Initial Consistency
The initial consistency is the texture of a Plastiform product right after mixing, before it hardens. It determines how you apply the material and what geometries it can reach.
There are three initial consistencies: Fluid, Pasty, and Manual Putty.
Fluid
Fluid products have the texture of syrup or honey. They flow under gravity and fill cavities on their own. This makes them the default choice for total impressions of internal forms: bores, threads, grooves, and closed cavities.
Fluid products come in cartridges. Standard size is 50 ml. Larger sizes are 400 ml and bulk containers up to 10.2 liters. They require a dispensing gun and a mixer tip to combine the two components.
Be careful, XL products can share the same name than a 50ml product (i.e. F20 & F20 XL) but they are NOT the same products in different packaging.
Use a Fluid product when:
- You need a total impression of an internal shape (looking for a diameter or a radius)
- The surface is horizontal or the material can be contained
Do not use a Fluid product when:
- The surface is vertical or overhanging. The product will flow out before it cures
- You need a partial impression on an external surface. If it’s not contained by the shape, it’s going to flow away before it polymerize.
Pasty
Pasty products have the texture of toothpaste. They hold their shape after application and do not flow. This makes them ideal for external forms, vertical surfaces, overhangs, and partial impressions.
Pasty products come in 50 ml cartridges. They require a dispensing gun and mixer tip. The only difference from Fluid is the viscosity.
Use Pasty when:
- You need a partial impression on an external or vertical surface
- The surface is angled or overhanging and a fluid would run off
- You want to avoid building a dam or support to contain the material
Do not use Pasty when:
- You need to fill a small closed internal cavity. The material is too thick to flow into fine detail and air pockets will form
- The opening is so narrow that even a fluid struggles
Manual Putty
Manual Putty products have the texture of modeling clay. You scoop equal amounts of base and catalyst from the pot, knead them together by hand for about 30 seconds, and press the mixture onto the surface. No dispensing gun or mixer tips needed.
Manual Putties come in 900 ml pots (two 450 ml compartments).
Use Manual Putty when:
- You do not have a dispensing gun or prefer not to use one
- You make impressions frequently and want to avoid hand fatigue from squeezing a gun
- The surface is easily accessible by hand
- You need an economical option for high volume use
Do not use Manual Putty when:
- You need to reach a deep internal cavity. Your hand cannot place the material precisely enough
Selection Table
| Fluid (F) | Pasty (P) | Manual Putty (M) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal total impression |  |  | |
| External or vertical surface | | | |
| Needs tools | Gun + injector | Gun + injector | None |
| Packaging | Cartridge 50 (XL range -> 400 ml, bulk) | Cartridge 50 ml | Pot 90/900 ml |
Fast rule: If it is an internal cavity you cannot reach by hand, use Fluid. If it is an external or vertical surface, use Pasty or Manual Putty based on whether you have a gun and how much practice you have.
We consider internal cavity with a >50mm diameter an external surface because, unless you need a total impression, you will most of the time have a better experience with Pasty or Manual Putty products.
For product specific recommendations, use the Plastiform Finder or read about Final Hardness.
