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Hei-Cast 3012 Vacuum Casting Material
Hei-Cast 3012 is a standard, high-quality polyurethane casting resin developed to simulate the physical properties of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). It is widely regarded as a "workhorse" material in the vacuum casting industry due to its excellent balance of rigidity, impact strength, and dimensional stability. At JUCHENG, we utilize Hei-Cast 3012 for a vast range of general-purpose prototyping projects. Its natural beige color and fine surface finish make it an ideal substrate for painting, allowing us to deliver aesthetic models that look and feel exactly like mass-produced injection molded parts.
Hei-Cast 3012

Basic Characteristics & Composition

Hei-Cast 3012 is a two-component polyurethane system engineered for precise replication in silicone molds.
  • ABS Simulation: It effectively mimics the mechanical behavior of standard engineering ABS, providing a rigid yet durable structure.
  • Balanced Performance: Unlike specialized resins that focus solely on heat or flexibility, 3012 offers a reliable middle ground suitable for 80% of structural applications.
  • Surface Quality: It reproduces mold textures (VDI) with high fidelity and cures to a smooth surface that requires minimal sanding before painting.
  • Machinability: Cured parts can be easily drilled, tapped, and sanded, facilitating assembly verification.
Hei-Cast 3012 prototype

Color Options

  • Natural Color: Beige / Off-White (Standard).
  • Color Matching: JUCHENG can pigment the resin during the mixing process to achieve specific base colors.
  • Painting: Due to its neutral base color, it is an excellent candidate for surface painting to achieve any Pantone or RAL color, as well as soft-touch or metallic finishes.

Key Technical Parameters

1. Mechanical Properties (Typical values after post-curing):
Property Value Unit Standard
Hardness 80 - 82 Shore D JIS K 7215
Flexural Modulus 2,100 - 2,300 MPa JIS K 7171
Tensile Strength 65 - 70 MPa JIS K 7113
Elongation at Break 10 - 15 % JIS K 7113
Heat Deflection Temp (HDT) 90 - 95 °C JIS K 7191
Impact Strength (Charpy) 4 - 6 kJ/m² JIS K 7110
Linear Shrinkage 0.3 - 0.4 % -

2. PROCESSING 
  • Mix Ratio: A : B = 100 : 100 (by weight). Simple 1:1 ratio ensures mixing consistency.
  • Vacuum Casting: Must be cast under vacuum to ensure bubble-free parts.
  • Pot Life: Approx. 6-8 minutes at 25°C. Requires quick pouring for large molds.
  • Demolding Time: 45 - 60 minutes at 60-70°C.
  • Curing: Standard oven post-curing is recommended to achieve maximum thermal resistance and hardness.
 
3. PRECAUTIONS 
  • Humidity: Isocyanates react with moisture. Keep containers tightly sealed. JUCHENG stores materials in climate-controlled environments.
  • Solvent Resistance: Good resistance to general oils, but prolonged exposure to strong solvents should be avoided.

4. STORAGE 
  • Shelf Life: typically 6 months in unopened containers.
  • Conditions: Store in a cool, dark, and dry place (15°C - 25°C).
 

Application Scenarios & Fields

Hei-Cast 3012 is the go-to material for general functional and visual prototypes:
  • Consumer Electronics: Housings for remote controls, routers, smart home devices, and audio equipment.
  • Household Appliances: Coffee machine bodies, vacuum cleaner parts, structural frames.
  • Office Equipment: Printer casings, scanner components, sturdy brackets.
  • Toys & Models: Action figures, scale models, rigid game components.
  • Industrial Enclosures: General equipment covers and protective casings.

Vacuum Casting Process Compatibility

  • Vacuum Casting: Optimized for use with Silicone Molds. Low aggression towards silicone ensures a good mold life (typically 20-25 shots per mold).
  • Surface Finishing: Excellent adhesion for primers and paints. Can be electroplated (with conductive primer) or printed (silkscreen/pad printing).
  • Assembly: Suitable for self-tapping screws and glued assemblies.

Advantages vs. Limitations

Advantages Limitations
Excellent ABS Simulation: Looks and feels like real ABS. Not Transparent: Opaque material only.
Great Paintability: Neutral beige color is easy to cover. Moderate Heat Resistance: Not suitable for applications above 90°C (Use Hei-Cast 8015 for higher heat).
Balanced Cost: More economical than specialized optical or flame-retardant resins. Pot Life: Relatively short pot life limits the size of very large castings compared to slow-curing resins.
DDimensional Stability: Low shrinkage allows for accurate mating parts.  

Manufacturers & Alternatives

  • Manufacturer: Hei-Cast (H&K Ltd., Japan). Known for high-consistency polyurethane resins.
  • Alternatives at JUCHENG:
If you need Black color directly: We recommend Axson PX 223.
If you need higher impact strength: We recommend Axson UP 3691.
If you need Flame Retardancy: We recommend Hei-Cast 8960.
Learn more about ABS type materials
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