Molds constructed of acrylic sheet are more easily machined than metal, are transparent to ensure complete filling during injection, and have smooth surfaces free of contamination. Technique eliminates flashing on molded parts and mold release agents

Heisman, R. M.

Koerner, A. E.

Messineo, S. M.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

June 1970	 Brief 70-10019 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs announce ness technology derived from the U .S. space program. They are issued to encourage commercial 
application. Tech Briefs are available on a subscription basis from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical 
Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. Requests for individual copies or questions relating to the Tech Brief program may 
be directed to the Technology Utilization Division, NASA, Code UT, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Use of Acrylic Sheet Molds for Elastomeric Products 
Clear acrylic sheet may be used to construct molds 
for fluid elastomers that are cured or vulcanized at 
room temperature. This technique offers the advan-
tage of easier machining, compared to metal, and the 
ability to see through the mold and thus ensure that 
all cavities and corners are filled during the injection 
process. 
By fabricating the mold to the desired shape and 
size, using details that may be completely disassem-
bled, it is possible to obtain any angle, arc, or radius 
needed. Acrylic sheets can be laminated for added 
depth, and the most complex mold can be made in 
approximately two weeks. Additional advantages of 
this technique are: (1) molded parts can be furnished 
without the draft tolerances required in the normal, 
unitized methods; (2) flashing on molded parts is 
eliminated; (3) no mold release agents are required; 
and (4) all mold surfaces are smooth and completely 
free of contamination. These conditions are highly
desirable where additional details or closeout covers 
may be added by secondary bonding. The ultimate 
in variety and quality of molded elastomeric products, 
such as silicone rubber cushions, can be obtained 
quickly and economically. 
Notes: 
1. The illustration above shows an example of a 
silicone rubber part and the transparent acrylic 
sheet mold in which it was cast. 
2. This Tech Brief is complete in itself. No additional 
information is available. 
Patent status: 
No patent action is contemplated by NASA. 
Source: R. M. Heisman, A. E. Koerner, and 
S. M. Messineo of 
North American Rockwell Corporation 
under contract to

Manned Spacecraft Center

(kA r 1 ci;1I;.s 
-	 1y1	 I 
Category 08 
Now
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
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Use of acrylic sheet molds for elastomeric products

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