PlatSil Accelerator Part X -Platinum Silicone Accelerator-
45,98 € Tax incl.
PlatSil Accelerator Part X is a specific accelerator for platinum silicones in the PlatSil range. With small doses over the total mixed weight you can drastically reduce working and demould times, gaining productivity in the workshop without sacrificing mould quality. It is an essential tool when deadlines are tight or when working with production runs.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product type | Accelerator for platinum (addition) silicone |
| Compatibility | PlatSil 71 / PlatSil 73 range |
| 1% dose (over total weight) | Reduces working time to ~1/3 of normal |
| 2% dose (over total weight) | Reduces working time to ~1/4 of normal |
| 3% dose (over total weight) | Reduces working time to ~1/6 of normal |
| Part of mix where it is added | Always to Part B, before mixing with Part A |
| Effect on demould time | Also reduced proportionally |
What it is used for
Part X is designed for situations where you need your PlatSil silicone to cure significantly faster than usual, whether due to production volume, low ambient temperature or delivery urgency. It is used exclusively with the PlatSil platinum silicone range:
- Accelerating production cycles in series moulding
- Compensating for long cure times in cold environments
- Reducing demould time on complex geometry parts
- Fine-tuning working time in fast casting applications
- Combining with thixotropic additive for fast brush-on layers in skin moulds
- Producing moulds under tight deadline conditions in special effects and character work
How to use it
- Calculate the total weight of the silicone mix you are going to prepare (Part A + Part B together).
- Determine the Part X dose you need: 1%, 2% or 3% over that total weight, depending on the desired time reduction. Always start with the lowest dose.
- Weigh Part B of your PlatSil silicone into the mixing container.
- Add the calculated amount of Part X directly to Part B. Mix thoroughly until completely homogeneous.
- Incorporate Part A into the Part B + Part X mixture. Mix vigorously while controlling air incorporation.
- Pour or apply the silicone immediately, as the working time will have been considerably reduced.
- Respect the new (also reduced) demould time before opening the mould.
Usage tips
Always start with the minimum dose
Although the maximum recommended dose is 3%, the time reduction is very aggressive and may catch you off guard. If you have no prior experience with Part X, always run a small-scale test at 1% before undertaking a full-size casting. This lets you calibrate behaviour under your specific temperature and geometry conditions.
Mixing order is critical
Always add Part X to Part B, never directly to Part A or into an empty container. If you add it in the wrong order, acceleration may be uneven and you will get areas with inconsistent curing. Mix Part B with Part X thoroughly before introducing Part A, and do not skip this step even if you are in a hurry.
Combine it with a good release agent
When demould time is reduced, it is tempting to open the mould before the silicone has reached its full mechanical potential. Always use a release agent suitable for silicones and respect the resulting minimum demould time. If the mould has complex geometry, wait a little longer even if the outer surface already feels firm.
Frequently asked questions
Can this accelerator be used with any platinum silicone?
No. PlatSil Accelerator Part X is formulated specifically for the PlatSil 71 and PlatSil 73 range. It has not been tested or recommended for other platinum silicones outside that range. Using an incompatible accelerator can produce unpredictable results in curing and final mechanical properties.
Can I add more than 3% to reduce working time even further?
Exceeding 3% over the total mixed weight is not recommended. Excessive doses can alter the mechanical properties of the cured silicone, cause irregular curing or generate excessive heat. If you need more speed, consider slightly pre-warming the mould or the model.
Does the accelerator affect the final properties of the mould?
At low doses (1–2%), the impact on final mechanical properties is minimal. At 3% there may be a slight variation in elasticity or hardness. For this reason it is always recommended to run small-scale tests and not to exceed the indicated doses.
How does ambient temperature affect the accelerator's performance?
Temperature amplifies the effect. In warm workshops (above 25 °C), Part X acts more intensely and working time is reduced even further. In cold environments, the effect is somewhat lower. Adjust the dose according to the actual conditions in your workshop and, again, always test at small scale first.
Can I combine it with other additives such as the thixotropic or the VF fast catalyst?
Part X is compatible with the thixotropic additive for silicones: add Part X to Part B first, then the thixotropic, and finally mix in Part A. It is not recommended to combine it simultaneously with Curing Agent 81 VF, as both accelerate curing and the combination can make working time unmanageable. Use one or the other depending on the silicone system you are using.
Does it also reduce cure time during oven post-cure?
Part X acts primarily on room-temperature curing. If you carry out oven post-cure, the time required may also be reduced, but the main effect of the accelerator is noticed during the initial working and demoulding phase. Consult the instructions for the PlatSil product you are using for post-cure parameters.
Where should I add the accelerator in the mix?
Always into Part B, before incorporating Part A. This order is critical for a homogeneous distribution of the accelerator throughout the silicone mass. Adding it at any other point or directly to Part A can cause uneven curing.
How much accelerator do I need for a mix of, say, 500 g?
The percentage is calculated over the total weight of the mix (Part A + Part B). For 500 g total: 1% equals 5 g of Part X; 2% equals 10 g; 3% equals 15 g. Always weigh using a precision scale to ensure reproducible results.