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
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 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 also will 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 vacuum is used to remove all air. This then is cured in an oven, at a temperature of 40℃. 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.
The Hei-Cast and Axson Vacuum Casting Resins We Have Used
We have customers all over the world, covers in the area of automotive, medical devices, electronic products, home appliances, etc.
Technical Guide for Vacuum Casting
Standard accuracy
Standard tolerance on ±0.15mm/100mm, with the highest precision 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 minimum wall thickness is 0.5mm, the best is 1.5mm to 2.5mm.
Standard lead time
Up to 50 copies can be produced in 7 to 10 days, depends 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, insert, and over-molding.
Advantages of Vaccum Casting
Cost-effective way to produce small to medium-sized quantities of plastic parts
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.
Aerospace industry
Aircraft bodies, structural/functional components
Medical industry
enclosures, chassis, and parts for computer electronics, Brackets, Cabinets
Why Choose Jucheng Prototypes with Vacuum Casting?
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.
For 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.
