What is RTV?

RTV is acronym which stands for Room Temperature Vulcanizing Rubber. Most RTV molding materials have a silicone base (pulverized sand) and consist of two parts, the base and the activator. When mixed, the material will chemically bond to form a rubber mold of an object. This process is done without giving off any heat, although a warm, moist atomsphere encourages the curing of the RTV itself. Different RTV's will have different set-up times according to the needs of the user. For example, a dentist and patient require a quick setting material when taking a impression of the teeth and jaw line. Other users require more reproductions from the RTV mold and therefore have a material which takes longer to set-up. Another feature that varies is the hardiness and flexiblity of the RTV. The material can be very hard for heavy production or very soft and flexible for easy use when taking the cast part out of the mold. The most of the difficulty in working with RTV is not the material itself, but in the design of the mold! Most RTV's will pour easily over the master, allow 15 minutes to a half hour working time and then cure within 24 hours.

The RTV Rubber sold by Ace Resin is very easy to use and has qualities that make it the best choice for the modeler. The RTV is very flexible and has high tear strength so that the mold can be manipulated to remove the cast copies. The material usually sets up within 24 hours, but will can cure quicker on warmer days. The molds will reflect the finest and smallest details from the master. Most of all, the RTV will work well without the use of any other equipment. The RTV is mixed by adding the Activator at the ratio of 1 part for every 10 parts and then stirring until the color is consistant throughout the material. The next step is to pour the RTV carefully over your master, work out any air bubbles and wait for the rubber to cure. Once cured, its time to make the perfect copies of your master. We have used RTV to make molds for model parts, ID models, desktop models, computer mouse balls, Drawer pulls in the Kitchen, Trophies and plaques! The only limitation to the possible uses of this material is your imagination!