• Non-yellowing, crystal clear
• Easy stirring, low viscosity
• Easy to machine, 1420 is buffable
• Odorless
• Reproduces fine detail, air bubbles rise and break
• Extended working time
• Tough, non-brittle, low shrinkage formula

Optic Resins are two components, water clear, polyurethane casting systems, devised specifically for use where optical clarity is required. Low viscosities and extended pot lives permit simple degassing and handling. Certain dyes may be added to each system to obtain clear, colored castings.

All work with Optic must be performed with vacuum and/or pressure in warm surroundings. We do not suggest trying to use Optic without vacuum or pressure. Temperature below 74°F will result in poor cures with bubbles.

Optic 1410 is practically indestructible and more affordable than Optic 1420. Optic1410 can be cured at room temperature and may be post cured at 65°C ((150°F) to enhance physical properties.

Optic 1420 is a strong, high impact resistant system. It is recommended for use where polishing rough surfaces and higher heat resistance is necessary. Optic 1420 must be heat cured between 65-80°C ((150-180°F).).

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

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. It is not recommended to use unfilled, unpigmented systems for long terms. Casting thick sections from 1/2 to 1 inch thick may cause exothermic heating resulting in distortion, waviness and significant shrinkage.

Blending Optic 1410 and 14-70* for Variable Hardness
Shore A and Shore D Hardnesses

Optic 1410 Part A

100

100

100

100

100

Optic 1410 Part B

52

42

33

23

13

Optic 14-70 Part B

25

44

62

82

100

Shore A Hardness

95

88

75

Shore D Hardness

87

77

60

37

25

*Note: Premix Optic 1410 and 14-70 Part B's prior to mixing with Part A.
Optic 1410 and 14-70 Part A's are  the same, therefore premixing of the Part A's is not necessary.

These products will replicate minuscule details from a mold or pattern, but may stick or foam when applied to improperly equipped surfaces. An experimental casting on a surface finish comparable to the final mold should be constructed to avoid damaging a valuable mold. Polyethylene and Platinum Silicone rubber molds do not need a release agent and are the premium choice for a mold material for Optic. Condensation-type tin-catalyzed silicones must be free of residual alcohol because it may inhibit the surface cure of Optic resins. Baking for 4-8 hours at 250-280¼F before use will guarantee an alcohol free silicone mold. Latex, polyurethane rubber or metal molds must be dry and need a coat of suitable release agent, such as Ease 2300 Release Agent. For optical clarity, highly polished molds are required, such as shiny polyethylene or polypropylene or silicone rubber mold of a polished surface.

Part 14X is a strong catalyst used to increase the speed of curing for Optic Resins. For optimal performance, combine Parts A and B and degas if necessary. Then, add Part 14X and degas if needed. To speed the cure significantly, add one half of one percent. For example, in order to reduce the cure and pouring time by half, add one half of one percent of Part 14X in a 100 gram mix of Optic 1410. The shrinkage on cooling is increased as the heat of reaction, or exotherm, is increased. Use experimental results to establish the correct amount of Part 14X. Using more than 1% Part 14X of the total weight of the mix will alter final physical properties.

Prepare all molds and equipment prior to mixing. Parts A and B should be clear liquids above 60¼F. Atmospheric moisture contamination may cause foaming of the plastic. After containers of Parts A and B are opened, they should be used quickly and resealed tightly. Avoid introducing moisture with paper or wood tools by using metal or plastic mixing vessels and spatulas. The subsequent formula has been developed to choose the appropriate amounts of Parts A and B for Optic 1410: 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. One fifth of total mix times 2 equals the amount of Part B required. Weigh Parts A and B in a mixing container. Polyethylene buckets are superb and often reusable. If desired, add Part 14X after components are weighed. Mix instantly, thoroughly scrape sides and bottom, and vacuum degas if preferred. Immediately pour mix into cavity. Pressure casting produces clear castings. Quickly passing the flame of a torch over the back of the casting or a light spray of Ease 2300 Release Agent will help break any bubbles on the back of the pour. Degas Part B separately for best degassing results. Then, add Part A and mix both components together. Finally, degas total mix.

The product will last at least 6 months in unopened containers at room temperature (60-90¼F). During storage, Optic 14 Series Part A's may crystallize slightly or become highly viscous. Warm the container to 40-50¼C (100-120¼F) with container lids loose to prevent pressure buildup until crystals dissipate if crystallization has occurred. Before use, cool to room temperature.

Acrylics

The typical embedment resin entails a long, slow heat cure. It can generate high exotherm, a strong odor (uncured) and high shrinkage. It is also relatively expensive.

Polyesters

Many grades have a green or purple tint. They are cost efficient, but encompass a strong odor (uncured), and excessive shrinkage.

Epoxies

Use Poxy 1010 and Cure 1212 for small castings, Cure 1220 for coatings, and Cure 1230 for large castings to yield superior clarity with vacuum or pressure assisted castings to remove bubbles. The products are not as colorless as Optic, but still function well. Do not allow heat of reaction to spoil castings in masses thicker than advised in the technical bulletin.

Physical Properties:

Optic 1410

Optic 1420

Optic 14-70

Mix ratio, by weight

3A to 2B (100A:67B)

2A to 1B (100A:50B)

4A to 5B (100A:125B)

Hardness

85 Shore D

85 Shore D

70 Shore A

Pour time, 2 lb. mix

15 min.

15 min.

15 min.

Max. exotherm, 2 lb. mass (4x4 in. cylinder)

129^oC (265^oF)

155^oC (311^oF)

88^oC (190^oF)

Demold time

2 hours (1" thick casting)*

8 hours @ 65^oC (or 30 min. @ 80^oC)

24-48 hours

Specific gravity, g/cc

1.07

1.05

1.06

Color, cured

Water clear

Water clear

Water clear

Viscosity, 2 min. after mixing

700 cps.

250 cps.

336 cps.

Specific volume, cu. inches/pound

27.5

27.5

27.5

Shrinkage during cure

Very low**

Very low**

Very low**

*Demold time for Optic 1410 and 14-70 will vary depending on thickness of casting and the amount of Part 14 X added.
**Shrinkage is primarily caused by gelling while hot then cooling. Parts that cure with minimal temperature rise  will exhibit minimal shrinkage.

Packaging:

Containers

Size

Net lbs.

Product

Weight/lbs.

A

B

A

B

Optic 1410
Mix Ratio
3A to 2B

10.0

3x1 qt.

2x1 qt.

6.0

4.0

60.0

5 gal.

3x1 gal.

36.0

24.0

Optic 1420
Mix Ratio
2A to 1B

6

2x1 qt.

1 qt.

4.0

2.0

24

2x1 gal.

1 gal.

16.0

8.0

120

2x5 gal.

5 gal.

80.0

40.0

Optic 14-70
Mix Ratio
4A to 5B

14.4

1 gal.

1 gal.

6.4

8.0

72.0

5 gal.

5 gal.

32.0

40.0

Part 14X-Catalyst: 1 oz., 1 pt. (1.0 lb), 1 gal. (8.0 lbs.), 5 gal. (40.0 lbs.)
Ease 2300 Aerosol Cans: 12 oz. can, Case of 12 cans