Connector Mold Update

1
Connector Mold Update

• Jim Steinman
• Bob Flight
• University of Rochester
• 11/30/2005

2
Outline

• Brief summary of what kind of material were
  looking for and issues involved.
• Report on recent trials of GE-Silicone
• Alumilite S2
• Devcon
• Summary and Future Plans

3
Material parameters

• Cure time 1-2 hours at room temperature (No
  added heat)
• Working time 30 min.
• Final Cure time 24 hrs.
• Adheres well to connector and tubing
• Durable, flexible, light-tight
• Black
• RTV (If possible)

4
GE-Silicones RTV-627A

• Attempted different mixing ratios.
• Cure time 7hrs.
• Can be easily broken apart by simple bending.

5
Alumilite S2

• Despite multiple attempts S2 still results in a
  sticky fluid-like material.

• Not solid enough to even attempt a mold with.

6
Important Issue Regarding Dyes

• For both GE and S2 trials we made attempts using
  a generic black dye resulting in the RTV
  remaining a liquid.
• When using dyes only use dye specified by the
  company

Cure Time Never!
7
Devcon

• Biggest issue Polyurethane potential fire
  hazard
• Material was extremely hard and also leaked into
  connector latches and broke fibers.

8
Summary / Future Plans

• May Rule out GE, Alumilite S2, and Devcon
• Search out for other recommendations
• If nothing elseAlumilite (MSU) seems like the
  best option
• Recently had very promising results when
  Alum.(MSU) is combined w/ S2 accel.

9
Future Plans (longer term)

• Looking into better adhesion by drilling small
  holes in connector or primers.
• For production, use epoxy gun to mix RTV and
  dispense into mold.