Substitution: Alternatives to Clear Casting Resin

Minimizing Hazard Exposure through Material Substitution

Products such as epoxy resin, urethane resin, and polyester resin contain chemicals known to be powerful irritants and sensitizers. Individuals exposed to these chemicals, by way of contact with the skin, eyes, or respiratory system, can experience severe asthma attacks, allergic reactions, and other permanent harm. Repeat exposure, even at low doses, increases the risk of such reactions, including individuals who are otherwise healthy.

Preventing exposure to these chemicals is a critical step in eliminating the health hazard. The most effective methods to prevent or reduce exposure are elimination and substitution. In the context of resin use at the GSD, elimination of a hazard would entail designing the project so that the product is no longer needed, substitution would entail the use of an alternative product, one that has fewer or less severe associated hazards.

The GSD Fabrication Lab selected and tested products for their potential use as alternatives to clear casting resins; products that minimize the hazard exposure through material substitution. The samples display the varying degrees of transparency that can be achieved in a range of geometric possibilities for each product

The table below compares the alternative materials. Click on any column header to sort the table by that factor. Click on a method name for more information about the process and related considerations.

• "TIME" refers to the total amount of time required for a process, including preparing the material as well as curing or drying time. It does not include sourcing the material nor any time that might be required while waiting for machine time to become available, etc.
• "SKILL LEVEL" refers to the relative amount of skill or experience required for a given method.
• "Transparency" scale
• "Special Equipment"

• "Health and Safety"