Accurate V-Twin Sand Casting Patterns made with Mold Max® XLS
In the process of sand casting, a pattern is a replica of the original object to be cast.
This pattern is used to make a negative cavity into which molten metal is poured during
the casting process. Patterns typically used in sand casting include wood, metal,
plastics and urethane or silicone rubber. Furthermore, patterns are made to exact
standards. Materials used to make these patterns must last a reasonable amount of time
and repeatedly provide dimensional stability in order to turn out acceptable
castings.
This was the criteria Mr. Jose Silvaggio from Garden State Castings presented to us at
Smooth-On when he called looking for a rubber that is dimensionally stable.
"I have used many rubber products for our patterns," says Mr. Silvaggio, "When I found
a rubber that I was happy with, we used it for about two years then the manufacturer
stopped making it without notice. I was at a loss and did not know which rubber to try
next." He continues, "At around the same time, I sent one of our mold makers to
Smooth-On's Moldmaking Seminar. Two days later he came back and told me about a new
silicone Smooth-On had called Mold Max® XLS, which was supposed to have good
mold life and minimal shrinkage."
And Mold Max XLS Was Put to the Test
Mr. Silvaggio decided to try Mold Max XLS:
"I had a signed contract for a project, so I ordered a 5-gallon kit, made our patterns
and they came out fine. We made our Cope and Drag molds, completed the job and put the
patterns on the shelf. Eight months later the client called and needed the same part.
By that time we had been using Mold Max XLS for other projects, but this was the first
one where we returned to an old project where XLS was used. We retrieved the pattern
from our mold inventory, cleaned it off and looked for separation from the mold and
support jacket. If shrinkage occured, we will see it first between the rubber mold and
the support jacket. There were no signs of separation and the mold performed as if we
made it 24 hours ago. We didn't have to make a new pattern, which saved us time and
labor!"
Mold Max XLS – eXtra Low Shrinkage
Mold Max® XLS silicone rubber exhibits very low long term shrinkage.
Patterns made from Mold Max® XLS have exceptional library life.
Mold Max® XLS molds and patterns can yield thousands of wax castings.
Mold Max® XLS ''has increased our production efficiency'' says Mr. Silvaggio.
XLS patterns will provide years of service.
Mold Max® XLS will capture the finest detail on the pattern surface.
Castings come out accurate & bubble-free.
Mold Max® XLS is used to fabricate short-run custom patterns as well.
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