Problem
We found that a particular resin absorbs about 40% water when submerged. The problem was brought to our attention when one of our customers sent us a fitting they used for distributing liquid fertilizer. The fitting was split.
Background
Before we print with a resin for our customers, we test it for strength and heat deflection. This resin passed all of our tests. Our tests included dropping a steel ball of three different heights and 3 different sizes of ball (180 pounds maximum force). We also test its heat deflection. It also passed this test.
Troubleshooting
Tests are ongoing to find a solution to this problem. So far we have added extra cure time (20, 40 and 60 minutes) . Our normal cure cycle is 20 minutes. We haven’t seen a change yet. The data sheet for the resin didn’t mention water absorption, but other resins have an absorption figure.
Updates to come.
