Resin can be natural or synthetic. Natural resin comes from the tree barks and mainly serves as flavoring agents, glue, and bow treatments for specific stringed instruments. On the other hand, synthetic resin is a polymer used to manufacture plastics, varnishes, and adhesives. It is also commonly used in the art and design industry.
You can find various types of resin available in the market, making the selection process somehow daunting. However, it should no longer be the case because this article will provide some tips to help you in your selection process.
That said, here are some pro-tips to guide you in choosing the right resin:
Know Your Purpose
Resin aims to serve two primary purposes, filling or coating. The aspect that makes the difference is the formation of bubbles during application and the viscosity of the resin.
If you plan to use your resin to fill a void or a mold, it would be best to buy casting resin. Casting resin has thin viscosity and efficiently fills any gap without leaving any corner unfilled. On the other hand, choose doming resin for coating purposes. It has a thick consistency and is best used on painted, tiled, or wooden surfaces. Doming resin can also leave a glossy finish on the surface, making it ideal for jewelry. You can visit justresin.com.au to learn more about the type of resin to use for every specific project.
Evaluate Physical Properties
The physical properties of an object lead to its performance characteristics. Several resin types have varying physical properties that perform differently in similar environments.
One characteristic you can consider is heat resistance because it won’t melt or deteriorate in performance due to heat exposure. You can use it for items that yield heat or expose them to high temperatures. For instance, go for the polycarbonate resin if you aim to use it on electrical coverings or your countertop project because it’s known for its heat resistance.
Another property to consider is corrosion resistance. In the medical industry, where corrosion can be hazardous, resin serves its purpose. If you plan on using resin on medical equipment, it’s best to use polyester resin. You can use it on tanks or vessels that hold water or chemicals, which will likely corrode their surfaces in the long run.
One more aspect to consider is shrinkage. There are items where shrinkage isn’t desirable, such as clothes. In such a situation, go for resin, such as nylon. However, it’s good to know that most resins will shrink to a certain degree. It’d help to look at the shrinkage extent you can accommodate on your desired end product.
Check Regulations
Depending on where and how you will use the resin, some regulations might apply. Such materials are made of different chemicals that might be harmful in certain situations. For example, you can’t use the same resin to manufacture food-related and industrial products.
Therefore, before heading to your store to purchase resin, research if there are any regulations on the minimum standards expected for your end product. Suppose you plan to manufacture plastic cups and plates. Check FDA regulations on the dos and don’ts. A Resin such as polystyrene is best used for food-related products or where you expect children to use your products.
Suppose you aim to export your products. Make a point of checking the laws governing resin and the minimum product standards in the said country. You might be compliant in your state but fail to meet the other state’s standards.
Consider Cost
Cost is a major determining factor in your choice of resin. Resin varies in pricing due to the different characteristics. Expect to pay high prices if you want one with high properties. What should guide you as you consider price?
One is your use of resin. There are situations where you can compromise on some properties. Suppose you’re doing a small home project like coating your kitchen countertop. The main properties you should go for are aesthetics and heat resistance. It wouldn’t be practical to consider corrosion and chemical resistance. Such considerations will make you pay more money, which is unnecessary. Therefore, only seek the necessary properties from your resin.
Your budget is also another consideration. You want to buy resin you can afford. It’s best to use your budget from the word go in your purchase. Inform the vendor of your budget. Proceed to inform them of your intended use of the resin. The vendor can give you the available options within your budget with this information. Such an approach eliminates situations where you spend more than you can afford, leading to possible financial troubles. It’s advisable to remain within your budget.
Conclusion
There are different types and properties of the resin, as seen from the information above. Because of that, it can be hard to choose the right one. With this guide, your selection process can be much easier and less frustrating, should you decide to adopt it. So, if you ever need to purchase resin, know your purpose, evaluate its properties, and check regulations and cost.