Vacuum Casting.
Material Innovations Expands Production Applications.
Vacuum Casting is a copying technique used for the production of small series of functional plastic parts. Using two-component polyurethanes and silicone molds, Vacuum Casting is known for its fast production of high-quality prototypes or end-use products.
Silicone molding results in high-quality parts comparable to injection-molded components. This makes vacuum casted models especially suitable for fit and function testing, marketing purposes or a series of final parts in limited quantities. Vacuum Casting also lends itself well to a variety of finishing degrees, and we can match the finish you need for your parts.
How Does Vacuum Casting Work?
Vacuum Casting begins by producing a master model, typically using Stereolithography or Laser Sintering, with a high-quality surface finish. Then a silicone mold is produced by casting silicone around the master copy, partially under vacuum to avoid air bubbles. After curing, the silicone mold is cut according to pre-defined parting planes and the master is removed, leaving a cavity to make copies.
Advantages of Vacuum Casting.
Fast.
Low cost and quick turnaround times as compared to injection moulding/ 3D printing.
Scalability.
Parts can be manufactured in low volume from one to hundreds.
Ready-to-go.
No post processing or finishing required.
Wide range of material choice.
Parts can be made in flexible or rigid plastics.
Ideal applications for Vacuum Casting.
Pre-launch product testing.
Small series of housings and covers.
Concept models and prototypes.
Snap fit assemblies.
Master patterns for vacuum casting.
Durable functional prototypes.
Challenging functional assemblies.
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