Pressing with a pad

[Raccoon]

Hi,

I'm wondering if someone is using a pad (and what kind of pad, eg. silicone, rubber, etc...) to press boards with 3D core. I tried with a rubber pad between the top of the layup and the top cassette but the pad is not enough firm so I have imperfections on the top of the board. I can't find a pad that is firm enough to get a perfect finish and soft enough to conform to the 3D shape of the core. any help will be appreciated.

[jvangelder]

I had a small square of cork last year i used to press a few samples that had 3d profiles. It worked alright. Are you just doing steps, rescess's etc or something like a logo / graphic with alot of sharp angles and detail

[MontuckyMadman]

I would contact one of the many RTV or silicon rubber manufacturers and explain your pressure and application. they will send you different durometer samples of cured rubber and you can test small samples.

Smooth-on makes allot of mold rubber this is used in the mold injection industry, hot wax investment casting for art and science and movie making and architectural.
http://www.smooth-on.com/
I'm thinkin shore a 60? or so pretty hard. Depend on what your shape is.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durometer

Most likely from the samples you can determine what duromter works best for your application. Post your results here please.