Ultra soft platinum silicone for masks, robotics and dolls

Zhermack SFX 00-30 is a two component addition cure silicone rubber with Shore 00-30 hardness. It is the slightly firmer version of SFX 00-20 and therefore holds its shape better, while remaining ultra soft and highly stretchable. It mixes 1:1 by weight, the working time is 25 minutes and the material is set after about 110 minutes at 23 °C.

Key benefits

• Shore 00-30, ultra soft but more dimensionally stable: firmer than SFX 00-20 and therefore better suited to larger masks and parts that need to hold their shape.
• Highly stretchable: high elongation at break, so thin edges and over stretched parts do not tear easily.
• Tear strength 4 N/mm (Die B): resists tearing during repeated putting on and taking off.
• Low viscosity: 6,000 mPa s, free flowing and self de-airing for sharp detail reproduction.
• Translucent: a neutral base for pigmenting, flocking and skin tones.
• Softened with Deadner: for a gel like consistency without switching product.
• Excellent release: models demould easily.

Typical applications

• ✓ Masks and cosplay
• ✓ Animatronics, robotics and dolls
• ✓ Props and set building
• ✓ Special effects without prolonged direct skin contact
• ✓ Soap and candle moulds

Processing

1. Shake or stir base and catalyst separately before use to redisperse any sediment.
2. Weigh base and catalyst 1:1. A deviation of up to 5 % does not noticeably change the result.
3. Mix vigorously in a clean, grease free and dry container and scrape the bottom and sides, until the mixture is homogeneous.
4. Add Deadner if you want a softer, gel like consistency.
5. Preferably de-air under vacuum and pour from about 30 cm height into the mould.
6. Allow about 110 minutes to set at 23 °C, then demould without tools.

Above 23 °C working time and setting time drop sharply, at 40 °C roughly by half. Below 23 °C both increase considerably. Heating speeds up the cure, but air bubbles then have less time to escape.

Points to watch

• ✓ The platinum catalyst is in the CATALYST component. Only use base and catalyst together when they carry the same batch number.
• ✓ Uncured silicone is irritating to the eyes. Wear eye protection and gloves.
• ✓ Sulphur bearing clay, latex, PVC, uncured polyurethane and epoxy, cyanoacrylate and many SLA 3D prints can poison platinum silicones. Test on a small scale or use a PVA barrier layer.
• ✓ Shelf life about 12 months in closed packaging, stored cool and frost free.

Professional support

If you are choosing between SFX 00-20 and SFX 00-30, or you are not sure which hardness suits your application, contact us at info@siliconesandmore.com.