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Plastiform is a precision moulding compound produced by Rivelec in Aubergenville, north west of Paris, France. It is a manually applied silicone based product that enables the user to acheive precise 3D moulds or impressions of features to then enable geometrical checks to be made.

Description
Conceived and developed from the need to acquire accurate measurements of traditionally 'unaccessable' features on manufactured parts, Plastiform enables this to be acheived. The accuracy that can be acheived is less than 1 micron (1um) The main product type is a cartridge based system. The cartridge system employs the use of a 'two part' 50ml cartridge which holds the two elements of the compound. When the two elements are mixed, the reaction between the two causes a process of 'curing'.

Other Product Types
In addition to the cartridge based system, Plastiform also produce a two part manual putty. This system requires the compound to be mixed in eaqual quantities and applied by hand to the application area. There are also 'rigid' products within the range that are a resin substrate which require the mixing of powder and a reacting fluid. Unlike both the fluid cartridge systems and putties, which cure to varying states of hardness on the Shore A scale but remain in a 'flexible' state, the rigid products dry to a hard resin state.

50ml Cartridge System
Plastiform cartridges are available in 11 differing types. Each type has a different initial consistancy and final state of hardness and each type has its own individual color for recognition purposes. The range of these final states dictates its final use. Some types can be 'spliced' using a special double bladed cutter thus enabling a cross section of a feature to be acheived (this would be used for a non contact measurement for example). Other final states allow for tactile measurement with traditional precision measuring tools such as micrometers, vernier calipers or coordinate measuring machine. For use, this system requires the three main elements of 1) a special dispensing gun 2) moulding compound 3) a mixer nozzle.

The cartridge is placed into the dispensing gun and a mixer nozzle is then attached to the front of the cartridge. Upon dispensing via the trigger on the gun, the two parts of the compound are pushed from the cartridge and into the mixer nozzle where it is combined to the correct mixture ratio. This can then be applied directly to the application.

Manual Putties
Manual putties are available in 5 different types, again each with their own unique colour and start/finish states. These are supplied in two plastic tubs (as with the cartridge system, it requires an equal mix of A+B compond from each tub to enable the correct reaction). Once the equal amounts are mixed together the user then simply presses onto or into the application.

Rigids
Drying to a resin like finish, the rigid products must be mixed using both a powder and hardner. This is then poured onto the application area where it is left to set. Once set, this can then be removed for use. Resins are the only product where the accuracy is not stated to 1um.

Application And Uses
Primarily used for indirect measurement by way of creating a negative mould, Plastiform can be used as a method of non destructive testing negating the need to destroy parts to enable access to critical features. A number of the compounds can be used for indirect control and measurement of surface roughness and contour/profile. Because of the nature of the product, it is also possible to make custom 'O ring' seals as well as use for surface protection during a sandblasting or indeed a coating process.

Traceability For Quality Control
Plastiform can be used as a reference within a quality procedure as it will not shrink or degrade over time.