Hi, I'm building a 2/5 gypsy caravan and need some advice on choosing a casting resin for a part which is taking on weight from a leaf spring, So I guess I need something which isn't too brittle?
The part can be seen on top of the axle.

Hi Brian,

This looks like a very interesting project. I appreciate that this is taking the pressure from the leaf spring but I'm not quite clear how much the casting would be likely to flex itself? - Is it just in compression or is there some flex (which would therefore mean imparting some compression and tension)?

Our PX90 is a 90 sure hardness PU casting resin. It's used widely for engine bushes and the like, where it can withstand heavy and prolonged loads. It is however, a more of a hard rubber than a completely rigid system, around the hardness of a skateboard wheel. If this does sound like the right hardness then it could be pigmented as required using our PU pigment pastes. It might be necessary to consider the volume of resin you're casting in one go however, those components look quite heavy and there would be a possibility of them getting too hot during cure from exotherm. If you could tell me the weight of those prototype components I should be able to tell you if that would be cast-able in one go.

All the best, Matt

Matt Statham
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Sales

Hi Brian,

I see, that's much more clear now. I did consider the P6 but wondered how much 'give' this block would need. If it's just a static compressive load then Xencast P6 would also be a good option. P6 is definitely a more 'rigid' system but it does have more flexural strength than than a conventional Fast Cast type PU, such as our Xencast P2. It's worth pointing out that to get the full benefit from the toughened P6 system it would need to be degassed. I'm not sure if you have those facilities? - Degassing is not *essential* but it does improve the toughness of the casting and realise the full potential of the P6 resin system.

Matt

Matt Statham
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Sales

Matt Statham
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Sales

Hello Matt, I have done the castings thank you, On a drunken night in I put my full body weight on the axle which is way more than needed with no problems at all. I could post my progress on here if anyone is interested with the finished carriage.

Hi Brian, that's great news, I'm not surprised they've held up but I'm glad they have! You just careful on those drunken nights in with a scale Gypsy caravan

I'd certainly be interested to see your progress with the project. especially as you might face some interesting and different challenges on this project which could benefit the wider composites/maker community.

Matt Statham
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Sales

This is excellent. Certainly interested in following progress!

I started the caravan a couple of years ago as a project for my chickens to live and it seems a slow process so far, These pictures are from the early days to more present day although it has more mouldings on it now. The mouldings (Gargoyle Heads & Coloured Beading) are made from Easy Composites P2 which holds the detail very well , but you have to mix it real quick!