OUR TECHNOLOGY:

Vacuum Casting is a fast and cost-effective prototyping method for producing small numbers of highly accurate polyurethane prototype parts. Characteristics and quality are comparable to the final product e.g. for functional testing and/or marketing. But not every supplier can produce the fine level of detail required. We typically keep concessions to the absolute minimum to produce a level of detail quality to satisfy any tool maker’s production tooling requirement.

What is Vacuum Casting?

Vacuum Casting is a fast and cost-effective prototyping method that is typically used to produce small numbers (usually up to 20) of highly accurate polyurethane prototype parts. It is a slightly slower process than SLA alone because of the additional steps involved in the process, some of which are manually intensive.The time to manufacture depends on the desired characteristics of the part, with size being a key factor as this affects the curing time of the material. Small numbers of parts are made from a single master mould, which is made using an SLA master model.The mould is made from silicone rubber, and the casting made by pouring resin into the mould in a vacuum chamber. The result is a bubble free casting, ideal for highly accurate, functional plastic prototype parts in very fine detail which replicate patterns, dimensions, profiles and textures. Vacuum Casting can also produce parts with varying degrees of flexibility or rigidity, in a wide range of colours and materials – as well clear parts.

Benefits of VC:

Vacuum Casting is a fast and cost-effective prototyping method for producing small numbers of highly accurate polyurethane prototype parts.
Ideal for functional testing and/or marketing Cost effective

Low volume runs and High Quality

Fine detail and accuracy

Range of properties can be achieved to mimic the final product

No requirement for expensive hard tooling

Process features:

Ideal for small runs of highly accurate prototype parts

Short lead times to production

Cost effective, with no requirement for expensive tooling

Properties:

Heat resistance

Flexibility and rigidity

UV stability

Range of surface finishes

Water clear

Flexible polyurethane casting resin grades range

Range of finishes from grades of spark texture, smooth matt and satin to a high gloss finish

Material Simulations:

ABS

POM

Elastomers (Range: 25 - 95 Shore A) Nylon inc Glass Filled

Polypropylene

Pre-Production Applications:

Marketing

Functional testing

Thermal and air flow testing Assembly line trials