5.9 Castable Silicone VS Kneadable Silicone.

Characteristic

To pour

Knead

More info

Takeover detail

X

Liquid silicone takes over the smallest details of the model, gaps and undercuts are no problem. Kneadable silicone often has trouble with detail or deeper areas.

Coloring

X

Coloring cast silicone is easily done by adding a colorant paste. Coloring kneadable silicone is generally done in the factory.

Mix

X

Mixing the kneadable silicone is easy. A mixing bowl or spatula are not needed. Mixing casting silicone requires a mixing bowl, spatula and a bit more effort.

Process

X

For the processing of kneadable silicones you do not need to use containers or the like to pour into. The casting silicone requires preparation in the form of placing a casing and possibly plugging the gaps through which the silicone can flow away.

Use after curing

X

A cast model always has a straight top (level) and is therefore immediately ready for use. Kneadable silicone is not straight and must be level and fixed before it can be used (in the case of casting in chocolate, for example).

Support cap

X

Larger models of cast silicone can be placed on a baking sheet and are ready to use. Larger models of kneadable silicone should be provided with a support cap or something to lie level and in the original shape.

Air Entrapment

X

Liquid silicone will seep into all the cracks and holes and is self-venting. Kneadable silicone will often trap air.

Processing time

X

Because the casting silicone has a longer processing time (40 minutes) there is no need to rush. Kneadable silicone has a shorter processing time (10 minutes).

Material waste

X

Kneadable silicone can be applied to the model in the desired thickness, whereas with casting silicone it is necessary to fill the entire container.

Fragile Mother Models

X

Extremely fragile models can be moulded very well with casting silicone. Kneadable silicone often requires a little more force/pressure to be applied.

Complex models

X

A complicated model (e.g. a three-master boat) can be cast easily. Processing kneadable silicone becomes difficult or impossible.

Simple models

X

Simple models (think of medals, tokens, buttons, coins etc.) are very easy and quick to form with kneadable silicone. Casting silicone is possible in this case but very laborious.

De-moulding

X

Demoulding of cast silicone (both from the master model and from the copy) is easy due to its great flexibility. Kneadable silicone is often somewhat stiffer and has less stretch.

Price

X

Liquid silicone is often more favorable in price than kneadable silicone.

Measuring mixing ratio

X

Measuring the mixing ratio is easy to do by eye with kneadable silicone. Casting silicone requires a scale or measuring cup. And listen fairly precisely

Temperature

X

With their range of -40 to + 280, the casting silicones have a slightly higher resistance than the kneadable silicones (up to +250).