This is a casting process for elastomers that uses a vacuum to draw any fluid into the mold. Vacuum casting is used when there is a problem with air being trapped in the mold.
Additionally, this process can be used when there are intricate details and undercuts on the mold. In addition, it is applied if the material used to make the mold is fiber or reinforced wire.
The process is sometimes called thermoforming because the manufacturing process involves rapid prototyping where sheets of plastic are preheated. The materials are preheated in an automatic vacuum casting machine until they are soft and pliable.
Vacuum casting follows a process which is used to make the final product.
• Have A High-Quality Master Model
You must have a high quality master model for the vacuum casting process. High quality master model can be the industrial part itself. Additionally, you can use models created using stereolithography, which is a case for prototyping applications.
You should always ensure that the master model being used is of the correct dimensions and form. This is to ensure that no defects are transferred to the model prototype once the process is complete.
The master model is then encapsulated in a two-part silicone rubber mold. The mold is cured under high temperature to ensure that the two parts stay together. It is used to strengthen the mold and make it more durable.
After the mold has cured, it is cut open to reveal a hollow space in the center, which has the exact dimensions of the master model. After the mold is cut into two parts, it is placed in a vacuum chamber. Then, later, the mold is filled with the specified material to make the product.
You should fill the mold with the specified material. The resin repeats the characteristics of industrial materials. The resinous material is usually mixed with metal powder or any coloring pigment to obtain aesthetic or specific functional properties.
After the mold is filled with resinous material, it is placed in a vacuum chamber. It is placed in a vacuum chamber to ensure that there are no air bubbles in the mold. This is to ensure that the final product is not wasted or damaged.
The resin is then placed in an oven for the final curing stage. The mold is cured in high temperature to ensure that the material is strong and durable. The silicone mold is removed from the mold so that it can be used to make more prototypes.
After the prototype is removed from the mold, it is painted and decorated. Paintings and designs are used to ensure that the final look of the product is gorgeous.
The following are advantages of using vacuum casting on duplicating products.
When you are using silicone as a mold for your products. This ensures that the final product pays great attention to details. The final product starts to look like the original product.
Every attention to detail is considered and taken into account. Even when the original product has the most complex geometry, the final product still resembles the original.
Products made using the vacuum casting method are of high quality. In addition, the use of resin allows you to choose the right material to be used in making the final product.
This allows you a wide choice of flexibility, toughness and toughness in your products. Also, it has a great impact on the final look of the product as the ingredients used play a major role.
Using vacuum casting process to make the product more economical. This is because the process uses silicone to make the mold. Compared to aluminum or steel, silicon is cheaper and produces the best final product.
In addition, the material allows you to make more products from molds. This makes this process more cost-effective than 3D printing.
This method is faster, and it takes you less time to make the finished product. It may take you seven to ten days to make about 50 working prototype parts.
This method is great when you’re making a lot of products. Plus, it’s great when you’re working towards meeting a deadline.
When you are using silicone as a mold for your products. This ensures that the final product pays great attention to details. The final product starts to look like the original product.
Every attention to detail is considered and taken into account. Even when the original product has the most complex geometry, the final product still resembles the original.