I am currently looking into manufacturing a turgo water turbine runner by gravity casting a resin into a mould I have made, to form individual cups which I will then attach to a hub.
Here is an image of a much smaller version (about 3 times smaller) of the item I wish to cast.
http://www.renewablecomponents.com/hydro.htmlI was wondering if you could recommend the type of resin you believe to be most suited to my needs.
The part will be gravity cast in a steel or plastic mould.
The application of the runner will require water resistance.
The shape of the casting is a turgo cup (almost like a very large ice cream scoop) with a short 10cm handle
The runner is essentially an impule turbine constantly being shot with a jet of water to produce a torque. Large water jet will cause approx 400N force on a cup.
Thickness of the cup is around 15-20mm but depends on the strength of the material used.
approx. 200mm long cup
Outdoor use
High strength
low friction surface finish
Structural component subject to cyclic loading
high hardness due to sediment erosion
temperature range during use of -10degC to +35degC
minimize cost
subject to large bending moments and tensile load.
Hopefully will last for around 15 years.
Thank you for your time. Any thoughts on the best resin to use would be invaluable as I have limited experience with resin casting.
Best wishes
Marco Guerrini
(University of Bristol student)