for some silicone systems. It is essential to consult the technical data sheet in advance.

The service life of silicone moulds is heavily dependent on the casting resin used. Slow hardening casting resins attack the mold surface more strongly. By using silicone systems with oil-curing crosslinkers or by using silicone spray before each casting, the service life can be extended. For molds with a hardened surface, the mould may be slightly regenerated by storage in silicone oil at 40°C – 80°C for 4 – 8 hours.

It is highly advisable to evacuate the air trapped in the mixing process by evacuation.
If no vacuum chamber is available, you can also proceed as follows:
First, a small amount of silicone is mixed and applied with a brush as a 1-2 mm thick layer on the original. Allow this layer to rest at room temperature until the surface is substantially free of bubbles and has crosslinked. Then the remaining amount of silicone is mixed and thus poured onto the mould.

There are two types of silicone rubber chemistry

1. Addition curing silicones
can be accelerated chemically by addition of platinum accelerator or by an increase of the curing temperature. Detailed information can be found on the TDS of the product

2. Condensation curing silicones
can be accelerated in part by increasing the amount of crosslinker. This may change the properties of the cured silicone. An increase in curing temperature does not accelerate the cure of condensation curing silicones. Detailed information can be found on the TDS of the product.

When processing silicone products, the protective measures recommended by the professional association of the chemical industry should be observed. We recommend wearing safety goggles and disposable gloves.

All addition curing silicone elastomers are susceptible to inhibition of crosslinking when in contact with certain materials and chemicals. Inhibition occurs when the elastomer is only partially cross-linked after 24 hours or when the contact surface with another material is tacky. Materials containing amines or sulfur compounds and non-ferrous metals have a particularly strong inhibiting effect, as do organotin compounds in condensation-curing silicone rubbers. It is advisable to examine mixing containers, molding boxes, originals and release agents for inhibiting effects before processing.