VFI®-4580 82 D UV Stable Clear Polyurethane

Features & Benefits

• Crystal clear castings perfect for prototyping applications
• Heat deflection temperature at 145°F (62.8°C)
• Long working time provides sufficient time to mix, degas, and pour by hand
• Can be vacuum degassed for bubble-free castings

Instructions for Use:

Mold Preparation

All surfaces should be clean, dry, and free of dirt, dust, or debris. Porous surfaces should be properly sealed before casting. Spraying a release agent is recommended to extend the life of the mold and prevent unwanted adhesion. When working with prototyping urethane molds, release is required. VFI recommends using Chem-Trend’s MR-515 Aerosol or a similar release agent. Be careful not to overspray the release, as this may result in a shiny/glossy surface or loss of detail transferred to the casting.

For smaller molds, we recommend heating the mold up to 150°F for 4 hours before casting. Heated molds can help to reduce bubbles and demold times. Compatible molds include urethane rubber, aluminum, and platinum silicone. A platinum silicone mold is the preferred molding type to allow for the full transfer of detail, but post-curing VFI-4580 is required when using a silicone mold.

Casting Process

The material should be used at room temperature for proper mixing and application. Premix the B side (Poly) material before each use. Avoid introducing extra moisture or air into the mix. The A side (Iso) does not need to be premixed.

VFI recommends vacuum degassing the material for bubble-free castings. Prepare a container that is an appropriate size for degassing with at least 2/3 of headspace. Measure the A side material and pour it into the mixing container. Then, measure the B side material and pour it into the same container. Slowly hand-mix the material until uniform. Make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the container. To avoid an uneven mix, pour the material into a different, clean container and mix again. VFI-4580 provides ample time to mix, degas, and pour before the end of the 10-minute pot life.

We recommend pouring at a thickness of 1/16^th of an inch to ½ an inch to create the necessary film to demold the part and prevent shrinking at corners or bubbles from forming. Pour the material into a single spot at the lowest point of the mold and allow it to seek its level. A consistent pour will minimize air bubbles.

Castings should be kept in the mold until fully cured to prevent warping. Demold time is dependent on the volume of material used and pour thickness. Thin-walled parts may not cure as well without heat. VFI-4580 should sit for at least 4 hours at room temperature before demolding. Post-curing the material in an oven for 8 hours at 170°F is required to achieve full physical properties.

Safety

*Always read the safety data sheet before working with chemicals

Use chemicals only as directed and for their intended purpose. Do not dispose of chemicals down the drain. Most chemicals must be disposed of as hazardous waste.

PPE to avoid all unnecessary exposure:

• Eye protection – wear safety glasses or goggles when using the product
• Hand protection – wear chemically resistant protective gloves (nitrile, butyl, or neoprene)
• Body protection – wear suitable protective clothing
• Respiratory protection – in case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment. Respirator selection must be based on known or anticipated exposure levels, the hazards of the product, and the safe working limits of the selected respirator

Product Limitations

This product contains isocyanate, which may be irritating to the skin and is toxic if inhaled as particulate matter. Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors and repeated skin contact. The material is moisture sensitive and may foam if exposed to too much moisture.

• Incompatible materials – A side: amines, strong bases, water, alcohols, and heavy metals. B side: oxidizers
• Conditions to avoid – A side: contamination with water. Keep away from heat, ignition sources, and incompatible materials. B side: heat and incompatible materials
• Chemical stability – Stable under normal storage conditions
• Reactivity & hazardous reactions – no dangerous reaction known under normal use
• Hazardous decomposition products – May include, and are not limited to, oxides of carbon as well as oxides of nitrogen and isocyanates for the A side

Potential Health Hazards

• May cause respiratory irritation. A side material may also cause asthma and allergy symptoms or breathing difficulties.
• Causes skin irritation or sensitization: redness, edema, drying, defatting, and cracking of the skin.
• Causes serious eye irritation: discomfort, pain, excess blinking and tear production, marked redness, and swelling of the conjunctiva.
• May cause stomach distress, nausea, or vomiting if swallowed.

*If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical advice or attention. Call a poison control center or doctor if swallowed.

Click here for more information on the full technical data sheet.