Reusing cured silicon and plastic. Whats the final verdict?

[alix965]

I would like to know what the experts think. I have a bunch of waste molds that I'm considering using for a final cast. In addition I have some less than perfect test pulls that are just sitting there, mocking me, just daring me to get my money's worth out of them.

So if I shred the rubber and grind/grate the plastic, do you guys think it a viable option as filler for a new mold/cast?

Thanks

 

[Hickeydog]

I'm no caster, but I think that will work. I remember seeing Throsolli doing something similar to that in his epic MK6 build.

 

[alix965]

I'm no caster, but I think that will work. I remember seeing Throsolli doing something similar to that in his epic MK6 build.

I tried searching the words reusing and material and old molds and casts in the creation and general duicsussion forums but I never thought of looking in the elite section. imma go there right now.
Thanks for putting me on the path friend.

 

[Brandon McClain]

You can use it as filler, for things like keys and what not, but I am wary about reusing it in a glove mold. Some will. If you do, use it on later layers. Make sure you cut it into smaller pieces. You can also use an adhesion promoter like sil-poxy which will help.

 

[alix965]

You can use it as filler, for things like keys and what not, but I am wary about reusing it in a glove mold. Some will. If you do, use it on later layers. Make sure you cut it into smaller pieces. You can also use an adhesion promoter like sil-poxy which will help.

Thanks Brandon! That sounds exactly like what I was planning. I was thinking a detail layer with the new stuff and then pouring in the new/old mix to fill out the rest of the mold box. I'm assuming the Sil-poxy is a smooth-on product? It sounds like something they would sell. Also do you think that the urethane could be used the same way? I know they sell almond shell shavings or something that would act as a filler. I can't see why cured plastic couldn't as well.

 

[Loess]

Thanks Brandon! That sounds exactly like what I was planning. I was thinking a detail layer with the new stuff and then pouring in the new/old mix to fill out the rest of the mold box. I'm assuming the Sil-poxy is a smooth-on product? It sounds like something they would sell. Also do you think that the urethane could be used the same way? I know they sell almond shell shavings or something that would act as a filler. I can't see why cured plastic couldn't as well.

The urethane could probably be ground up and used for thickening new casting resin, to make a knock-off kind of plasti-paste for mothermolds. You'd need to grind it fairly fine, or use something like cabosil to make the resin thick and sticky, and add the coarse-ground urethane for bulk.