How to mix hydrocal? Does hydrocal expand? How to use hydrocal? Is water purity important when mixing hydrocal? These are some of the questions that we will discuss. Check out the rest of the article below for more tips and ideas about the product.<\/p>\n\n\n
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Does Hydrocal Expand?<\/h2>\n
Hydrocal expands. It has a setting expansive that is twice as compared to other plasters.<\/strong> Aside from that, it also offers long workability and has a compressive strength than plaster. Hydrocal is ideal if you are working on thin and delicate sections where greater strength is needed. Moreover, hydrocal is suitable for hollow and solid castings. It has an original stark white color, but you can add colorants of your choice to make it look more vibrant. Hydrocal is also durable which lessens breakage when it is removed from latex molds<\/a>.<\/p>\n You can mix hydrocal by hand or with the use of a mechanical mixer. You need to follow specific standards and procedures to achieve the full benefits that the product can provide. To successfully mix hydrocal, all the plaster particles should be thoroughly dissolved in the water to create a uniform and even slurry.<\/strong> Aside from that, you also need to make sure that the mixing time, batch size, temperature, and water purity are controlled.<\/p>\n The first thing that you need to do before mixing the hydrocal is to sift it. Sift the hydrocal powder slowly and evenly into the water. Avoid pouring a large amount of hydrocal into the water at once. Let it soak for about two to four minutes and mix it according to the instructions found on the packaging.<\/p>\n If you want to hand mix hydrocal, make sure that you work on small batches preferably up to five pounds. On the other hand, you need to take note that the energy that is put in the mixing process affects the physical properties of the hydrocal. Because of this, hand mixing hydrocal does not often result in a cast with the best properties.<\/p>\n When using a mechanical mixer to mix hydrocal, it should be done at a speed of 1750 rpm using a direct-drive propeller mixer that is placed in a stand. The mixing shaft should also be angled at 15 degrees vertically. There should be one to two inches of space between the bottom of the container and the propeller. Moreover, you need to be careful in operating the machine so that you can avoid forming a vortex while mixing.<\/p>\n Water purity is important when mixing hydrocal. When mixing plaster, the water that is used should be as pure and clear as possible. Using contaminated water that is composed of high organic impurities, will take a long time for the plaster to set. Aside from that, the soluble salts that can be present in the water can contaminate the surface of the mold while it is drying.<\/strong> As a result, it can form hard spots on the surfaces of the molds and can also affect both mold and cast. Moreover, other chemicals that are present in the water can react with the gypsum and create soluble salts. Hence, it is vital that you use pure and clear water when mixing hydrocal.<\/p>\n In dentistry, hydrocal can be made into pastes and dental fillings.<\/strong> In the form of a mix of calcium salts, hydrocal can be used for dental treatment to create materials for temporary cavities filling, temporary root canal filling, and many more. You can also check out this article that we have shared titled, how long does it take for hydrocal to cure<\/a>? We have shared tips and ideas about the topic that you can refer to.<\/p>\n Hydrocal is often used for making lifecasts from molds.<\/strong> It is a strong material but can still retain some properties that are specific to plaster. Hydrocal can be sanded to make it smoother and more refined using steel tools. It is an ideal material for making mother molds as well as support shells. You can also check out this article that discusses what hydrocal is<\/a>. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.<\/p>\n Brick In The Yard Mold Supply shared the video below on YouTube. It shows how to make a 2 piece hydrocal plaster mold for silicone casting. In the video, the hydrocal mold process is discussed. It is a simple and excellent way to create mold. Watch the video below for more tips and ideas.<\/p>\n\n\nHow to Mix Hydrocal<\/h2>\n
Sift<\/h3>\n
Mixing by Hand<\/h3>\n
Mixing Using Mechanical Mixer<\/h3>\n
Is Water Purity Important When Mixing Hydrocal?<\/h2>\n
What is Hydrocal in Dentistry?<\/h2>\n
Where to Use Hydrocal<\/h2>\n
\u2705 Video – Moldmaking Tutorial: 2 Piece Hydrocal Plaster Mold for Silicone Casting<\/h3>\n