Owner’s Manual

ArtMolds’ Pressure Pot

SPECIFICATION:

• Capacity: 2 ½ gallons <approximately>

• Dimensions: 9 ¼” diameter X 8” tall
• Maximum pressure: 50 PSI
• Weight: 20 Pounds
• Gasket material: Polysulfide

CAUTION: PLEASE TAKE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHEN

USING YOUR PRESSURE POT. Failure to comply could re-
sult in serious injury and or property damage. Read care-
fully the instructions before operating this pressure pot.

FOR TECHNICAL QUESTIONS CALL: 866-278-6653

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Description
The ArtMolds’ pressure pot is designed for two applications. The first is the application of
pressure to force resin into thin sections of a mold, thus eliminating bubbles in the finished
casting. The second application, and equally important is to reduce or eliminate air bubbles in
casting or mold materials.
However, a pressure pot will not work well to reduce air bubbles in molding or casting rub-
bers since these are flexible when set. Because when the pressure is released the air bubbles
will return to full size under normal atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the pressure pot is opti-
mally used for materials that are rigid or hard when set.

Package Contents
The contents includes three separate items: the pressure vessel, its handle and the pres-
sure regulator assembly. The pressure regulator assembly and handle are packed inside the
pressure vessel.
You will also need an air compressor (if you do not already have one in your studio) and
coupling or adaptor to connect your pressure pot (we suggest the quick disconnect adaptor) to
the air line since these are not included. We recommend that the air compressor size used with
this pressure pot be a minimum of 3.5 H.P. with about a 5 gallon tank. This combination of air
compressor and pressure pot works very efficiently and effectively for removing air from mold
making and casting materials.
Suggested compressors that meet this criteria:
• All Power America Model APC4028 (Amazon.com)
• Steele Compressor Model CE-355TM (Sears)

Assembly Instructions
Using an adjustable wrench fasten the gauge assembly to the swivel adaptor (7) marked
‘air inlet.’ Screw the handle in to the center of the lid.
Attach the air supply hose from your compressor to the ¼ NPT air
inlet connector (not included) of regulator (4). We recommend using a
quick disconnect for this fitting to allow you to remove the compressor
from the pressure pot without unscrewing. These are available in the
air tool section of the major home centers and larger hardware stores.
You will require a 1/4 inch female thread 1/4” Quick disconnect

Pot Operation
Refer to the parts assembly illustration and the parts list on page 4 while performing the fol-
lowing steps:
• Relieve all air pressure in the pot by pulling the ring on the safety valve (9). Pull the
ring until the pressure bleeds down.
• Remove the lid assembly by loosening the thumb screws (13) and tipping the lid
clamps back.
• Set the lid assembly aside.
• Place the container of casting or molding material inside the pot.
• Replace the lid assembly (3), and hand tighten the clamps and thumb screws.
• Connect the air supply hose to the air inlet fitting on the pot regulator.
• Adjust the pressure by turning the T-handle adjusting screw (on regulator) clock-
wise to increase pressure and counterclockwise to decrease the pressure.

FOR TECHNICAL QUESTIONS CALL: 866-278-6653

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Pressure Process
Casting under pressure is the best way to make high quality resin castings. Especially cast-
ings with difficult recesses and complex molds. Pressure casting squeezes existing air to sizes
unseen by the human eye, creating a virtually ‘bubble less’ casting.
The procedure is simple. Cast your part in your mold as usual. Then place the entire mold
in your pressure pot. Secure lid the tightly with the four screw clamps. Then turn your air
source on to fill the pot up to 30-40 psi.
WARNING: DO NOT EXCEED 50 PSI!
Leave the pressure in your pot until your material has cured. Then remove the air source
and let out the air pressure from the pressure pot. Unfasten the lid and remove your mold from
the pot. Demold your void free casting.
Mold Rubber Caution: If you do decide to pressure cast a mold rubber, you will want
to make certain you pressure cast your rubber until it is fully cured. But it is best to use a use
vacuum chamber to remove all air from the mold making rubber to avoid having the mold col-
lapse in areas of your mold that have air just under the surface of your part. If you do not make
sure your mold air free it will cause little warts on the surface of your casting.

Summary
• Mix according to proper mix ratio on the instructions and pour into mold.
• Place the mold in the pressure pot.
• Place the lid on the pressure pot. Place the (4) swing clamps on the cover
• Secure the (4) thumb screws tightly on the cover.
• Make sure nuts and bolts are tightened properly before pressurizing tank (hand
tighten only).
NO TOOLS RECOMMENDED

CAUTION: THE PRESSURE POT HAS BEEN RATED FOR ONLY 50 POUNDS OF
PRESSURE. DO NOT EXCEED RECOMMENDED PRESSURE RATING.

WARNING: Always make sure that the equipment connected to the pot or hose
outlet has a higher pressure rating than the regulated air pres-sure in the pot.

Maintenance
• Maintenance of the Pressure Pot consists of cleaning it thoroughly after each use
by performing the following procedures:
• Turn OFF the compressor that supplies the air to your pot.
• Relieve all pressure from the pot by turning the regulator T-handle counterclock-
wise, and then pull the ring on the safety valve until the pressure bleeds down.
• Loosen the Thumb Screws and tip the lid clamps back.
• Tip the pot lid to one side.
• Empty and clean the pot, and clean the parts that come into contact with any spilled
material. Use a suitable solvent.
• Ensure that the ports to the safety valve, gauge, and outlets are free of hardened
casting or molding materials which could prevent the free movement of air.
• Note: Occasionally check the gauge. The needle should return to zero with the
pressure off.

FOR TECHNICAL QUESTIONS CALL: 866-278-6653

www.artmolds.com
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Troubleshooting
In the event the pressure pot is not operating properly, refer to the following table for trou-
bleshooting procedures.
Problem
Air escapes from the port on the
regulator cap.
Pressure drops slowly on the
gauge.
Fluid or air leaks from the lid gas-
ket.
Safety valve is stuck, does not
operate freely or does not re-
lieve pressure.
Safety valve popping off.
Possible Cause
A broken or damaged dia-
phragm.
A dirty or worn valve seat in
the regulator.
A defective lid gasket or
loos-ened thumb screw.
Damaged valve.
Tank pressure too high.
Possible Solution
Replace the diaphragm.
Clean or replace the valve seat.
Replace the gasket or tighten the
thumb screw.
Replace the safety valve.
Reduce tank pressure 30-60 PSI.

Pressure Pot Assembly

Part Description Qty

1 Tank shell assembly 1

2 Lid gasket 1
3 Lid assembly 1

4 Adapter 3
5 Gauge 1
6 Regulator 1

7 Swivel adapter 1
8 Branch tree 1
9 Safety valve 1
10 Handle 1
11 Hex nut 1
12 Street elbow 1
13 Thumb screw 4
14 Yoke assembly 4
15 Cotter pin 4
16 Hinge pin 4
17 Fluid tube 1
18 Fluid outlet adapter 1

FOR TECHNICAL QUESTIONS CALL: 866-278-6653

www.artmolds.com
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EnvironMolds, LLC / 18 Bank Street / Summit, NJ 07901 Email: info@environmolds.com