Choose by Application
Your choice of Plastiform product depends on whether you inspect dimensions, roughness, or surface finish. Some products also let you protect, mask, or hold parts.
Dimensional Inspection
For dimensional inspection, the shape of the part and its removal constraint decide the product.
- On an internal thread requiring a complete impression, use F20. A thread creates a strong removal constraint, and F20 is our usual product for complex internal shapes. It accepts up to 30%. Inject it with a tip and add a demolding ring. If you plan to slice the impression, use F40, which accepts 35% and the Double Blade Cutter.
- When an internal shape has light grooves and a removal constraint under 10%, choose F50. A Medium product is enough, and you can slice the impression with the Double Blade Cutter.
- An external thread with easy access and no undercut takes M70, applied by hand.
- In a through bore, use P35. A Pasty product does not run out through the bottom, and the surplus of product is the grip, so no demolding ring is needed.
- To measure external grooves with a contact instrument, use P51 SD, the most rigid product in the range. Its working time is 20 seconds, so work fast.
| Shape or need | Product | Main reason |
|---|---|---|
| Internal thread, complete impression | F20 | Strong removal constraint, very flexible Fluid product |
| Internal shape with light grooves, constraint under 10% | F50 | Medium hardness is enough, can be sliced |
| External thread, easy access | M70 | No undercut, applied by hand |
| Through bore | P35 | Does not run out, the surplus is the grip |
| External grooves, contact measurement | P51 SD | No undercut, most rigid product |
| Internal roughness, contact roughness tester | P80 Ra | Designed for Ra with contact |
Roughness Measurement
With a contact roughness tester, use P80 Ra. It is the only Pasty product designed to measure Ra with contact, and the shape must have no removal constraint. Compress the product with a card after injection.
When the shape has undercuts, take a Flexible impression and measure it without contact. For Rt and Rz values, use a non-contact measuring device.
Surface Finish Inspection
We developed F30 Visual for the visual inspection of the surface finish. Its glossy black impression shows tool marks, scratches, streaks, cracks, and pitting. You inspect it without contact, with a microscope or a vision system.
Protection, Masking and Holding Parts
Plastiform products also have secondary uses. You can make custom protections or mask one or several parts, which reduces the use of masking tape, and create custom seals. They can also hold or reinforce a part firmly without damaging it, and absorb vibrations.
F50 XL is our usual product for protections made in series. F04 Protect is the product made to protect gauges.
Related Pages
- Select the Right Plastiform
- Plastiform Finder
- The Plastiform Range at a Glance
- Visual Surface Inspection with F30 Visual