Machinable molds for use in autoclave?
Machinable molds for use in autoclave?
(OP)
Im looking for machinable mold material for use in an autoclave. The max temperature is 350 degrees F so it needs to be able to withstand that for three hours or so. Has anyone tried using wood as molding material? What i'm thinking is getting hardwood and just machining that to the desired size then sealing it with hi-temp paint. Any suggestions?






RE: Machinable molds for use in autoclave?
What precision do you need to maintain.
Regards
Pat
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RE: Machinable molds for use in autoclave?
Aluminum may be a still better choice.
I personally like to work with 2024-T3 or -T351 because it machines like butter and is hell for strong.
Be aware that it will move around a little as you machine away the locked-in stress, so you might want to use a rough/ finish machining process if your tolerances are tight.
I honestly don't know how it will behave in an autoclave; it's susceptible to stress corrosion cracking, and a lot of stress is already built in.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Machinable molds for use in autoclave?
RE: Machinable molds for use in autoclave?
The cure is a little weird; phenolic emits water as a reaction product just before it gels, so you may be troubled with voids.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Machinable molds for use in autoclave?
Regards
Pat
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RE: Machinable molds for use in autoclave?
RE: Machinable molds for use in autoclave?
I don't think concrete shrinks anywhere near that much, but you do have to let it dry for a while.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Machinable molds for use in autoclave?
It sets like a firm gell in a few hours, hard overnight and rock hard after a week or so.
If you can find the blowing agent and figure out exactly how much to use, it might just work.
Regards
Pat
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RE: Machinable molds for use in autoclave?
http://www.cmtmaterials.com/hytac.htm