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RTV Potting Compounds

05/10/2011 11:28 PM

Are RTV potting compounds the same as the RTV sold at Home Depot? I need a few ounces of clear potting compound to fill a small utility box for an automotive application. If the Home Depot stuff will work, it's cheaper and just down the street.

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#1

Re: RTV potting compounds

05/11/2011 1:04 AM

Yes, and no.

There are two general types of RTV. Single component, acetic acid and condensation curing silicone and two part addition or condensation reaction cured silicone.

"Potting" compounds are usually two component silicones that do not generate acetic acid, "vinegar" during cure. The acetic acid curing silicones will attack the metals in a circuit. Addition reaction (Non-vinegar) single component silicones could be used, but will not cure in thicker section needed for potting.

So, if you want to protect a circuit from moisture, etc you could use a squeeze out-of-the-tube RTV, but a two part (as in mold making) rubber will be more well suited to potting.

I guess my advice is that if it smells like vinegar, don't use it. If it doesn't and you just want a thin coating squeeze it out of a tube. If you want thick section cure, use a two part RTV.

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#2

Re: RTV potting compounds

05/11/2011 3:20 AM

this may work for your application. It is non-corrosive and safe for electronics and metal application.

Another idea if a thin coating all you need the oxygen safe RTV's from the auto parts store could work.

last idea if your just securing parts from moving and your NOT going to rework at a future date. Two items; first two part epoxy. enough could/should waterproof unit. Second; Hot melt glue i.e. hobby glue gun. Glue sticks come in different formulas from soft set to hard set, and low melt to high melt temps. I have used medium to high heat glues to glue small electronics boards in project box's and using the glue to divide and secure the 9volt batteries. They were not permanently glued just close form fit.

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#3

Re: RTV Potting Compounds

05/11/2011 9:44 AM

I think I'll go for broke. I want a clear potting that I can cut and open if needed. So I'll buy the high price spread. It's a gift and I want it to look really professional.

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#4
In reply to #3

Re: RTV Potting Compounds

05/11/2011 10:50 AM

Why not take a picture and post it? Show us your handy work.

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#5
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Re: RTV Potting Compounds

05/11/2011 11:02 AM

Ill do that as soon as I get the parts off the bench and in the box. It's not much really, check my Trafficator thread to see what I'm doing (I'd put in a link but don't know how to do that...yet).

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#6
In reply to #5

Re: RTV Potting Compounds

05/11/2011 9:47 PM

Here you go SSCpal Trafficator.

To post a link highlight the text you want like above. In the editor bar some items will unfade pick the "earth w/chain" click it that opens a window type or paste your link address click done.

Pictures are simple click the camera icon follow which method you need. Type or paste the URL or browse your system for the picture file you want to use.

Good luck with your restoration project.0

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#7

Re: RTV Potting Compounds

05/11/2011 10:37 PM

Thanks MetalSmith. Here's a video of the setup: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVB2GGgOlwc

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#8
In reply to #7

Re: RTV Potting Compounds

05/12/2011 2:21 AM

Good deal. Remember us when you get the auto together with pictures.Or work in progress stories in the CR4 blog workbench creations.

Charles

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