Volatile Free

If you’re considering using for your next project, you might be wondering whether you should work with TDI or MDI.

The biggest difference between these two formulas is that TDI are more resistant to moisture. If you plan to use an MDI, you’ll want to work in a controlled, high-production environment to avoid moisture interaction.

Despite this drawback, MDI rubbers are the more cost-effective and easier-to-work-with option. If you need to adhere your or to a rigid backing material, they also work great for these applications as they have better adhesion than TDIs.

However, if you need variability in terms of hardness and properties, TDI might be the way to go with a range of low and high durometer options to choose from.

The lower durometers are able to capture greater detail, and our Max Release options lower breakage rates in these highly detailed . The high durometer rubbers offer high properties, dimensional stability, and ample time to work with the material.

If you’d like to learn more about these rubber formulas, please check out our blog or contact (800) 307-9218 to discuss.

https://volatilefree.com/tdi-vs-mdi-urethane-rubber-for-concrete-casting-which-to-use/

Did you know there is a faster alternative way to make ?

Rather than spending countless hours layering resin and cloth and waiting for it to cure, VFI offers two products for making and parts on the same day!

The first material is a sprayable product known as VFI-2538 70 D EPS Form Hard Coat.

This comes in a cartridge-based or high-pressure formula depending on your processing needs.

After releasing your plug/model, the hard coat can be sprayed directly onto the surface and cures in minutes.

Then, once you demold the sprayed coating from the plug, you can apply VFI-4110 70 D Trowelable Paste behind it.

This is a fiber-filled that supports the sprayed for a long-lasting mold that will produce consistent, continuous parts.

Learn more by visiting the VFI website or by contacting us at (800) 307-9218. We can connect you directly with an expert.

If you’re working on large projects that involve the use of or stamps, you might be interested in using a high-quality, high durometer rubber for the job.

VFI has a comprehensive line of for various projects, with our 60 A - 90 A 2300 TDI series being the best for these bigger projects.

at these durometers have increased strength to hold the weight of the concrete without deteriorating.

They also have great dimensional stability, so you get consistent, repeatable results for the entirety of your project.

Want to learn more? Visit the VFI website or contact our main line at (800) 307-9218 for more information. We’d be happy to direct you to the right material for your next project.

Interested in a step-by-step tutorial for using a brushable over EPS foam?

VFI has compiled all the instructions you need to successfully apply one of our , from preparing your foam to mixing up the material, and then applying several coats.

If a blog format isn’t your style, we also have a complete instructional video that reiterates much of the same information and includes extra tips!

If you have any questions after reviewing our how-tos for your next or project, please reach out to our team at (800) 307-9218.

https://volatilefree.com/how-to-use-a-brushable-hard-coat-testing-for-recoat-window/

https://youtu.be/OtsKxXZrSS0?si=bPP9oW-jMUlCubGd

How to Use VFI-2519 Brushable Polyurethane Hard Coat Check out how to use the brushable hard coat from VFI. In addition ...

Spray-in are durable, but they’re not foolproof.

If a truck bed is used consistently for hauling cargo or if it’s subjected to outdoor conditions regularly, you must expect wear over time.

When this wear occurs, depending on its severity, you might only need to repair some sections, rather than remove the old bedliner and spray a new one.

VFI offers a bedliner repair material, VFI-520, to help fix cracks, scratches, and other damage.

If you would like to learn more about bedliner damage and how our product can be the best solution, check out our blog:
https://volatilefree.com/how-to-repair-spray-in-truck-bedliner/

Because is a two-component material, following the mix ratio exactly is important for your mold to dry/cure properly.

Every molding rubber is unique, and so is its mix ratio (by weight and/or by volume).

One of two things can happen if you don’t follow the mix ratio:

1. You mixed too little B side, which will cause the material to feel brittle and lack strength.
2. You mixed too little A Side, which will cause the material to feel too soft, tacky, or gooey.

This changes the final properties of the rubber mold and may cause it to never fully cure, meaning wasted time and material.

It’s very important to look at the technical data sheet before you begin using a new product.

Check out VFI’s tech piece for other tips on how to avoid this from happening.

https://volatilefree.com/why-is-my-urethane-rubber-mold-not-drying/

There are many other ways to use or hybrid spray coatings other than as a .

Many other vehicles, accessories, or parts can also benefit from this type of abrasion-resistant protection.

This includes .

If you haul equipment or other items around every day, you might want a coating that offers rust and corrosion resistance, anti-slip protection, and sound-dampening capabilities.

A polyurea or hybrid coating offers all these features and extends the life of your equipment.

If you’re curious about these coatings and the materials that VFI manufactures for trailers, check out our blog here: https://volatilefree.com/do-i-need-a-protective-coating-for-my-trailer/

If you’re working with flat shapes or lower-density EPS foam when spraying , be aware that the foam can bend.

Typically, this is caused by application thickness.

While we recommend applying at least 60 mils, for better impact resistance and protection, you may want to apply upwards of 120 to 250 mils. But this can come with a cost.

The heat generated by the hard coat as it cures can get up to 175°F, especially at higher thicknesses.

This creates tension on the surface of the foam to the point that the coating can pull it out of its shape, causing it to bend.

If you want to learn how to avoid this for your next or project, check out VFI’s tech piece: https://volatilefree.com/why-is-my-eps-foam-bending-after-applying-a-hard-coat/

New to the VFI molding and casting line is our SHARPCAST Platinum Cure Silicone, VFI-1540.

As a silicone, this material is extremely versatile in terms of projects it can be used for.

Whether you’re making a mold or a part, it offers excellent resistance to tearing and low shrinkage to maintain tight tolerances.

Another perk is that it has easy release characteristics, which means you don’t need to use a release agent before casting.

This material is compatible with many tooling and molding surfaces, including 3D printing materials, like PLA, so you can make molds or parts out of 3D-printed objects.

Alternatively, you can use urethane or metal tooling to make silicone molds and parts.

If you’d like to learn more about the new silicone, visit the product page below or call (800) 307-9218.

https://volatilefree.com/product/sharpcast-vfi-1540-40-a-platinum-cure-silicone/

Maybe you’re more familiar with using plastic like ABS for projects that require a detailed or textured , but did you know is a better alternative?

Plastic formliners are typically only good for a couple of pulls and can’t achieve nearly as much detail.

Polyurethane, on the other hand, is highly resistant to abrasion, especially in applications.

So, it can be used longer before it begins to wear down.

Urethane formliners are typically used for , landscaping, interior design, and large infrastructures. They offer these projects and spaces high detail and realism compared to plastic.

If you’d like to learn more about and why they are the most compatible with concrete, check out VFI’s blog here: https://volatilefree.com/why-polyurethane-formliners-are-the-best-for-concrete-projects/