Silpak, Inc

Life Casting

Silginate (Alginate)

Silginate (Alginate) is a powder derived from kelp and formulated with other proprietary ingredients to give a user-friendly, body safe (life casting), easy mix (1 to 1 by Volume), temporary mold-making material. Plaster parts are usually cast in Silginate molds. It is also used to custom shrink parts.

Applications:

1) Quick Reproduction

2) Life Casting—Body Parts

3) Waste Molds

4) Part Size Reduction

Mix Instructions:

Mold--Weigh out a ratio of 30% Silginate to 70% water (50/50 by Volume, water temp.75-80F) in separate containers. Add Silginate to the water while rapidly stirring and scraping the sides of container to create a uniform, smooth textured blend—like that of pancake batter. If blend is too thick add more water to adjust mix or add more Silginate if too watery. Mixing time of 40-60 seconds is recommended. Silginate has a work time of 3 minutes and gel time of 5 minutes.

Size Reduction--Change mix ratio to 20/80—20 parts Silginate to 80 parts water. This provides a watery mixture that flows yet is slightly pasty. Now, cast and pressurize to capture details. Allow piece to dry until desired size is achieved. Rotating piece and allowing air exposure to part’s various surfaces will ensure a more uniform shrinkage.

Silginate

Tips:

Variations of water temperature and percentage of water will affect mixture viscosity and cure times, i.e., warmer water will reduce work time while cooler water will extend it. If adhesion for multiple layers is required, a solution of sodium carbonate (baking soda) and water (1/2 teaspoon to 4 ounces of water) can be brushed on Silginate surface and additional layer applied. When applying to skin, spray or wet skin with water to lower surface tension, which improves surface quality from voids and bubbles. For face application, pull back all hair and grease up hairlines and facial hair with Vaseline or tearless baby shampoo. For a back-up or support mother mold, Plaster Bandages can be used to support Silginate mold for casting. If Silginate piece is to be used at a later time, wrapping it in a damp cloth or towel and sealing in a plastic bag or container will temporarily preserve it.

Available Sizes: 1 lb, 3 lb, 20 lb, and 100 lb

The information and data contained herein are based on information we believe reliable. Each user of the material should thoroughly test any application and independently conclude satisfactory performance before commercializing. Suggestions of uses should not be taken as inducements to infringe on any particular patent.