Mar 3 2016
Quantum Silicones (QSi) now provide a new range of True Skin products available in three Shore A hardnesses: 30, 20 and 10. All of the grades are two-part, addition (platinum) cure silicones.
The True Skin Silicone Series
The translucent True Skin series has the following features:
- Robust when diluted: Diluent fluid when added to the True Skin silicones to provide a much softer and extremely pliable silicone, while maintaining its durability. The addition of diluent fluid reduces the silicone’s viscosity and durometer. The diluted silicone can also be applied in thin sections. Up to 30% of the diluent fluid can be added and will cure with minimum fluid bleed out.
- Pigmentable: Extreme color effects can be added to the silicone, or individual skin tones can be matched with the silicone. It is possible to add pigments after mixing Part “A” and Part “B”. These pigments can be merged into either part if Part “A” and Part “B” continue to remain at a ratio of 1:1. It is also possible to paint a platinum cured silicone part using silicone paints containing pigments.
- Easy to mix and apply: The 1:1 mix ratio allows easy weighing and mixing of Part “A” (the base) and Part “B” (the catalyst).
The True Skin silicones include a number of beneficial physical properties, which are useful for 3D printing, animatronics, special effects, prosthetics, and many other applications.
The new True Skin Series of products have very low viscosities which allow for excellent processability combined with remarkable physical properties for a wide breadth of applications. The combination of low modulus and high elongation along with excellent tear and tensile properties make this a very versatile group of silicones.
Phil McDermott, Vice President of Technology, QSi
The low viscosity silicones can be dispensed from 50 ml and 400 ml cartridges, providing easy and quick dispensing. Cartridge dispensing prevents the process of removing air from the silicone, increasing the time available to work with the silicone before it is cured.
The complete True Skin silicones series has a “knotty tear” that does not propagate through in a straight line. This characteristic extends the life of the silicone mold or part.
Inherently, silicones are considered to be non-irritant to skin. Prosthetic liners and various other prostheses developed from silicone will be successful due to their versatile characteristics, which include providing a comfortable fit and adding cushion between the device and the limb, capable of being custom shaped to suit specific sizes and shapes, enduring long-term stretching and wear, and capable of being custom designed to suit varied skin features.
When exposed to heat or humidity, addition cure silicones have proved to contain extremely low shrinkage properties along with efficient dimensional stability. Demolding of the True Skin silicones can be done in a few hours, thanks to their fast cure times.
The True Skin series of products are very robust. They were designed for a wide range of market segments as received. There are several specialty products that will work in conjunction with the True Skins as well, resulting in unique products for unique applications. As always, we recommend that any product enhancer or additive be trialed on a small scale to ensure suitability for your particular application.
Phil McDermott, Vice President of Technology, QSi
A wide range of specialty product enhancers can be utilized with the True Skin silicones to meet different process requirements. Diluent fluid decreases the silicone’s durometer and viscosity to provide a much softer feel. Pot life extenders are utilized when an extended time period is required for filling in unique molds or casting bigger parts.
True Skin silicones can be used with the QSil Smooth Coat to provide a smooth surface for specific applications. QSil Smooth Coat is a translucent, matte surface coating that helps to reduce the coefficient of friction. This coating can be used on cured platinum silicone by brushing, spraying, or dipping.
QSi’s technologists also consider requests to develop a customized product to fulfill customers required specifications. The technologists can even custom-formulate a new silicone for specific application needs.