Xin Pin Prototype Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

Do You Know What Vacuum Casting Is?

Nowadays, every manufacturing enterprise wants to improve its productivity and quality as much as possible. In order to improve quality, they have adopted various technologies and methods. However, only a few of the methods they use are effective. This means that they cannot be distracted from the beginning to the end of the manufacturing process. Overall, manufacturing enterprises must constantly encounter thousands of problems.


The emergence of vacuum casting


Vacuum casting was born under the rapid development of technology and has become popular among manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and enterprises. As one of the most economical ways of small-batch production, vacuum casting can ensure the same quality and consistency. However, nothing is perfect. Vacuum casting has limitations such as intolerability, continuous flow risk, material selection, etc.


Vacuum casting was first developed in Europe in the 1960s and has since become one of the most widely used technologies for developing plastic prototypes. Vacuum casting is a flexible and effective method for manufacturing high-quality rapid prototypes and final use parts in small batches, and it is much faster than other manufacturing processes. With the extensive benefits of vacuum casting for rapid prototyping, investing in vacuum casting services may be a wise move. We have everything in-house to provide excellent vacuum casting solutions for rapid prototypes and final use parts.


What is vacuum casting?


Vacuum casting is a replication manufacturing using silicone molds. It is an ideal method for small-batch production and rapid prototype making. The working principle is the same as injection molding. Both methods produce parts through molds. However, vacuum casting has significant differences in specific processes compared to injection molding.


Main model: 


After confirming the CAD file, technicians begin to make the main model by 3D printing or CNC machining. For each chamfer, the shape should be perfectly printed.


Silicone mold: 


Place the main model in the casting frame and fill it with liquid silicone. After the silicone mold is solidified, it is cut into two parts.


Castings: 


According to the design requirements, technicians measure the appropriate proportion of polyurethane. Then pour the polyurethane into the silicone mold and solidify it in a vacuum casting machine. The vacuum condition can remove any trapped bubbles to achieve smooth surface treatment.


According to the design intention and part performance, vacuum casting has a wide range of material choices. ABS has become one of the most commonly used materials due to its superior material performance and low cost. PP is good at shaping. In addition, rubber, PE, glass-filled materials, etc. can provide better strength and rigidity. You need to discuss suitable materials with your technicians.

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