Vacuum or Pressure

[PedroDelgado]

Hi everyone,
I am getting ready to do my first casting. The question is: In order to eliminate bubbles on an Acrylic only casting (no wood involved), what is best to use; pressure or vacuum?
Cheers
Pedro

 

[el_d]

Pedro,
For PR you really don't need to use pressure or Vacuum. While mixing your colors try not to ADD any air into the PR and you could warm the resin to thin it a bit.

 

[sbell111]

To actually answer the question posed, use pressure, not vacuum, to eliminate bubbles.

 

[penmantoo]

can anyone enlighten me please i do a lot of casting incorporating photos of whatever someone wants i use clear casting epoxy with a vacuum tank and 24 inches and i dont have any problems but i do warm the resin slightly also i have instaled a vibrating unit in the tank base

 

[its_virgil]

Look in the library. There are several casting articles. Look for the one entitled "Bubble Free Casting". I understand the author uses no vacuum and no pressure. I must try that sometime.:wink::wink::biggrin:
Do a good turn daily!
Don

can anyone enlighten me please i do a lot of casting incorporating photos of whatever someone wants i use clear casting epoxy with a vacuum tank and 24 inches and i dont have any problems but i do warm the resin slightly also i have instaled a vibrating unit in the tank base

 

[PenMan1]

Unless you are embedding items under resins. You'll likely do more harm than good with pressure. I NEVER USE VACUUM, unless there is no other way!!!!

Too many things to go wrong with vacuum and the consequences of a "misque" with vaccuum is VERY EXPENSIVE.

As Don suggests, go to the library. Additionally, his sight: http://www.redriverpens.com is a great source for casting without "gadgets".

 

[sbell111]

Unless you are embedding items under resins. You'll likely do more harm than good with pressure.

I'm confuesed by this statement. What do you mean 'harm'?

I've cast hundreds of blanks under pressure, both with and without embedded items. Never have I seen any related 'harm'.

 

[PTownSubbie]

Unless you are embedding items under resins. You'll likely do more harm than good with pressure.

I'm confuesed by this statement. What do you mean 'harm'?

I've cast hundreds of blanks under pressure, both with and without embedded items. Never have I seen any related 'harm'.

I think what Andy means (Not trying to put words in his mouth) is that pressure for a new caster sometimes puts more variables in the mix. The more variables, the more failures.....

I believe in keeping it simple until you get the hang of it and then move to the more complex evolutions.....

Just my 2 cents.....