Vacuum casting (rapid prototyping and small-batch production) is a technology that involves using silicone molds, and Jucheng Precision specializes in this technique. It is an economical alternative to small-batch injection molding for plastic components.
Vacuum Casting Service
What is Vacuum casting？
Polyurethane vacuum casting, also called vacuum casting, is a cost-effective substitute for small-batch plastic injection molding that allows for close replication of the final molded part or finished product. Typically, molds are made of silicone rubber, and CNC or SLA parts serve as master molds.
The molds are capable of replicating all of the structural and surface features of the product, and over-molding can be used to replicate another product. A group of silicone molds is capable of replicating 10–15 product sets.
How Does Vacuum Casting Work?
Master Pattern Making
According to your 3D drawings, we will make a master part by CNC machining and 3D Printing (SLS/SLA). We will also consider making the master by SLA for those parts with more complex shapes and structures.
Silicone Mold Making
Silicone is poured around the master, and a vacuum is used to remove all air. This is then cured in an oven at a temperature of 40 °C. It generally takes 8–16 hours, depending on the volume of the mold.
Vacuum Casting
The resin is poured into the mold inside the vacuum chamber under computer control and cured again in the oven. Average cure time: 1-3 hours for small parts and 3-6 hours for big parts. Remove the casting part from the silicone mold after curing. Prepare to repeat this cycle.
Vacuum casting process selection
In addition to the basic injection molding services, we also offer two different processes - vacuum casting, coated vacuum casting and insert vacuum casting.
Vacuum Casting
The mold is made of silicone rubber and uses CNC or SLA parts as a master pattern.
Post Forming
Use a soft adhesive material to cover other materials.
Insert Forming
After the mold is loaded into the insert, resin is injected to fuse with the insert.
Complete The Delivery of Parts Project Presentation
* The parts pictures we display have been authorized by the customer and are subject to the customer confidentiality agreement.
Technical Guide for Vacuum Casting
Standard accuracy
Standard tolerance is ±0.15mm/100mm, with the highest precision being able to reach ±0.05 mm.
Maximum part dimensions
The vacuum equipment can hold 1.8M*1.2M*1.0M mold specifications.
Minimum wall thickness
The vacuum equipment can hold 1.8M*1.2M*1.0M mold specifications.
Standard lead time
Up to 50 copies can be produced in 7 to 10 days, depending on the part specification and volumes.
Lifetime of the silicone mold
Up to 20 copies per mold, while if the part requires high quality, such as clear or complex structures, one mold can only make 12 or even 10 casting parts.
Surface finish and other functions
Colored, textured, painted, coated, clear polished, inserted, and Overmolding.
Advantages of Vaccum Casting
Cost-effective way to produce small to medium-sized quantities of plastic parts
A wide variety of materials, including polyurethane, epoxy, and silicone
Preferred choice for functional prototypes and finished products
Low tooling costs
Quick turnaround time
Vacuum Casting Applications
Vacuum Casting is useful for producing small to medium-sized quantities of high-quality, low-cost, and accurate plastic parts.
Automotive industry
Dashboard components, door handles, and interior trim parts.
Other Industry
Exterior parts and structural part
Medical industry
Custom Machined Plastic Housings, Handheld Devices, Medical Cosmetelogy, Dental Instruments and Surgical Robots
We provide a variety of manufacturing solutions, from sample customization to small batch production.
We have passed the ISO 9001:2015 international quality management system certification.
Each vacuum casting mold can make 15 or even 18 castings, and the production can be completed within 7 to 10 days. It depends on the production specifications and standards of the project.
With our strong production capacity, we can flexibly arrange the production cycle to meet your various product production needs.
