Author Topic: Elaztech?  (Read 13123 times)

Offline ryanking

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Elaztech?
« on: 08/01/14 15:26 UTC »
I have read about people melting down store-bought plastic for injection into their own molds. Has anyone has tried doing this with z-man elaztech plastic? I would like to make croakers out of this material since it floats and would allow for pausing the bait without it sinking.

Offline MonteSS

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Re: Elaztech?
« Reply #1 on: 08/01/14 15:47 UTC »
Its a silicon based material that is cured by mixing two parts (like resin or epoxy)

Not melted by heat.

This might work
http://www.smooth-on.com/Silicone-Rubber-an/c2_1115_1129/index.html


Offline XFactorTackle

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Re: Elaztech?
« Reply #2 on: 08/01/14 21:38 UTC »
"Elaztech" is actually a type of Kraton, which is actually rubber not plastic. It is heated but it's extremely difficult to work with and needs to be heated slowly and evenly. In addition, Kraton can't be re-heated so there is tons of waste. That material will destroy your baits that are made with plastisol, don't let them touch or it will melt them.

By all means, double check what I said. I looked into this extensively and talked with a potential supplier as well as Calhoun who is a former supplier of that material. In the end, it's a great floating material that just isn't worth pursuing for most people.

My advice would be to buy some of that floating foam, cut it up and put it in the plastic after you pour the belly, then shoot the top color. If your using soft plastic you should see great flotation once you add the foam.

http://store.do-itmolds.com/Floating-Foam-5-feet_p_1118.html

Jeff

Offline ryanking

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Re: Elaztech?
« Reply #3 on: 08/01/14 22:29 UTC »
Good info! Glad I didn't waste any time/money trying it first. I will give the floating foam a try. Thanks for the replies!