Liquid Gypsum enables user to adjust set times.
Press Release Summary:
READYROCK(TM) Liquid Gypsum and Liquid Composite are pre-mixed slurries that remain in liquid state indefinitely. When ready for use, READYROCK activator is added to slurry to begin setting process. Set times can be adjusted from 6 min to 2½ hrs by varying amount of activator. Both products offer dust-free solutions for statuary casting. Liquid Composite is for exterior, not-water-holding applications. Products are non-toxic, non-allergenic and odorless.
Original Press Release:
Revolutionary Readyrock Brand Product Line Is Industry's First Pre-Mixed Liquid Gypsum Cement
Technology Breakthrough Speeds Application, Increases Product Versatility
In one of the most significant technology innovations in the centuries-old history of gypsum cements, the Industrial Products Division of United States Gypsum Company has developed READYROCK(TM) Brand Liquid Gypsum, the first - and only - line of liquid gypsum-based products.
Unlike traditional gypsum cements, which require on-site mixing of gypsum powder and water, READYROCK Brand Liquid Gypsum and Liquid Composite (for exterior applications) products are pre-mixed slurries that remain in a liquid state indefinitely. While conventional gypsum cements set in a predetermined amount of time that cannot be controlled by the end user, READYROCK Brand products enable users to adjust set times as needed to meet specific production requirements.
The revolutionary liquid technology redefines how and where gypsum cements can be used in traditional statuary and architectural casting industries, and makes gypsum a practical and convenient option for a wide range of other industrial and manufacturing markets.
"The introduction of the READYROCK product line opens up a world of new opportunities for gypsum-based cements," said Ray Kaligian, director of marketing for U.S. Gypsum's Industrial Products Division. "Current customers will realize significant application and manufacturing benefits by converting to liquid gypsum. The technology also provides entirely new options and possibilities for dozens of other industries that require liquid-based casting or molding materials."
READYROCK Brand products consist of high-purity gypsum pre-mixed with water and inhibitors that prevent the product from setting. When ready for use, a special READYROCK activator is simply added to the slurry to begin the setting process. Because no on-site mixing of gypsum and water is required, application time and costs are reduced and product consistency is enhanced.
Set times for READYROCK Brand products can be adjusted from 6 minutes to 2 ½ hours simply by varying the amount of activator added to the product. This means that a single batch of READYROCK Brand Liquid Gypsum or Liquid Composite can be used to meet the working requirements of a broad range of applications.
"READYROCK products offer unparalleled convenience and production versatility." said Perry Tuttle, manager, new technologies and training for U.S. Gypsum's Industrial Products Division. "Users can dispense and activate only the amount of product needed for a specific job, and adjustments in set times can be accomplished quickly and easily to meet virtually any application or performance requirement."
Initially, U.S. Gypsum is introducing two READYROCK Brand products - READYROCK Brand Liquid Gypsum Interior Statuary Formula - Solid Cast and READYROCK Brand Liquid Composite Exterior Statuary Formula - Solid Cast. Both products offer easy-to-apply, dust-free solutions for statuary casting. The exterior formulation is a high-performance material designed for exterior (non-water-holding) applications.
"In coming months, we will be launching a number of additional READYROCK products designed for a variety of end uses," said Tuttle. "The full line of READYROCK products will offer practical, time-saving solutions for virtually all casting operations, including sprayed, solid cast, hand lay-up and rotationally cast products."
In addition to reduced application time, enhanced product consistency and increased production versatility, READYROCK Brand products offer a number of other key benefits, including:
o Superior productivity and quality - The pre-formulated products ensure that exactly the right amount of water and powder are added to a mix. This enhances product recovery during the manufacturing process and reduces end-user complaints.
o Cleaner working environments - Because there is no need to mix gypsum powder with water, work environments remain cleaner.
o Compatible with other chemicals and aggregates - READYROCK Brand products can be readily blended with pigments and aggregates to achieve special working and aesthetic properties.
o Environmentally friendly - The products are non-toxic, non-allergenic and odorless. Additionally, gypsum is an abundant, reusable material, making the products an attractive sustainable alternative to other liquid formulations.
o Fire resistant - READYROCK Brand products provide a high level of fire resistance and are Class A fire rated.
READYROCK Brand products are available in 4 ½-gallon plastic pails and 50-gallon steel drums. They also come in recyclable 45-gallon DRUMPLEX® and 220-gallon bottom-drain LIQUIPLEX® containers, each made of heavy-duty corrugated paperboard lined with polyethylene. The READYROCK activator is available in a 4 ½-gallon plastic pail or 1-quart squeeze bottle.
For additional information, contact the Industrial Products Division of United States Gypsum Company at P.O. Box 806278. Chicago, IL 60680-4124, call (800) 487-4431 or visit the division's Web site at www.gypsumsolutions.com.
The Industrial Products Division of United States Gypsum Company is a leading producer and marketer of a wide range of industrial products used in manufacturing, tooling, plastics, coatings, construction, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food processing, statuary, ceramics, road repair and other applications.
United States Gypsum Company is a subsidiary of USG Corporation, a Fortune 500 company with business units that are market leaders in their key product groups: gypsum wallboard, joint compound and related gypsum products; cement board; gypsum fiber panels; ceiling panels and grid; and building products distribution.
