Important Announcement

The Accu-Cast website is currently experiencing issues. Please contact us at 610-252-5800 to order.

Holiday Notice - President's Day

Accu-Cast will be closed Monday, February 19th in observance of President's Day. Resuming normal operations on Tuesday, February 20th.

Holiday Notice - Easter

Accu-Cast will be closed Friday, March 29th in observance of Easter Weekend. Resuming normal operations on Monday, March 30th.

Holiday Notice - Memorial Day

Accu-Cast will be closed Monday, May 27th in observance of Memorial Day. Resuming normal operations on Tuesday, May 28th.

Holiday Notice - Independence Day

Accu-Cast will be closed Thursday, July 4th and Friday, July 5th in observance of Independence Day. Resuming normal operations on Monday, July 8th.

Holiday Notice - Labor Day

Accu-Cast will be closed Monday, September 2nd in observance of Labor Day. Resuming normal operations on Tuesday, September 3rd.

Holiday Notice - Thanksgiving

Accu-Cast will be closed Thursday & Friday, November 28rd - 29th in observance of Thanksgiving. Resuming normal operations on Monday, December 2nd.

Holiday Notice - Christmas

Accu-Cast will be closed Monday, December 25th in observance of Christmas. Resuming normal operations on Tuesday, December 26th.

Holiday Notice - New Year's

Accu-Cast will be closed Wednesday, January 1st in observance of New Year's Day. Resuming normal operations Thursday, January 2nd.

How long does Accu-Cast alginate take to cure?

Our alginate product names give basic information about their alginate setting times. The three number sequence refers to the setting time at a particular water temperature. (For example, under ideal conditions, FaceGel (590) alginate will set in about 5 minutes when using 90°F water and BodyGel (880) sets in about 8 min. with 80°F water)

  • BabyGel (380)....... 3 minute set w/80°F water
  • HandGel (570)....... 5 minute set w/70°F water
  • FaceGel (590)....... 5 minute set w/90°F water
  • BodyGel (880)....... 8 minute set w/80°F water

We test our alginates during manufacturing so they perform to these standards (+/-5%). We test under controlled conditions (low humidity and 70°F air temperature with purified water).

Rarely will you have the luxury of using our products under such conditions. Here is a list of factors that can affect the alginate setting time (in order of the magnitude of their effect):

  1. Water Temperature....... Warmer water will speed the setting time of alginate and cooler water will slow it. (For a graph of setting times vs. water temperature, look below.
  2. Mixing Ratio....... Thicker alginate sets faster, thinner sets slower- all else being equal.
  3. Air Temperature....... Air temperature will affect how quickly the alginate will cool during and after mixing- same "warmer/faster, cooler slower" effect, however layup molds will be much more affected because of the larger "surface area to volume" ratio. Spread thin, it will be more affected by air temperature and evaporation than a bucket mold.
  4. Humidity....... Since evaporation off the surface of the alginate will cool the mass, lower humidity will increase evaporation, cooling the mix and slowing the set. Higher humidity will lessen evaporation, allowing the alginate to stay warmer which will shorten the setting time.
  5. Chemicals in the water....... In general, our recommendation is, "If you feel fine drinking your tap water, then its OK to use to mix your alginate". If you filter your drinking water or there are noticeable odors from your tap water, best to use bottled water. The cheap stuff is fine. We have no idea what effects your tap water might have on the setting time or any other working property of your alginate. If you're having problems, please feel free to contact us.

 Conclusion:

If you are working in a non-standard environment, like outdoors in Houston, TX in the summertime, you know it will be very hot and humid. These are both factors that will shorten the alginate setting time. Either use cooler than recommended water or choose a longer setting alginate for your project.

Categories: Accu-Cast FAQs