EpoxAmite™ HT

Instructions

Preparation – Avoid breathing fumes - use in a well ventilated area at minimum. NIOSH approved respirator is recommended. Wear safety glasses, long sleeves and rubber gloves to minimize skin contact. This material has a high exotherm (generates heat). Do not mix components in glass or foam containers.
Materials should be stored and used in a room temperature environment (73°F/23°C). Elevated temperatures will reduce Pot Life. EpoxAmite™ HT must be properly measured and thoroughly mixed to achieve full performance properties. Because no two applications are quite the same, a small test application to determine suitability for your project is recommended if performance of this material is in question.

Applying a Release Agent – For releasing epoxy from non-porous surfaces such as resin, metal, glass etc., use Ease Release™ 200 or 205 (available from Smooth-On) to prevent adhesion.

Measuring / Dispensing – Accurate ratio measurements by weight are required for the material to cure properly and develop full physical properties. Refer to specified Mix Ratios in Handling Properties for proper measurements. Using a gram scale, dispense Parts A and B proper proportions into clean plastic, metal or wax-free paper containers.

Adding Color - EpoxAmite™ HT can be colored with UVO™ colorants (from Smooth-On). Pre-mix colorant with Part A thoroughly and then add Part B.

Mixing – Be sure mixing utensils are clean and free of any potential contaminants such as dirt, dust or grease. Mix Parts A and B thoroughly for at least 3 minutes with a square edged mixing stick. Be aggressive and scrape sides and bottom of mixing container several times. Use the square edge of mixing stick to bring material off of the sides of container and blend. If using a drill mixer, follow with hand mixing as directed above to ensure thorough mixing. NOTE: If mixture is to be used for coating, pour into a roller pan to extend Pot Life.

Adding Fillers - A variety of dry fillers can be added. Pre-mix dry filler with Part A before adding Part B.

Important - Mixed EpoxAmite™ HT is exothermic, meaning it generates heat. A concentrated mass of mixed epoxy in a confined area such as a mixing container can generate enough heat to melt a plastic cup, burn skin or ignite combustible materials if left to stand for its full Pot Life. Do not use foam or glass mixing containers or pour sections thicker than 1/2” (1.28 cm). If a batch of mixed epoxy begins to exotherm, move it to an open air environment.

Applying – Pouring - Mixed EpoxAmite™ HT is initially a low viscosity liquid that can be poured up to 1/2” (1.28 cm) thickness.

Laminating - After epoxy is mixed, you must work quickly to apply multiple layers. Use a foam brush or roller to evenly spread a thin layer of resin over surface. Apply reinforcement fabric evenly into Resin. Ensure fabric ply is saturated. Plastic polyethylene spreaders may also be used.
Alternate additional thin layers of epoxy and fabric using above application method. Add additional epoxy as needed to wet out subsequent layers. Repeat as necessary until desired thickness is attained. After final layer of fabric is applied, use lamination roller to evenly distribute epoxy and reduce air bubbles. Be mindful of your Thin Film Working Time.

Cure Time - Cured material will be hard and unable to penetrate with a finger nail. Cured epoxy can now be dry sanded. If machining or sanding, wear NIOSH approved mask to prevent inhalation of particles.

Post Curing - EpoxAmite™ HT High-Temp Laminating Epoxy Post Cure Schedule:​

• Allow epoxy to cure on the pattern at room temperature for a minimum of 24 hours.
• Place tool and pattern in a cold oven. Set temperature to 150°F / 65°C and hold for 4 hours. You may attach support stucture and demold tool after this step is completed, but for maximum stability, we recommend full post cure over pattern.
• After 4 hours, increase temperature to 200°F / 93°C and hold for 3 hours.
• After 3 hours at 200°F / 93°C, increase the temperature to 250°F / 121°C and hold for 3 hrs.
• After 3 hours at 250°F / 121°C, increase the temperature to 320°F / 160°C and hold for 3 hrs.
• After completion of the cure cycle, turn off the oven and allow the tool to cool to room temperature before removing part for clean-up and service.

This post cure schedule will result in a casting with a heat distortion temperature of 300°F / 149°C.
Note - Post curing in excess of 220°F (104°C) will cause this material to yellow. To retain clarity, use the following post cure schedule:

• Allow epoxy to cure on the pattern at room temperature for a minimum of 24 hours.
• Place tool and pattern in a cold oven. Set temperature to 150°F / 65°C and hold for 4 hours. You may attach support stucture and demold tool after this step is completed, but for maximum stability, we recommend full post cure over pattern.
• After 4 hours, increase temperature to 220°F / 121°C and hold for 3 hours.

This post cure schedule will result in a high-clarity casting with a heat distortion temperature of 200°F / 93°C.

Painting – Cured EpoxAmite™ HT can be painted and / or primed and then painted with acrylic enamel paints. Let paint fully dry before putting part into service.

Removing Epoxy – Uncured / Non-curing epoxy - Scrape as much material as possible from the surface using a scraper. Clean the residue with E-POX-EE KLEENER™ available from Smooth-On, lacquer thinner, acetone or alcohol. Follow safety warnings pertaining to solvents and provide adequate ventilation.

Related Categories: Epoxy Casting and Laminating Resins

Related Series: EpoxAmite™ – Laminating Epoxy Systems