VACUUM CASTING
Silicone Mold Manufacturing for Low-Volume Production
Vacuum casting, also known as silicone mold, needs to be applied to silicone molds. That is to use 3D printing or CNC to process the prototype of the product, then make a silicone mold under vacuum conditions, and pour PU, POM, ABS and other materials under vacuum conditions, so as to replicate the same parts as the prototype.
The imitation products produced by silicone compound molding can reach the strength and hardness of ABS and other materials, and can also be equipped with colors according to customer requirements. It is suitable for small batch imitation of plastic parts in the product development process. The structure is relatively complex, the wall thickness is uniform. Small batches of samples that meet certain functional and appearance requirements are produced.
Compared with steel molds, silicone molds are more suitable for small batch production. It can greatly save the cost and time of mold manufacturing, and also reduce the risk of mold opening and production. It is your best choice for small batch production.
Manufacturing Processes
1 Prototype Production
According to the 3D drawings provided by the customer, the prototype is produced through CNC processing, SLA laser rapid prototyping or 3D printing.
2 Making the Silicone Mold
After the prototype is manufactured, the mold base is made, the prototype is fixed, the silicone is poured, and after drying for 8 hours, the mold is opened to take out the prototype, and the silicone mold is completed.
3 Vacuum Casting
Inject the liquid gum material into the silicone mold, and after curing for 30-60 minutes in a 60°-70° incubator, you can demould. If necessary, in a 70°-80° incubator for 2-3 hours secondary curing. Under normal circumstances, the service life of the silicone mold is 15-20 times.
4 Part Demoulding
After the part is fully cured, the cured part is removed from the mold to obtain a replica identical to the prototype. Further finishing can be carried out if required.
The Advantage of Vacuum Casting
Multiple components can be used from the master model within 24 hours, which will reduce time in the prototyping phase of product design and new product development costs.
Vacuum casting can be used to make low-volume high-quality injection-molded parts for prototypes or low-volume end-use parts for low-stress, relatively benign environments.
Provide a wide range of vacuum casting resins to suit various applications, such as transparent, rubber, flame retardant, food grade and colored to suit.
Resin type can be easily changed without redesigning for a given application or part to test various material types.
The use of multi-segment molds and cores can accommodate complex shapes and features.
Our Advantages
One-stop Service
Our strong in-house production capabilities ensure you receive exactly the finished part you need.
Quick Response
24 hours prompt response, 4-24 hours for quotation, 5-7 days for prototype.
Quality Assurance
Complete testing equipment; Issue test report for each batch of parts before shipment.
Professional Service
Flexible transportation (DHL, FedEx, UPS, air or sea); Production progress updated at any time.
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