HerbertWhat is vacuum casting and how is it important in the manufacturing industry? Does my company require vacuum casting for product prototype? All these answers will be answered in this article precisely.Vacuum casting is the development of a duplicate prototype through molding liquids into a desired shape or product. Appropriate vacuum temperatures need to be maintained in order to achieve the right features and avoid shrinking. This is a very convenient process that you should consider for your company.
Which are the vacuum casting processes?
Vacuum casting undergoes various processes that include;
Provision of high quality Master model
The master model to be used should be of the right quality and have the right measurements and specifications.
Curing process
At this point the master mold is put into two separate silicone rubber molds. The mold is put under very high temperature to ensure that the two stick completely. The vacuum casting temperatures must be very high to ensure that no shrinking happens otherwise the desired shape and features will not be achieved. After the molds have been cured, they can be cut and separated from the master model. The hollow part is left with duplicate shapes and features as the model. It is then put at the vacuum chamber.
Resin filling
Having the mold separated from the master model, it is now ready to be filled with the designated material. The resin normally is a replicate of the industrial material. In order to achieve the customized features and functions the resin is mixed with metallic powder. Once the mold is filled with the resin material it is later placed in the vacuum chamber.
Final curing
At this stage, the mold is cured under high temperature making it strong. The silicone mold is separated from the mold to be used for future prototyping.
Advantages of vacuum casting
Vacuum casting has several advantages that are worth your consideration as highlighted below.
Affordable cost of production
Vacuum casting is very affordable. This is made so by the use of silicone to create molds. Silicone is cheap and readily available.
Quality products
Vacuum casting makes very high quality products. Vacuum casting allows you to determine the shape, flexibility, rigidity and other features of the product. You are able to make adjustments to your products before it reaches its final stage.
Time sensitive
The Vacuum casting method is very fast and thus saves more time. It also allows for large quantities of production hence very convenient when producing large scale orders.
Variety choice of material
With vacuum casting you can use any type of material to create your intended product. You can use metal, plastic among others.
Minimal shrinking
Vacuum casting is a process done under intense temperatures whereby the molds have very minimal chances of shrinking. This ensures a clear achievement of the envisioned product.
Conclusion
Vacuum casting is a great and affordable prototyping process that very beneficial. Do you need accurate shapes and features without material grade limitations, Vacuum casting is the best choice for your products.