Smooth-On’s FOAM-iT!® Series are two-component water blown rigid foams that are versatile and easy to use. Parts A and B are measured and mixed in equal amounts by volume. The mixture is then poured into a mold or other form (apply release agent if necessary). The mixture will expand many times original volume (depending on which FOAM-iT!® product you are using) and develop a uniform cell structure. FOAM-IT!® 10 is tack-free in about 4 – 6.5 minutes, developing handling strength in 20 minutes and full cure in 2 hours.
FOAM-iT!® products can be used as a straight casting material, backfill material for hollow castings (adds structural strength) or as an encapsulation material, etc. They can be color pigmented with SO-Strong®, UVO® or IGNITE® colorants and are used for a variety of art/ craft, industrial design and special effects applications.
Instructions
PREPARATION – Store and use at room temperature (73°F/23°C). Environmental humidity should be as low as possible. Good ventilation (room size) is essential. This product has a limited shelf life and should be used as soon as possible. Wear safety glasses, long sleeves and rubber gloves to minimize contamination risk.
Because no two applications are quite the same, a small test application to determine suitability for your project is recommended if performance of this material is in question.
IMPORTANT: Shelf life of product is reduced after opening. Remaining product should be used as soon as possible. Immediately replacing the lids on both containers after dispensing product will help prolong the shelf life of the unused product. XTEND-IT® Dry Gas Blanket (available from Smooth-On) will significantly prolong the shelf life of unused liquid urethane products.
APPLYING A RELEASE AGENT – Urethane foams are adhesive and will stick / bond to many surfaces. We recommend Ease Release 2831 to release urethane foam from most surfaces. If the release application is particularly difficult (example; releasing urethane foam from urethane rubber), we recommend an application of Universal Mold Release followed by an application of Ease Release 2831. WARNING: Do not use Universal Mold Release by itself, or any other silicone based release agents. This will collapse the foam.
MEASURING & MIXING – Liquid urethanes are moisture sensitive and will absorb atmospheric moisture. Mixing tools and containers should be clean and made of metal, glass or plastic. Materials should be stored and used in a warm environment (73°F/23°C). Know the mix ratio for the FOAM-iT!® product you are using. After dispensing the correct amounts of Parts A and B into mixing container, mix thoroughly for 45 seconds. Stir quickly making sure that you scrape the sides and bottom of the mixing container several times. Be careful not to splash low viscosity material out of the container. Remember, foams cure quickly. Do not delay between mixing and pouring.
Pouring & Curing – For best results, pour your mixture in a single spot at the lowest point of the containment field and let the mixture seek its level. Allow space in the containment field for the foam to grow as it expands to its ultimate volume. Allow foam to cure for at least 20 minutes before handling.
Improving Surface Finish & Minimizing Voids With Back Pressure – Use a board that will completely cover the mold opening. Using a 3/4” (2 cm) drill bit, drill 3 holes in the board spaced a few inches/cm apart. Make sure that when the board is placed over the mold opening the holes are over the mold cavity and rising foam will be able to make it through. Apply Ease Release® 2831 thoroughly to both sides of the board and into the drilled holes. Mix and pour FOAM-iT!® into mold cavity and place board over mold opening. Secure board firmly in place (mold straps may be necessary). As foam rises in the mold cavity, some foam will grow out of the drilled holes. After the foam stops growing, you can let go of the board. Do not handle for at least 20 minutes. You can then cut excess material that came through holes and gently remove board and casting.
Fully Cured Foam can be sanded, machined, drilled, etc. (wear NIOSH approved respirator). Foam can also be primed and/or painted.
Data At-A-Glance
Mix Ratio By Volume | 1A:1B |
Mix Ratio By Weight | 100A:87B |
Specific Gravity | 0.16 g/cc |
Specific Volume | 157 cu. in./lb. |
Color | Beige |
Pot Life | 3.5 minutes |
Cure Time | 4 hours |
Tack Free Time | 1 hour |
Expansion (approximate) | 6 times |
Foam Density | 10 lb/ft3 |
Compressive Strength | 325 psi |
Mixed Viscosity | 400 cps |