On Thu, 20 Jan 2005 20:09:18 -0000, Dale Mosby <
dale@...> wrote:
>
> I was defnitely looking for something quite inexpensive - on the
> order of my investment in toner transfer PBC process. I would not
> mind the expense of a vacuum chamber to remove bubbles from rubber.
> I have heard the warnings against using hardware store
> Silicon "calking" for electrical wire potting. I have tried potting
> connectors using some automotive gasket compound. While that had a
> nice "rubber" feel to it, it did not seem to really "glue" itself to
> the wires well. I have dripped some 5 min epoxy into things like the
> RJ45 plugs to help anchor wires. That seems useful in limited
> situations.
The hardware shop stuff doesn't lend itself to casting i fear. On another
note, never try to use acrylic sealant. i didn't have anything else at
hand and tried to isolate a 240V connection on a relais with it. I didn't
wait for it to cure and switched on, it does conduct electricity quite
well. Not sure if the cured stuff does too.
> Any pointers to what to ask for as a molding compound that would dry
> reasonably hard are stick well to insulated wires. Is "silicon
> rubber" a well known description when looking for this material?
> If we stray too far from PCBs or the discussion gets too long I'm
> happy to take this away from the newsgroup. But making high quality
> cables seems pretty closly related to making boards, as most of my
> electrical projects have cables/connectors with them.
> Thanks for the data so far. - dale
I'm not sure if silicone can be used for the plug housing too, it seems to
me it is meant for making the mold only. it does not stick to anything but
silicone (good for releasing the pattern from the mold).
But there are various flexible and inflexible casting materials you can
try.
As i have no experience with it i suggest you ask in the casting group.
ST