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Vacuum casting is an effective manufacturing technique offering high precision and accuracy. It’s a cost-effective technology for prototypes, production, and specialized parts.
How vacuum casting works
Vacuum casting creates multiple copies of a 3D printed object through a mold from the original object. The process begins with a 3D printed master model of the part. To create this, the master model is placed into a container and covered with liquid silicone rubber. The container is placed into a vacuum chamber, creating a detailed mold based on the master model.
The mold is then reassembled and clamped together as needed. Liquid material (such as polyurethane resin) is poured into the mold cavity. The mold is then placed under vacuum to remove any air bubbles, and the material is left to harden.
Finally, the mold is opened, and the replica of the 3D printed object is removed. This process can be repeated about 30 times, quickly and easily creating parts.
Vacuum casting use cases
Vacuum casting is typically used for small-batch production, as it’s cost-effective and fast. Vacuum casting is often used as an alternative to injection molding for small-scale production, as it allows for creating multiple parts using a single mold.
Furthermore, the smooth finish and wide range of colors make vacuum casting especially convenient for high-quality end-use parts.
Vacuum casting by the numbers
Max Build Size: Up to 500 mm
Minimum Wall Thickness: 0.5 mm (material/geometry dependent)
Dimensional Accuracy: As accurate as +/- 0.1%
Lead Times: Starting at 9 days
Standard Color: Any, as color can be mixed in the resin before production
Key feature: Finishes for vacuum casting
Vacuum casting offers a smooth injection mold-like surface that requires little post-processing. Additionally, a wide range of colors can be mixed with the liquid material, further eliminating the need for finishes.
For custom orders, high-gloss painting and texturing is available as needed.
Source industrial-grade vacuum casted parts
MakerVerse gives you the flexibility to source parts however you need. Get instant quotes and quickly order parts with on-demand manufacturing. Our team of experts will work with you for large or complex orders to develop, align, and supervise a manufacturing quality plan from start to finish.
Popular vacuum casting materials
Vacuum casting offers a wide range of epoxyresins designed to be equivalents to the thermoplastic materials used in other manufacturing technologies. Some of the most popular options include:
ABS-like
Main characteristics
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)-like material combines strength and durability with low weight and a high load capacity. The material provides a good compromise between mechanical properties, cost, and accuracy.
Use cases
Thanks to its versatility and affordable price, it’s widely used across industries. ABS-like is often used for functional prototypes, consumer products, and industrial parts such as components and housings.
PC-like
Main characteristics
Polycarbonate (PC)-like combines good mechanical properties such as impact resistance, strength, rigidity, and hardness. It also offers temperature with high dimensional stability and heat resistance.
Use cases
PC is typically used for jigs and fixtures, cases of any kind, and visual models.
PP-like
Main characteristics
Polypropylene (PP)-like offers high strength and toughness combines with a light weight. This material also has low moisture absorption.
Use cases
PP-like is a relatively inexpensive material often used in everything from electronic components to everyday household goods, such as storage containers.
TPU
Main characteristics
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-like offers advantages in terms of elasticity, flexibility and durability. The material is ideal whenever shock absorption is required.
Use cases
TPU is often used for prototyping flexible parts, such as seals and gaskets. Another specific use case is for shock-absorbing parts, such as shoes and protective sports gear.
Looking for any specific materials?
We are constantly expanding and you can request specific materials going beyond our current standardized offering. Simply select “Other Material” in the order process and provide us your desired specifications in the comment section. You can reach out to us with your specific material requests at any time under customersupport@makerverse.ai
Resources: Polymers
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