Polycraft Cold Casting Metal Powders - By MB Fibreglass

[@lkelevra7636]

Is there a real explosion/fire hazard while cold casting with these little quantities of powders? Aluminium powder, for example, reacts with water, but moisty environment is it really a significant risk in cold casting? I' ve found few accurate info about cold casting hazards, and generally it seems to be pretty safe.

[@skerriesrockart]

no its fine

[@18B_Madder]

Any powder when fine enough can present a fire hazard and have the potential to explode. Most of that depends on the micron level of the powder. If you had some ultra fine powders, they are easily set on fire obviously and can combust given the right conditions. If you buy the stuff in this video, the powders are extremely low risk.

[@animasityal-waafy4713]

So this is a mixture of resin and metal powder. Or was it s chemical reaction involved in this?

[@crispyjokingtuna1495]

The metal powder is acting more akin to a dye or Micah powder. It colors the resin and the finished product will bear characteristics of metal. However it doesn’t play a role in the chemical reaction between part a and b

[@yahyoooh2]

are the mechanical properties of these metals are similar to their normal casting counterparts ?

[@MBFibreglass]

For the most part no. this processes is really for decorative / artistic purposes

[@221b-Maker-Street]

Well, they're not metals are they - they're _resin_ with a fine dusting of metal powder. Resin is no competition to steel, for example - how many resin bridges have you driven across?!

[@mymatemartin]

Can this product be applied to external doors and windows? Can it be applied with spray gun? Can consistency be made to vary by increasing or decreasing the volume of metal powder in the mix? Cheers from Australia. Great video.

[@MBFibreglass]

Hi Martin, we have a number of customers who are using our metal powders with polyesters and epoxies, some also using their own paints (no details as they weren't sharing details). Guys using this on tables, door knobs, big decorations in hotel lobbies etc. Ultimately some R&D required to determine suitability.

[@MBFibreglass]

We have customers putting the powders through spray guns with a range of resins and some paints.

[@tvwatcher3000]

I am trying manufacturing Wheel Balancing weights at low cost, total cost per Kg should not exceed 1,5 USD/Kg final molded material before adding adhesive strip for installation. DO ypu thing is possible reaching these costs using metal powder and resing?

[@disposabull]

No, not even close. Metal powders usually cost $30+ per kg and resin costs $30+ per kg.

[@twocansamm]

Would a magnet stick to these surfaces at all?

[@18B_Madder]

Yes, of course, just not the aluminum obviously.

[@Etnukat]

How do you combat particle sinkage? I am afraid that it might be a problem.

[@MBFibreglass]

its not really an issue with the fast setting polyurethanes.

[@8thsinner]

They are very nice looking casts, how does this stuff handle bubbles? Did you need to hit those with a heat gun?

[@MBFibreglass]

You wouldn't use a heat gun in this instance, if you are experiencing bubbles on the back (the pour side) you can use a very light dusting of silicone spray release to break the bubbles on the back surface if needed.

[@8thsinner]

@@MBFibreglass I have never heard of this, can you explain how that works chemically speaking? And do all silicone sprays works or just some?

[@MBFibreglass]

@@8thsinner essentially the silicone spray will provide a defoaming action, the silicone spray essentially helps break surface tension breaking the bubbles on the surface. Abit of trial and error required, defintely not to be used in excess, or if parts are to be joined or painted we would advise against it.

[@8thsinner]

@@MBFibreglass Thanks for the detailed explanation.

[@keithbrewer3465]

Can this be mixed to a consistency where it could be brushed on or applied by spatula?

[@skerriesrockart]

Yes but thats just as it starts to set..your working time will be about 30 seconds!

[@TiefsThings]

Do you know if you can sub PU resin for epoxy? will it hold the powder for long enough without it sinking?

[@MBFibreglass]

A fast setting epoxy should work reasonably well but you are limited with the depth of cast as the resin could otherwise overheat, the slow setting resins you will find the metal powders dropping out of suspension and sitting on the mould face but you could agitate the mix as the material starts to set up to as you may be able to get it to hold just before it goes to far into the cure.

[@Adam_Boots]

Would this work well with SG2000L? I need to use a resin with a slightly longer pot time and was wondering about the metal powder settling.

[@MBFibreglass]

Hi Adam, the SG2000L will work in a similar fashion but there is more of a chance of the heavier particles settling, it might be worth doing a thin slush cast of resin and metal powder and then backfilling.

[@xavierforest8866]

I am trying to make a cold casted part that is conductive. I have tryied with different metal powders but it doesn't work for now. Do you know if your powders could be used in such a way ?

[@Sketchy_Dood]

It probably doesn’t work since it’s mixed with resin i guess you could try cast it with some wires it?

[@thedorklylionchannel415]

What's the best product to chemically age the cold cast, as in adding a patina to the bronze?

[@stevemcconnell645]

There is a range of chemicals that can be used for creating the patina, it will depend on which metal you are working on. We don't stock any of the chemicals but the Science Company has a good list of the chemicals for creating different effects. www.sciencecompany.com/Patina-Formulas-for-Brass-Bronze-and-Copper.aspx#30

[@m4d_mark_xtr3me79]

I found that the alcohol in spirit based dyes certainly patina'd the copper... Must have been a chemical reaction during mixing... Made for some very interesting results

[@CC-xi6lk]

Is this just for resin or could I use these with jesmonite?

[@MBFibreglass]

They will work to an extent and would require some trial and error, we do have some customers use the metal powders with the jesmonite systems but jesmonite have their metal gelcoat product which works really well on their ac730 system

[@grandpaobvious]

How difficult is it to clean up the flashing on the back?

[@MBFibreglass]

when using a resin such as the polyurethane systems its not terribly difficult with abrasive paper, ultimately it'll depend on resin as some are tougher than others.

[@tele360]

Would the copper tarnish in this form?

[@MBFibreglass]

It can tarnish.

[@swagvids2911]

Would this work on smooth on urethane?

[@MBFibreglass]

It should do

New Solar Cell production

[@abpanchal09]

1) can you supply small qty of metal powders and resin(1kg...)? 2) can you supply by express (dhl,fedex...) door delivery? 3) can you tell me approx cost of different metal powder (1kg)& mould making material?

[@MBFibreglass]

yes, just head over to mbfg.co.uk, orders can be placed and paid for online.

[@BossTweed69]

How strong is this when cured?

[@MBFibreglass]

depends on resin type, shape/size of part and multiple other variables etc.

[@8thsinner]

Can you offer wholesale accounts to small start up businesses purchasing resins, pigments, powders etc?

[@MBFibreglass]

Our pricing is all quantity-based and pricing is available on the website however please email [e-mail] for bulk order and our sales team can advise if there is any further discount available.

[@unlimitedrayray2923]

Hi, if the metal (moulded copper or aluminium) gets to temperatures above 500°C will it deform?

[@unlimitedrayray2923]

Will it also still be able to conduct electricity?