Vacuum casting services offer the solution for making the master pattern as well as cast copied based on the CAD designs. The service provider not only offers high-quality molds but also the full line finishing services which include sanding, painting, pad printing and much more. The service providers create the parts for engineering test samples, showroom quality display reproduction and so on. However, these services vary from place to place and if you are in need of such services then first it is important to know what is vacuum casting and what is it used for?
Here, in this article, we will tell you about what is vacuum casting and things related to it!
Polyurethane vacuum casting is the process used to produce the optimal quality prototypes as well as low volume parts made from inexpensive silicon molds. Copies which are made using this process offer great surface details as well as fidelity to the real pattern.
Benefits of vacuum casting process:
- Low price for molds
- Molds are made within some days
- Number of polyurethane resins available for casting consisting of over molding
- Cast replica is highly accurate with good surface quality
- Molds are apposite for twenty or further copies
- Perfect for samples, an engineering model, bridge to production, rapid prototypes
Vacuum casting process
Total three steps are there which is involved in making polyurethane vacuum cast components: create the master pattern, make molds as well as cast the components.
1- Master pattern
Patterns are 3 dimensional solid of the CAD design. They are made by CNC machine or 3D plastic printing like SLA/ SLS. One can supply their own pattern or service provider can make it for you. Pattern requires withstanding heating of 40°C.
2- Make the mold
Casting mold is created from liquid silicone. The silicone is then poured around master pattern within the casting box as well as allowed to cure inside the oven for 16 hours. After it dries, the mold is cut and open then the master is removed, leaving an empty cavity in actual negative shape.
3- Casting copies
The casting resin of your choice is poured in an empty cavity to make a highly accurate copy of the real one. It is possible to overmold two or even three material. Silicone molds are usually good for 20 or more copies of the master pattern.
So, this is the process of vacuum casting, and the material which is used for this process are casting polymers which are commercially available to make conceivable hardness as well as surface texture. It is also likely to create parts that are translucent, opaque, and completely transparent and this depends on your application needs.
Now, you must have understood the need and the process of vacuum casting. If yes, then you can also use this vacuum casting service to meet your application need. There are many companies which offer these services at low rates to their customers. Hurry and find the suitable service provider today and avail the benefits of vacuum casting.