Vacuum Casting
Vacuum casting is a process used for producing small-volume, high-quality plastic parts, prototypes, and functional models. It involves creating a silicone mold from a master pattern, then using the mold to produce a limited number of cast resin parts..
Vacuum casting is a versatile process that can produce parts with high levels of detail and a smooth surface finish. It is commonly used for producing prototypes, small production runs, and functional models, where a high degree of accuracy and surface finish is required. Additionally, vacuum casting is relatively fast and cost-effective compared to other manufacturing processes, making it a popular choice for producing small-volume parts.
Here's how the process works:
Master pattern creation: A master pattern of the desired part is created using 3D printing or CNC machining.
Mold creation: A silicone mold is created from the master pattern by encasing it in a silicone material and curing it. The mold is then cut open to reveal the mold cavity, which is a replica of the master pattern.
Vacuum casting: The mold cavity is filled with liquid resin, and a vacuum is applied to remove any entrapped air. This improves the surface finish of the part and ensures a high level of dimensional accuracy. The resin is then cured to form a solid part.
De-molding: The mold is opened to reveal the cast part, which can then be removed and post-processed as necessary.
What are the advantages of Vacuum Casting?
1. High Quality: Vacuum casting produces parts with a high level of detail, a smooth surface finish, and dimensional accuracy. The use of a silicone mold and vacuum technology helps to eliminate entrapped air, resulting in a high-quality part.
2. Versatility: Vacuum casting is capable of producing parts in a wide range of materials, including polyurethane (PU), epoxy, and polypropylene (PP), making it a versatile manufacturing process.
3. Cost-effectiveness: Vacuum casting is a cost-effective process compared to other low-volume manufacturing methods, such as injection molding. This is because vacuum casting does not require the investment in a complex and expensive mold, as is required for injection molding.
4. Flexibility: Vacuum casting is a flexible process that can be used to produce parts in a variety of shapes and sizes, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
5. Low-volume production: Vacuum casting is ideal for producing small-volume parts, prototypes, and functional models, where a high level of detail and surface finish is required.
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