How Does Vacuum Casting Work?
When a mold is created by vacuum casting, a tool is inserted into the bottom half of the vacuum casting chamber. The top half of the chamber is filled with a polyurethane resin that begins the curing process. After the resin is poured into the mold, it is vacuumed to remove any air. Once the resin has hardened, it is placed in an oven to complete the process. After it has cured, the mold is removed and the finished piece is ready to be painted or decorated. The high level of precision is one of the things that sets vacuum casting apart from other processes.
The process starts with a master model, which is typically a 3D printed part created using the SLA process. The raw SLA is finished to match the customer’s desired surface texture and color. The silicone mold is then removed and a casting funnel is placed. After the mould is sealed, the master model is removed. Finally, the silicone part or polyurethane part is cleaned and the mould is replaced with a new one.
Vacuum casting has several advantages over other processes. For example, it allows for a greater variety of products. Since the process is less expensive, molds can be made of cheaper materials such as silicon, which is much less expensive than steel or aluminum. This also makes vacuum casting a more viable option than 3D printing. It can also produce more products from the mold than 3D printing can. And because the product is finished at a lower temperature, it has the ability to reproduce even complex geometry.
Vacuum casting is often preferred over injection molding for prototypes. However, for the early stages of development, it is often preferable for high-quality, inexpensive prototypes. As a result, it is ideal for a range of applications, from pre-launch prototypes and marketing models to full-size, functional parts. Moreover, it is suitable for small-batch manufacturing of end-use components. These parts can be molded to fit the customer’s needs.
Vacuum casting can also produce parts in a very short turnaround time. A SLA tool can be produced in four or five days, and a set of parts can be cast per day. Tools can last anywhere from 20 to 25 parts, depending on the complexity of the design.
Another advantage of this process is the quality of the finished product. It is a highly efficient and cost-effective way to manufacture end products and high-quality prototypes. This technique makes it possible to create multiple parts from a single master pattern in 24 hours, giving you more time to design your next product. The resin used for the casting process is available in a variety of hardness levels and qualities, allowing you to choose the material best suited to the job at hand.
Vacuum casting is an efficient process for prototyping, and it saves money because it doesn’t require tools or labor. It also allows you to use different materials, like urethane and nylon, while maintaining mechanical performance. A vacuum-casting machine also speeds up the process. It’s also cost-effective, versatile, and adaptable, which is why it’s best for custom jobs. The cost and complexity of the process is low, so you should opt for it if you need the prototypes to be manufactured quickly.
