What is a pressure pot? Why Do We Need One For Making Dice?

Understanding the Pressure Pot

A pressure pot is a specialized piece of equipment that creates a high-pressure environment. It's commonly used in various industries, including woodworking, resin casting, and, most importantly for our purposes, dice making. In another blog post we go over our favorite pressure pots for every price point.

Why Dice Makers Need a Pressure Pot

For dice makers, the pressure pot is indispensable for several reasons:

1. Improved Bubble Removal: When resin is poured into molds, tiny bubbles can often become trapped inside. These bubbles can mar the finished product, creating unsightly imperfections. A pressure pot helps eliminate these bubbles by subjecting the resin to high pressure, forcing them to rise to the surface and escape.
2. Enhanced Clarity: By removing bubbles, a pressure pot significantly improves the clarity and transparency of resin dice. This is especially important for dice made with clear or translucent resins.
3. Consistent Curing: The high-pressure environment in a pressure pot can accelerate the curing process of resin, ensuring more consistent and predictable results. This can help reduce the risk of uneven curing and other defects.
4. Increased Detail: For dice with intricate designs or fine details, a pressure pot can help prevent the resin from shrinking or warping during the curing process. This ensures that the details are preserved and that the finished dice look sharp and crisp.

How a Pressure Pot Works

A pressure pot typically consists of a sealed chamber, a pressure gauge, a release valve, and a pump. The process of using a pressure pot involves the following steps:

1. Preparation: The resin and hardener are mixed according to the manufacturer's instructions and poured into the desired molds.
2. Sealing: The molds are placed inside the pressure pot chamber, and the chamber is sealed tightly to prevent air leakage.
3. Pressurization: The pump is activated to increase the pressure inside the chamber. The exact pressure level will vary depending on the specific resin and mold being used.
4. Holding: The resin is held under pressure for a predetermined amount of time to allow the bubbles to rise and escape.
5. Release: Once the desired pressure has been reached, the release valve is opened to allow the pressure to return to normal.
6. Curing: The molds are removed from the pressure pot and allowed to cure undisturbed.

Choosing the Right Pressure Pot

When selecting a pressure pot for dice making, there are several factors to consider:

• Size: The pot should be large enough to accommodate your molds comfortably.
• Pressure Capacity: The pressure pot should be able to reach the recommended pressure levels for the resin you're using. We suggest at least being able to hold a consistent 50 psi. I'll go over more in another blog about how much pressure to use.
• Temperature Control: Some pressure pots have built-in temperature control features, which can be helpful for certain types of resin.
• Safety Features: Ensure that the pressure pot has safety features such as pressure relief valves and overpressure protection.

Conclusion

A pressure pot is an invaluable tool for dice makers who want to produce high-quality, bubble-free dice. By understanding how a pressure pot works and choosing the right equipment, you can significantly improve the consistency and quality of your dice making projects.