Vacuum casting service, a cost-efficient process, with a short lead time, provides high-quality parts. This manufacturing prototyping method is ideal for creating components with complex shapes and low-volume production. Utilizing vacuum casting, also known as silicone molding, we can efficiently produce silicone molds under vacuum using an existing prototype to replicate the original product.
Vacuum casting service provides numerous advantages, including changing the material of a product prototype, low manufacturing costs, short production cycles, and high fidelity. This method is favored by high-tech industries, as silicone molding can accelerate research and development progress, preventing unnecessary costs and time waste during the R&D phase.
Know About The Vacuum Casting Process
- Step 1 Model preparation: use a CNC machine to process or 3D print one or more prototypes.
- Step 2 Molding: pour the liquid silicone into the case covering the prototype fully, it usually takes 13 hours to dry.
- Step 3 Casting: once the mold is dry, set up on the vacuum machine, pouring the melted plastic into the silicone mold.
- Step 4 Forming: vacuuming for several hours, then baking.
- Step 5 Demolding: open the mold and take out the final part.
- Step 6 Finishing: remove the water outlet and deckle edge, surface treatment.
Vacuum Casting Advantages
Cost-Effective
Cost saving for producing small to medium volumes of parts, without paying for hard tools.
Short Lead Time
From a few pieces to dozens, it only takes 7-10 days to finish, and 30-35 days for a few hundred pieces.
Variety of Materials
supports a wide range of materials, including various types of resins.
Minimal Post-Processing
Parts produced through vacuum casting require simple post-processing like trimming or surface finishing.
Customized Color
Specified color can be achieved like injection molding, no need surface treatment process by painting.
Low Tooling Cost
Compared to injection molding, the tooling costs for vacuum casting are relatively lower.
Vacuum Casting Material Selections
| Material Type | Characteristic |
| ABS-like | Moderate toughness, resistant to high temperatures up to 70 degrees. |
| PC-like | Good hardness, relatively good toughness |
| PMMA -like | Good fluidity, relatively hard, and heat-resistant up to 110 degrees. |
| PP-like | Impact resistance, low shrinkage, and long working time. |
| Rubber-like | Color adjustable duplication. |
| Soft Rubber-like | Not easily deformed, good flowability, good toughness. |
| Silicone | Shrinkage is minimal, good elasticity. |
Surface Finish of Vacuum Casting
Printing
Painting
Semi-Transparent
laser etching
Glossy
Transparent
Application of Vacuum Casting
1. Automotive
2. Consumer goods
3. Electronics
4. Medical device
5. Industrial design
Why Choose Our Vacuum Casting Service?
FAQ about Vacuum Casting
1. How much does vacuum casting cost?
In general, vacuum casting is lower in cost than CNC when the quantity is over 5 pieces. The cost can range from nearly a hundred dollars and up, depending on the size and complexity.
2. What is vacuum casting operation?
Vacuum casting is a rapid prototyping and low-volume manufacturing process, by creating silicone molds and using vacuum machines to produce high-quality prototypes and end-use parts.
3. Is vacuum casting cheaper than 3D printing?
3D printing is beneficial for quick prototyping without the need for molds. Vacuum casting may have higher initial tooling costs, but it can be more cost-effective for larger production runs due to lower material costs per unit. The cost-effectiveness of each method depends on the specific requirements such as q’ty, material, and surface finish.
4. Is vacuum casting accurate?
Typical tolerances for vacuum casting parts range from +/- 0.2mm to +/- 0.3 mm, depending on the specific requirements of the project and the accuracy achievable with the process.
5. What’s the lifetime for a silicone mold?
Generally, silicone molds used in vacuum casting can last from 10 to 15 casting cycles.
