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In-House Cast Polyester Resin Pens

manojd

By manojd
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manojd Extremely Rare

manojd

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For the last two months or so, I had been busy with casting polyester resin. As those who do their own casting would know that bubbles is the main issue with casting PR. Now that I have my setup ready for eliminating the bubbles, I can cast my own.

 

Here are a few pictures of the first batch of pens:

 

14903502476_a06b1634ab_b.jpg

 

14739845708_b2f21ee935_b.jpg

 

14739873078_1521cc0268_b.jpg

 

14739863388_4b703b6a83_b.jpg

 

All are installed with Schmidt nibs.

 

The overall length of the pen is 147mm capped and 126mm uncapped.

Largest diameter is 14.4mm. Cap to barrel thread are 12x.75.

 

This is amongst the thinnest pens I have made so far.

 

Edited by manojd
FOSFOR Pens
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richardandtracy Museum Piece

richardandtracy

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Nice pens but risky.

 

Why risky? Well, try dropping a pen made from polyester 4ft onto concrete simulating a fall from a shirt pocket. No, maybe better not to. It is VERY likely to shatter into a large number of pieces. I was foolish enough to do this, and, let's just say I now have a different pen using the old furniture.

 

If it's possible, try for a polyurethane resin (like Alumilite, but there are many other similar resins). They can be coloured in a similar way, but the resin is much less brittle. The drawbacks are cost, choosing the correct cure time (can be down to 3 min pot life, which may be a bit difficult to work with), they need different colourants and getting a really clear resin that doesn't give a slightly brownish tinge to light colours.

 

Regards,

 

Richard

<a href="http://www.chestnutpens.co.uk">Chestnut Pens</a>

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hari317 Museum Piece

hari317

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The pens are very beautiful to look at in person, gorgeous patterns. I had a chance to fondle these pens at the recently concluded pen 2014 event in Mumbai. Show report is here.

In case you wish to write to me, pls use ONLY email by clicking here. I do not check PMs. Thank you.

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manojd Extremely Rare

manojd

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The pens are very beautiful to look at in person, gorgeous patterns. I had a chance to fondle these pens at the recently concluded pen 2014 event in Mumbai. Show report is here.

Thank you Hari.

 

I really enjoy making these blanks, because I use only the primary colors and mix them up to get the shades and combinations I want.

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manojd Extremely Rare

manojd

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Nice pens but risky.

 

Why risky? Well, try dropping a pen made from polyester 4ft onto concrete simulating a fall from a shirt pocket. No, maybe better not to. It is VERY likely to shatter into a large number of pieces. I was foolish enough to do this, and, let's just say I now have a different pen using the old furniture.

 

If it's possible, try for a polyurethane resin (like Alumilite, but there are many other similar resins). They can be coloured in a similar way, but the resin is much less brittle. The drawbacks are cost, choosing the correct cure time (can be down to 3 min pot life, which may be a bit difficult to work with), they need different colourants and getting a really clear resin that doesn't give a slightly brownish tinge to light colours.

 

Regards,

 

Richard

Richard,

 

You may have a point. I guess the user will have to be careful not to drop it. Thanks for your suggestion.

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richardandtracy Museum Piece

richardandtracy

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I am coming to realise one further problem with polyurethane resins: They seem too soft to take a really good polish. Well, at least the ones I have at the moment.

 

I think I'm going to have to try with an acrylic modified polyester in the hope it's a bit tougher than a normal polyester. Unfortunately the MEK catalyst is going to play havoc with my silicone rubber moulds. Ahh well.

 

Regards,

 

Richard.

<a href="http://www.chestnutpens.co.uk">Chestnut Pens</a>

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Inspector Rare

Inspector

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Does acrylic modified polyester actually use the solvent MEK as a catalyst or did you mean to say MEKP? The clear acrylic casting resin Marla (swmbo) uses to cast her feather blanks for the kit pen market uses MEKP and some of the silicon moulds I've made for her are still working after several hundred casts. I don't see why another resin would be any harder on them unless there is another kind of chemical in the mix that might break them down. I use Smooth-on Mold Max Tin Cure Silicone in case that is the difference.

 

Pete

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manojd Extremely Rare

manojd

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Richard,

 

Is acrylic modified polyester resin the same as ISO resin? Because that is what I use and I don't think it will affect your silicon molds. Try adding ATH for extra strength and stability.

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