Epoxy resin in general is easier to work with than acrylic. Epoxy resin molds last much longer than acrylic molds because both have different curing methods. Epoxy resin has a different weight and is a harder plastic than acrylic, giving it the ability to show small details much better and improved polish. Cast resins are the most used by artists or to produce facades or cladding.
Casting resins typically comprise a liquid resin and a hardener. They are often used to fill voids or cavities to provide a decorative finish. Acrylic resin is often used in manufacturing to produce solid surfaces. When heat is applied, it can be manufactured in different shapes and is also suitable for intensive use.
However, some people will opt for polyester resin, as it gives the impression of additional depth and is considerably cheaper than acrylic epoxy. As we entered the world of dice manufacturing, one of the things we had to figure out is the different materials used to make the dice and the impact they will have on the final product. At a high level, dice can be made by pouring material into a mold (by far the most common method) or using a machine to remove material from a large block (commercial-scale 3D printing of dice is not yet realistic, but we live with hope). For our purposes, we only focus on the pouring method, because machined dies are labor intensive and therefore incredibly expensive.
In terms of the die casting method, the two most common materials are acrylic and resin. In the case of resin, the resin actually undergoes a chemical reaction in the mold and cures from liquid to solid. In the case of acrylic or metal, the material is melted and poured into the mold to cool. The first really obvious difference is the price.
Resin ranges from 2 to 4 times more expensive than acrylic. So why do so many manufacturers use resin for their dice?. In terms of durability, stone resin bathtubs far outperform acrylic bathtubs, as they are more difficult to scratch, break or damage. Over time, you'll save more on repair costs with a stone resin bathtub than with an acrylic tub, but you'll spend more upfront, as stone resin bathtubs are more expensive than acrylic ones.
Because epoxy resin takes some time to cure and has a non-flexible finish, it is best used on rigid, non-poured surfaces, such as wooden art boards, serving boards, cheese boards, mirrors, tables, and plastic. Alcohol ink paints can also be adhered to a worktable and covered with a layer of clear resin for a tough, glossy finish. In some circumstances, you may need casting resins, while in others, a liquid acrylic resin may be more suitable. Since only a little heat is released, the chemical reaction between the actual liquid resin and its hardener takes longer.
We give you a clarification, as we will summarize everything you need to know about casting epoxy resin, polyester resin and acrylic resin. These problems tend to appear more in acrylic dice than resin, but again, most manufacturers using modern methods can solve these problems and make perfectly thin dice from acrylic. Acrylic bathtubs will look, feel, and behave differently than a stone resin bathtub, simply because one is made of acrylic and fiberglass, while the other uses stone, resin, and minerals. The art form may seem the same at times, but the techniques used in it and the type and quantity of ingredients may differ.
If you want to make river tables or casting molds, low viscosity epoxy resin may be right for you. Epoxy resin is also quite often used as a clear topcoat over other fluid art forms, such as acrylic pouring, as it creates a long-lasting, glossy finish and makes colors and details stand out. The main difference between resin art and acrylic pouring is that resin art uses epoxy resin as a base, whereas acrylic uses acrylic paint together with a diluting agent. They can be varnished or coated with a layer of resin if you want a bright and shiny touch to the work of art.
Resin bathtubs are made of stones, minerals and acrylic materials and are becoming known for their solid surface and beautiful, natural look and feel. What all forms of acrylic epoxy resin have in common is that they are natural or synthetic chemical compounds that will harden if deliberately exposed to heat, light, or setting agents are added. . .
