Poly-Optic® 1411 Clear Casting Resin

Poly-Optic® 1411 Clear Casting Resin is a two-part, liquid polyurethane resin that cures (RTV) to a water-clear, Shore D80 plastic. This product has a simple 1A:1B mix ratio by volume.

Vacuum and/or pressure casting techniques are recommended for this product. Cure inhibition can occur when casting this resin in tin-cured silicone rubber molds – use a platinum-cured silicone rubber mold if working with silicones.

MOLD PREPARATION: Poly-Optic products reproduce minute detail
from a mold or pattern, but may stick or foam when poured on
improperly prepared surfaces; ensure that the surface is moisture-
free. Perform a trial casting on a surface similar to the final mold to
avoid damaging a valuable mold. Polyethylene and silicone rubber
(i.e., PlatSil® 71- and 73-Series) molds, do not require a release agent.
[CAUTION: Condensation-cure silicones (i.e., TinSil® 70-Series) are not
recommended for casting Poly-Optic since residual alcohol can inhibit
cure or produce hazy castings.] Latex, polyurethane or metal molds
must be dry and require a coat of a suitable release agent (i.e., Pol-Ease®
2300 Release Agent). For optically clear castings, use highly polished
masters to create molds with excellent surface quality.

MIXING: Before mixing resins, be sure that both Parts A and B are at
room temperature and that all tools and molds are ready to go! Use
metal or plastic mixing vessels (i.e., polyethylene pail) and spatulas to
avoid introducing moisture. Shake or stir Part B before use, if required.
Carefully weigh or measure proper ratios of A and B into a mixing
container. Mix immediately, thoroughly scraping sides and bottom.
Vacuum degas mix and pour into the mold as quickly as possible. Using
pre-heated molds (i.e., 150°F) reduces shrinkage and improves the
surface quality of Poly-Optic parts. Pressure casting helps produce clear
castings. A light spray of Pol-Ease 2300 Release Agent or quickly passing
the flame of a torch over the back of the casting helps to break bubbles
on the back of the pour. To produce bubble-free castings, vacuum
degassing and pressure casting is necessary.

Once Part A and B containers are opened, use the product completely
or reseal tightly since atmospheric moisture may cause foaming of the
plastic. To lengthen shelf life, spray Poly Purge, a heavier-than-air dry
gas, into the open containers before resealing. If containers collapse
slightly over time, reopen containers and spray more Poly Purge to keep
containers from further collapse.

CURING: Allow castings to remain in the mold until thoroughly cured.
Parts demolded too soon may be subject to deformation. Use pre-
warmed molds to hasten curing, and reduce shrinkage and improve
overall quality of the casting. Low temperatures slow the cure and
extend demold time.

Poly-Optic 1410, 1411, 14-70 and 1490 cure at room temperature. For
plastic castings less than ¼-inch thick, 1411 is recommended because it
can be demolded more quickly in thin sections. For thinner castings, or
when using Poly-Optic 1410 for thin parts, add Part 14X Catalyst or heat
cure (8 hr at 140-150°F). Castings greater than ½-in thick do not require
heat or 14X, but the addition or use of either will speed up the curing
process considerably.

Poly-Optic 1412 and 1420 are demoldable after 30 minutes at 175°F
and, if desired, can be post cured for 16 hours at 150°F for optimum
physical properties. To produce brittle, glass-like parts and props, cure
1420 at room temperature.

Wash mold release from surfaces prior to painting or bonding.

ACCELERATING CURE SPEED: Poly-Optic® 14 Part X Accelerator can be
mixed into Part B prior to adding Part A to accelerate gel and cure times.
For castings less than ½-in thick, Part X is recommended. Add 0.5% Part
X to the total mix weight to speed the cure significantly (e.g, 0.5g Part X
in a 100g mix of 1410 halves the pour and cure time). Exotherm (heat of
reaction) and thus shrinkage on cooling is also increased. Experiment to
determine the best amount of Part X to use, but do not use more than
1% Part X because final physical properties may be affected.

RETARDING CURE SPEED: Poly-Optic® 14 Part R Retarder slows the
cure of Poly-Optic systems. Slowing the cure also reduces exothermic
heating, which can cause distortion, waviness and shrinkage especially
in castings >½-inch thick. For every part of Part R added, an equal part of
Part A must be added to the mix. Add 1.5% Part R to the total mix weight
of 1410 to increase the pot-life from 15 to 70 minutes. Add 1% Part R to
1411 to double the working time from 9 to 18 minutes. Depending on
the size and mass of the part, post curing 14-70 and 1410 parts in the
mold at >140°F for 12 to 16 hours may be necessary. The extended pot-
life creates a lower exotherm upon curing, allowing larger castings to
be made without distortion. Never use more than 4% Part R since the
system may not cure properly. For larger castings, consider Poly-Optic
1411 ES7 with a 7-hour pot-life and low exotherm.

COLORS: Add PolyColors to 14-Series Part B before mixing with Part A
to create clear plastics of any color.

EXTERIOR USES: Although Poly-Optic 1410, 1411, 1411 ES7, 1412, 1420
and 1490 are non-yellowing formulas, they are not recommended for
long-term exterior use. To improve durability for exterior applications,
add 1% Poly UV Additive to the total mix weight of Poly-Optic to reduce
the onset of chalking and pitting of the outside surface for ~2 years. Add
3% Poly UV Additive to achieve good exterior stability beyond 5 years.

CLEAN UP: Tools should be wiped clean before the plastic is hard.
Denatured ethanol is a good cleaning solvent, but it must be handled
with extreme caution owing to its flammability and health hazards.
Work surfaces can be waxed or coated with Pol-Ease 2300 Release
Agent so cured rubber can be removed.

SAFETY: Before use, thoroughly read Safety Data Sheets and product
labels. Follow safety precautions and directions.

Part A: Keep out of reach of children. Avoid breathing fumes, vapors,
mists, or spray. Use only outdoors or with adequate general or local
exhaust ventilation to minimize exposure levels. If needed, a NIOSH-
approved respirator with organic vapor cartridge may be used. If inhaled,
remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for
breathing. If experiencing respiratory irritation, get medical attention.
Wear impervious gloves, such as butyl rubber or nitrile rubber. Wash
contaminated clothing before reuse. Wash skin thoroughly with soap
and water after handling. If skin irritation or rash occurs, get medical
attention. Wear eye protection, such as chemical safety glasses/googles.
If in eyes, rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, removing
contact lenses if present and easy to do. Store in a well-ventilated place
and keep container tightly closed.

Part B: Keep out of reach of children. Do not breathe fumes or vapors.
Use with adequate general or local exhaust ventilation to minimize
exposure levels. If needed, a NIOSH-approved respirator with organic
vapor cartridge may be used. If inhaled, remove victim to fresh air and
keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. Wear impervious
gloves, such as butyl rubber or nitrile rubber. Wash skin thoroughly with
soap and water after handling. Wear eye protection, such as chemical
safety glasses/googles. If in eyes, rinse cautiously with water for several
minutes, removing contact lenses if present and easy to do. If spilled,
avoid release to the environment.

STORAGE LIFE: Poly-Optic liquids can be stored for at least 6 months in
unopened containers stored at room temperature. Poly-Optic Part As may
crystallize slightly or become viscous during storage. If crystallization occurs
warm the container to 100-120°F until crystals dissipate. Cool to room
temperature before use.

Part A SDS

Part B SDS