User manual

Z406 System User Manual Z Corporation
www.zcorp-users.com 69
4. Sand the filler with 220-grit sand paper. The finish at this
point should be completely smooth with no surface defects.
5. Prime the part with a sprayable / sandable primer. Z
Corporation recommends Plasti-kote
®
Sandable Primer for
parts infiltrated with cyanoacrlylate and Dupont
®
Corlar
®
Epoxy Primer for parts infiltrated with epoxy. Apply 2-3 thin
coats.
6. Allow the part to dry. Wet sand the pattern with 400-grit
sand paper. Wet sanding the part re-wets the primer
making it extremely smooth and fills in any remaining pits.
7. Dry sand the pattern with 400-grit sand paper. This step
will remove any residual surface defects such as drips in
the primer.
A gate to feed the casting material into the mold must be set up prior to creating the mold. The gate
also acts as a vent to allow air to escape the mold cavity. If the part is complex the master pattern
may require numerous vents. The master pattern usually has the gate mounted to the highest
feature and is almost always oriented in a manner such that air rising up through the mold will not be
trapped. If the pattern cannot be oriented to prevent trapping air, additional vents will need to be
added to allow the air to escape. Gates and vents are usually attached permanently to the pattern
using an adhesive but Klean Klay and wax can also be used.
It is common to draw a line on the part where the desired parting line will be. This serves as a
reference when removing the master pattern from the mold as to where two pieces of the mold
should be separated.
A mold release may need to be applied to the master pattern to prevent it from bonding to the mold
depending on the silicone chosen. Use a dry mold release if cast parts are to be painted. A part cast
after using a dry mold release will be easier to clean in preparation for painting. Use a mold release
that is recommended by the manufacturer of the silicone used to create the mold. Mold releases can
be purchased through most silicone distributors.