 Toll Free (877) 729-4272

 info@hapcoincorporated.com
a
Post Curing Thermoset Resins

In the past, we’ve discussed the importance of temperature control when

casting with thermoset resins. In this article, we will focus on the post cure
process for molds or parts made with thermoset resins.

What is post-curing?
Post curing is the process of exposing a part or mold to elevated
temperatures to speed up the curing process and to maximize some of the
material’s physical properties. This is usually done after the material has
cured at room temperature for at least 12 hours. In general, thermoset
materials will achieve full cure at room temperature over a period of 7-10
days. After a full cure is achieved at room temperature, post curing will
have no e ect on the material’s properties.

Why is post curing necessary?

Post curing will expedite the cross-linking process and properly align the
polymer’s molecules. Much like tempering steel, post curing thermosets can
increase physical properties (e.g., tensile strength, exural strength, and heat
distortion temperature) above what the material would normally achieve at
room temperature.

Post curing is extremely important when an application requires secondary

machining.
  Toll Free (877) 729-4272
 info@hapcoincorporated.com
a

Fred DeSimone of Hapco says, “Post curing your parts prior to machining is
critical to ensure dimensional stability, particularly when trying to maintain
tight tolerances.  Elevated temperature acts as a catalyst to complete the
cross-linking process and stabilizes the cured plastic so that it does not
continue to creep over time. Although most thermosets will appear to be
cured after several hours at ambient room temperature, the reality is that it
can take up to two weeks for the material to fully cure.  If secondary
machining is completed during this time on non-post cured parts, they can
either shrink or grow out of speci cation while the polymerization process is
still occurring.”

How should I post cure my parts?

An oven is best for applying uniform heating, but we don’t recommend using
the one in your kitchen. Applying too much heat to some materials may
result in dangerous fumes being emitted or a material may melt, ruining
your oven. Digital, vented lab ovens are ideal for post curing parts and
molds; however, this can also be done in an X-Series Molding Chamber.
  Toll Free (877) 729-4272
 info@hapcoincorporated.com
a

During elevated temperatures, thin-walled parts may bubble or deform.

Keeping them in the mold or using a xture during post cure is
recommended. Make sure that anything you place in an oven can take the
heat.

Is there an ideal post cure temperature?

Generally speaking, rigid materials are post cured at 175F for 8-24 hours and
exible materials at 140F for 8-24 hrs. Be aware that post cure temperatures
vary for di erent materials. Please review the Material Handling & Safety
Notes supplied with your speci c Hapco products, or contact Hapco’s
Technical Support for more information.

Materials
Custom Formulations
Di-Pak™
Filter-bond™
Hap ex™
Hapsil™
Steralloy™
Sympoxy™
Tu alloy™
Ultraclear™
Ultralloy™

Equipment
MINIFIL
RAPIDFIL
RAPIDSHOT
X-11 Molding Chamber
X-20 Molding Chamber
X-VAC Chamber
Accessories
 Toll Free (877) 729-4272
Additives
 info@hapcoincorporated.com
a
Color Dispersions
Primers
Release Agents

Resources
Blog
FAQ
Videos
Glossary
SDS Library
Viscosity Chart
Hardness Chart
Request a Quote
Technical Support

Recent Posts
Filters: A Key Tool in the Fight Against Covid-19
River Cribbage Board Using Hapco Resins
Casting a Clear Sculpture Using Hapco Materials, Equipment, and Expertise –
Part 2
Casting a Clear Sculpture Using Hapco Materials, Equipment, and Expertise –
Part 1
A Helpful Guide to Processing High Viscosity Resins
  Toll Free (877) 729-4272
 info@hapcoincorporated.com
a

Join Our Mailing List

100% Mercury Free
All of Hapco's formulations are
50th Anniversary
Hapco is proud to be celebrating 50
Get the latest news, updates, and articles from Hapco, Inc.
completely free of Mercury. years in business.

Join Now

About Us
Hapco started in 1969 as a two-man shop supplying local customers with
compounded polymer alloys. Today, Hapco has established itself as an
industry leading partner for some of the world’s most reputable
companies. Read More

Contact Us
Hapco, Inc
353 Circuit Street
Hanover, MA 02339

Phone: (781) 826-8801

Toll Free: (877)-729-4272
Fax: (781) 826-9544

Email: info@hapcoincorporated.com

Business Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 8:30am to 5:00pm, Fri. until 3:00pm (EST)

 

Resources
Blog
FAQ
Videos
Glossary
 SDS Library
 Toll Free (877) 729-4272
Viscosity Chart
 info@hapcoincorporated.com
Hardness Chart
a
Request a Quote
Technical Support

Recent Posts
Filters: A Key Tool in the Fight Against Covid-19
River Cribbage Board Using Hapco Resins
Casting a Clear Sculpture Using Hapco Materials, Equipment, and Expertise – Part 2
Casting a Clear Sculpture Using Hapco Materials, Equipment, and Expertise – Part 1
A Helpful Guide to Processing High Viscosity Resins

    
Copyright © 2021 Hapco, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy | Terms