Mold making & casting.
Silicone reproduces the finest details and delivers dimensionally accurate castings, from architectural models to art and jewelry to production molds. The crosslinking system, Shore hardness, and release agent determine the detail fidelity and service life of the mold.
Overview
Basics
In mold making, silicones enable low-shrinkage, highly detailed impressions. Addition-curing (platinum-catalyzed) types offer minimal shrinkage, the highest dimensional accuracy, and food-grade variants, but are sensitive to inhibition by sulfur, tin, or amines. Condensation-curing (tin-catalyzed) types are more robust in handling and more cost-effective, with slightly higher shrinkage. The Shore hardness determines which geometries and undercuts can be demolded. The casting material, such as casting resin, concrete, or plaster, also influences the system and release agent selection. Silicone is often self-releasing; when casting silicone onto silicone or using reactive resins, a release agent is required. The technical data sheet of the respective system is authoritative.
Product range
Products & Brands
Addition-curing and condensation-curing RTV-2 silicones in various Shore hardnesses, plus casting resins, release agents, and processing accessories: find the right material for model making, art, and series production directly in the shop. Technical data sheets are available as a basis for decision-making.
Knowledge
Popular content
Guides and comparisons from the Knowledge Center: from material selection and Shore hardness to the right release agent.
Overview
All Articles in This World
Automatically updated, all relevant technical articles at a glance.
Addition-curing silicone does not harden: identifying inhibitors
RTV-2 Silicones in Architectural Model Making | SILITECH
Silicone for Mold Making: The Complete Guide. Material Selection, Processing, and Error Avoidance
Silicone mold for concrete: tear resistance, Shore hardness, and release agents
Release Agents for Mold Making: Comparison of Wax, PVA, Silicone, and PTFE
Areas of application
For which industry?
Molding silicones and casting resins are used, among other industries, in the following sectors.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Addition-curing or condensation-curing?
Addition-curing (platinum) for precision, dimensional accuracy, food contact, and series production. Condensation-curing (tin) for large molds, single castings, and tight budgets. Specific values are provided in the data sheet.
Do I always need a release agent?
Not strictly necessary, silicone is often self-releasing. It becomes necessary for silicone-on-silicone applications, with reactive resins such as polyurethane, and with molds made of foreign materials. A preliminary test with the original materials is advisable.
Which Shore hardness is suitable?
Delicate objects and deep undercuts require softer types, while flat and abrasive applications require harder ones. The hardness depends on geometry, cycle time, and casting material and is specified in the data sheet.
Contact
Material question still open?
Describe your application, component, and load conditions to us. We will evaluate suitable resin systems, technical data sheets, and possible alternatives.