Clear Resin – Polycraft- Opticast – 1000

Reinvention

Research

Storytelling

Polycraft OptiCast 1000 is a two component polyurethane system which is water clear when cured. Polycraft OptiCast 1000 is ideal for rapid prototyping, embedding or any type of clear casting. I use it for creating false eyes. It can be tinted using oil paints. It allows you to create ultar clear objects. Before use ensure that the master model from which the mould is made has the exact finish that is required in the cast or finished units, i.e.. for optimum clarity polish the master model to a very high sheen. Ensure that the mould is clean and dry. If the mould is made from metal or resin, use a release agent. Condensation cured silicone rubber should not be used with OptiCast 1000. It may be necessary to preheat the mould to 40°C in order to prevent shrinkage at the corners and sides of the casting. Open both A and B containers and examine for any signs of crystallization, place in the oven at 45 – 60°C if any crystals are observed. Ensure that both components are between 20 – 25°C before mixing. If using pigments, add the pigment to the part A. To eliminate bubbles put it into a vacuum chamber then once in the mould place in a pressure pot. https://www.mbfg.co.uk/polycraft-opticast-1000.html https://www.mbfg.co.uk/polycraft-opticast-1000.html

Material

Experimental materials
Other

Craft

Other

General Technique

Forming and shaping

Specific Technique

I use it to create a core of my eyes. This is dyed off white. Once this is cured I add red yarn fibres to imitate veins. To stick you use clear acrylic varnish. Then the iris can be painted with acrylic paints.

I like to dye a small amount of resin black and use it for the pupil. Once this is dry I use the resin to create a clear coat.

This magnifies the layers underneath like a real corneal bulge would do.

I use these to create hyperrealist sculptures. When using any clear resin it is important to vacuum chamber the mixed resin then once in the mould placed in a pressure pot until cured to eliminate bubbles. 24 hours later they can be buffed to make them shine.

Properties & Qualities

Application

Sculpture Art Other

Sample Information

Date of creation

2010

Weight

It come in kits of 440g to 8.8kg

Culture & Context

I used the material to create false eye for hyper realistic busts, prosthetics, puppets for film, street spectacle and theatre.

Process & Production

Mixing ratio example 440g Kit (200g Part A & 240g Part B)

Use oil paint to tint or dye. Can be painted with acrylic paints

Recipe Details

Mixing ratio example 440g Kit (200g Part A & 240g Part B)

Mould Preparation

Before use ensure that the master model from which the mould is made has the exact finish that is required in the cast or finished units, i.e.. for optimum clarity polish the master model to a very high sheen. Ensure that the mould is clean and dry. If the mould is made from metal or resin, use a release agent. Condensation cured silicone rubber should not be used with OptiCast 1000. It may be necessary to preheat the mould to 40°C in order to prevent shrinkage at the corners and sides of the casting.

Resin Preparation
Open both A and B containers and examine for any signs of crystallization, place in the oven at 45 – 60°C if any crystals are observed. Ensure that both components are between 20 – 25°C before mixing. If using pigments, add the pigment to the part A.

Mixing instructions

Do not use paper cups or wooden mixing sticks as these may introduce moisture to the mix which may cause excess air in the cast or cure inhibition. Mix the two components at the correct ratio, mixing carefully to avoid air inclusion and making sure the material at the sides and bottom of the mix vessel is well stirred into the middle. The material may become cloudy in appearance for a few minutes. Pour the material into the mould, ideally onto the sides and in one place to reduce air bubbles

Curing
If the casting has thin sections, it is advisable either to use preheated moulds (see “Mould Preparation” above), or to post cure the castings after gelation in an oven at 40 – 50°C for 3 hours. Allow the casting to cure for at least 48 hours before machining or polishing. To avoid distortion ensure that the material does not reach temperatures above 60°C during machining or polishing.

For Professional Use Only – Please ensure TDS and SDS are understood before use, PPE required for use / handling.

Credits

Craft Maker

Paul McDonnell

Library Contributor

National College of Art & Design Ireland

Photographer

Paul McDonnell

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