Question Regarding Working With Arcylic Resins

[Sam_Smith]

Hello,
I wanted to try casting some pieces in clear acrylic resin roughly 6" x 6" x 4". I know a autoclave is needed for what I want to achieve. The info. provided from Lucite is pretty broad. The recommend a autoclave with pressure from 40to 200psi and temp. up to 230 F. Has anyone had success with using or modifying a hospital surplus autoclave they seem rather plentiful and cheap compared to industrial versions. Thanks for any suggestions and tips-Sam

[The Forge]

What are trying to do that requires an autoclave? I am a Plastic Injection Moldmaker with lots of experience and maybe can help you.:)

[Sam_Smith]

I am looking to doing some lucite embedment casting similar to the attached pic.

[The Forge]

Wow, that is neat. Are the embeded pieces in the center of the pour? What method do you use to keep them in place during the pouring process. Is the autoclave atmosphere to push out the air bubbles?

[Sam_Smith]

I wish I could take credit, this is just a piece I found as a example. You can see some more pieces like that done by Starlite Originals

http://www.allsculptures.com/products.php?cat=starlite-originals-marine-life-sculptures