Types of Shore hardness in silicone casting rubber

We have a wide range of different types of silicone casting rubbers in different Shores. The Shore hardness of silicone rubber has a direct impact on its properties such as flexibility, durability, and resistance to wear and tear. In this article you can read all about the different types of silicone casting rubber.

What is silicone casting rubber?

Silicone casting rubber is used to make flexible moulds for copying objects. Once the mould is made, it can be cast with epoxy, polyester, polyurethane, plaster, concrete, etc. Due to its flexibility and self-dissolving properties, the material is also great for copying fine details. The existing object is copied exactly.

What types of silicone casting rubber are there?

The silicones are available in different mates of flexibility (Shore) and we have 2 varieties: silicone casting rubber with a 1:1 mixing ratio and silicone casting rubber with a 10:1 mixing ratio.

Silicone casting rubber Shore 8

Shore 8 is the softest and most flexible silicone in our range. This Shore is used for moulds with difficult to release shapes. In addition, this silicone is very suitable for use in the erotic industry. The mixing ratio is 1:1 by weight.

Silicone casting rubber Shore 15

Shore 15 is most commonly used for Resin Art moulds. This casting rubber is flexible, easy to use and has a low viscosity. This makes this casting rubber very suitable for making epoxy moulds.

Silicone casting rubber Shore 25

If you are looking for a slightly flexible silicone, you can use Shore 25. This is suitable for making silicone moulds with medium detailing. Because this silicone is just a bit stronger than Shore 15, it is also suitable for making concrete moulds. The mixing ratio is 1:1 by weight.

Silicone casting rubber Shore 40

Shore 40 is a hard silicone that is the least flexible of all types. This silicone is perfect to use for making large moulds or concrete moulds. We have this silicone in a 1:1 mixing ratio.

Additions

We have silicone oil and a thickener for silicone in our range. These are additives for in the silicone casting rubber.

Silicone oil increases the Shore/hardness by about 1 point, thus making the current silicone a little softer and more flexible. Add up to 15% to the casting rubber.

Silicone thickening agent thickens the silicone casting rubber. Just add 1-3% to the casting rubber. This agent can also be applied vertically. In the video below you can see how Kees applies the thickener!

 

More information about silicone rubber?

Do you have questions about using silicone rubber? Feel free to contact our specialists. We will be happy to give you advice to make your project a success! Send us a WhatsApp message, send an email to support@polyestershoppen.com or call +31 85 022 0090 for free advice without obligation.


Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between Shore 8, 15, 25, and 40 silicone rubber?

The lower the Shore value, the more flexible the silicone. Shore 8 is soft and ideal for detailed or complex shapes. Shore 40 is firm and better suited for larger or concrete molds.

Which silicone rubber should I use for epoxy molds?

We recommend Shore 15 for epoxy molds. It’s flexible, low-viscosity, and captures fine details well.

Can I pour concrete into silicone rubber molds?

Yes, silicone rubbers like Shore 25 and 40 are ideal for making concrete molds due to their strength and durability.

Is the silicone rubber food safe?

Yes, all RESION silicone rubbers are food-grade and suitable for chocolate, baking, or ice molds.

How can I adjust the flexibility of silicone rubber?

Add silicone oil to soften the rubber (lowers Shore by ~1 point). Use a thickener to apply it on vertical surfaces.

What is the working time of silicone casting rubber?

RESION silicone rubber has a working time of around 45 minutes at 20°C.

What is the mixing ratio for RESION silicone rubber?

The mixing ratio is 1:1 by weight (weigh equal parts of A and B).

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Products used in this article

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Do you have a question about this article?

Do you have a specific question? Call one of our specialists for free advice +3185 0220090